Long-Distance Caregiving: How to Support a Loved One from Afar

Living states away from aging parents who need a little extra support is emotional and heart wrenching. Nearly 63 million American adults are caregivers, a 45% increase over the past decade.

While physical distance creates challenges, technology and strategic partnerships through senior living communities make meaningful support possible.

At SRG Senior Living, we take a person-centered approach to wellness, and our team is available to help you navigate long-distance caregiving. We know that connection to community and loved ones is key to a longer and more vibrant life, and by joining a senior living community, aging adults can reap those benefits while easing the minds of long-distance caregivers.

In this blog, we’ll explore practical strategies for staying connected with your loved one, no matter the distance.

Leveraging Technology for Virtual Connection

Today’s technology allows us to stay connected with one another no matter the distance. Integrating technology into older adults’ lives can significantly increase quality of life and reduce caregiver burnout. 

Video calling platforms like FaceTime, Zoom, or Skype are great for maintaining regular face-to-face connections. Scheduling weekly video calls can help establish a routine and check in on your loved one from afar, while also allowing you to notice changes in their mood, appearance, or recent stressors.

Digital calendars and photos are another way to stay connected. Shared digital calendars are ideal for coordinating appointments, activities, and family visits. Photo-sharing apps like Google Photos and shared albums let families and loved ones stay involved in daily life. 

Many senior living communities share email and photo updates from team members. SRG communities maintain open communication with families, so that you are kept in the loop on how your loved one is doing.

Building a Strong Partnership with Community Team Members

After your parent or loved one has moved into a senior living community, begin by connecting with key team members, such as the Executive Director, Wellness Director, and other health care team members who regularly work with your loved one. 

By getting to know who your loved one is spending each day with, you’ll be able to get a firsthand glimpse into how they are living their life. SRG is committed to providing our residents with the best possible treatment, with hospitality and personalized care.

You can request monthly or bi-monthly calls with team members to discuss your loved one and their quality of life. Some items you could talk about are your loved one’s participation in activities or other social events, health or behavioral changes, preferences for dining or nutritional needs, and overall well-being and happiness.

SRG was one of the first senior living groups in the United States to earn accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), which follows rigorous quality standards for care. All of our SRG communities are CARF-accredited and committed to providing the highest standards of quality, service, and care. This provides peace of mind for long-distance caregiving families.

Make sure to ask about wellness programs to better understand how your parent or loved one engages with activities, fitness, and social opportunities. At SRG, residents can participate in the Zest wellness program, focusing on each individual’s challenges, strengths, and goals.

Creating a Local Support Network

Finding local advocates can be helpful in case you need someone to check in on your loved one or be there in person at short notice. These could include:

• Siblings or relatives who live closer
• Trusted friends or neighbors 
• Local older adult care managers who can conduct in-person assessments
• Health care providers and specialists

Coordinate with local community services and understand how the senior living community integrates health care into your loved one’s care. Connect directly with on-site therapy, skilled nursing, and medical services to learn more about these teams.

Plan and schedule regular in-person visits during essential appointments or to attend community events with your loved one. Try to time visits around quarterly assessments or care plan meetings so you can be there to support your loved one and confer with team members during these appointments.

Ensure each community has updated contact information and clear instructions in case of emergencies. Understand that these protocols can be helpful if your parent or loved one has questions or needs to contact emergency services directly.

Maintaining Emotional Connection Despite Distance

Even though it’s not the same as being with your parent or loved one in person, there are a few ways you can stay connected with them and show your love across the miles.

Stay Consistent With Communication

Sending a quick text or voice message during the day can let your loved one know you’re thinking of them or allow them to hear a story or memory from you. Carve out time for longer weekly video conversations with them to share updates on how the week went and what’s new. You might even suggest monthly “special” virtual activities, like watching the same movie together or having a dinner date.

Send Tangible Reminders of Your Love

You can send care packages with favorite snacks or treats, photos, or handwritten notes from you, your siblings, or grandchildren. Flowers or gifts can be sent for special occasions, such as birthdays, holidays, anniversaries, or achievements. Subscription services are an excellent option for loved ones who enjoy magazines, streaming services, or audiobooks.

Participate Remotely in Community Activities

Attend virtual concerts or presentations to show your support. Join remote family events hosted by your parent or loved one’s senior living community. SRG offers innovative programming for local and long-distance caregiving families to engage with. 

Be Present Emotionally

Make sure to actively listen to your loved one during phone and video calls. Validate their feelings about the change in environment and how they are adjusting to their new space. Acknowledging that you miss the physical closeness, too, reminds them how much you care for them.

Beginning This Next Chapter

Long-distance caregiving comes with unique challenges and sometimes guilt for not being able to be right there next to your parent or loved one. But you are showing up for them just by reading more about how to support them.

While you might not be able to be close in proximity to your loved one, the quality of your relationship with them is more important. With the right tools, partnerships, and intentional effort, you can provide excellent support from afar. 

SRG is committed to partnering with families regardless of the physical distance that separates you from our communities. We’d love to have you visit one of our communities or contact us today to learn more about life at SRG.