When out of sight is anything but out of mind, follow these tips for caregiving from afar:
Create a Plan Before a Crisis Occurs
Anticipate a decline in health and the need to step into the role of long-distance caregiver. An open discussion to develop a plan in advance will prove valuable later on.
Get Organized
Create folders or a tabbed binder to organize all information about a loved one’s personal, health, legal and financial affairs. As care needs evolve, so too will your informational needs. Also, obtain a phone directory of your loved one’s local area.
Assess the Family Network and Individual Skill Sets
There will be multiple tasks to be managed, and assigning individuals with the best skills to the relevant task will lead to a clear management plan. Identify the tasks with which each person is most competent, perhaps matching communication styles, interests and comfort level.
Agree to Roles and Reassess Them Regularly
Clarity of roles and responsibilities will go a long way toward minimizing the inevitable conflicts likely to arise as you deal with complex and emotional issues.
Identify a Support Team Where Your Loved One Lives
It’s essential to build a local team of advisers, including medical and non-medical personnel. Healthcare professionals include physicians, nurses, pharmacists, physical therapists and others; non-medical experts and counselors might include an elder law attorney, geriatric case manager, social worker, clergy, friends and relatives.
Develop a Communications Plan
Schedule daily updates in times of crisis, but appoint one person to convey information from the doctor to the others. As the urgency resolves itself, weekly—and then monthly—updates might be enough to keep everybody informed and in the decision-making process. These updates can be scheduled by teleconference or face-to-face when family gatherings occur. Use email for more urgent or daily communications.
Plan Face-to-Face Meetings with Professionals
Build solid relationships with those caring for your loved one. The next time you plan a visit, also schedule a face-to-face meeting with key people on the medical and support team, either individually or as a group. Don’t leave this to chance! You’ll want them to be available and ready to talk to you, so plan this when making your travel arrangements.
