Supporting Elderly Family Members Across Countries: Best Practices for Caregiving
It's not easy managing caregiving responsibilities from afar, but with the right systems in place, you can make it work. Whether you're caring for a parent, grandparent, or an elderly relative, here’s how you can stay connected and support them, no matter the distance.
1. Build a Local Support Network
One of the first things I recommend when caregiving from another country is setting up a solid local support system for your loved one. This can be made up of friends, neighbors, extended family, or even professional caregivers who live nearby. Having people you trust who can step in and help with day-to-day tasks, check-ins, or emergencies when you’re not there can be a game-changer.
Here’s how to get started:
Reach out to trusted people: Think about family friends, neighbors, or even extended family who are close to your loved one. Don’t be afraid to ask them to be on standby for certain situations.
Hire a professional caregiver: If possible, look into hiring a part-time or full-time caregiver. They can help with meals, medications, or just be there to provide a little extra support.
Research local resources: Look for local services that can help—things like senior care programs, meal delivery, or transportation services can really lighten the load.
A strong support system can bring you peace of mind, knowing that someone is nearby if something comes up when you can’t be there.
2. Stay Organized with a Care Plan
Keeping everything organized from a distance is tough, but a good care plan can make all the difference. It helps you keep track of your loved one’s care and makes sure that everyone involved is on the same page.
Here’s what to include in your care plan:
Medical information: Keep an updated list of their doctors, medications, and any medical conditions. It’s also smart to have copies of important documents like prescriptions and health insurance details.
Daily routine: Create a clear schedule for things like meals, medications, and appointments. This way, anyone who’s helping out knows exactly what needs to be done.
Emergency contacts: Make sure there’s a list of emergency contacts both for you and for your loved one. Include neighbors, healthcare providers, and, of course, your own contact info.
By having everything laid out clearly, it’s easier for you to stay in control, even if you’re miles away.
3. Use Technology to Stay Connected
Thank goodness for modern technology—it’s made long-distance caregiving so much easier! There are so many tools now that can help you keep in touch with your loved one and stay on top of their care.
Here are some tools that I’ve found helpful:
Video calling apps: FaceTime, Zoom, or WhatsApp are all great for checking in regularly and seeing how they’re doing. Plus, it’s a great way to maintain that face-to-face connection.
Smart home devices: Devices like Amazon Echo or Google Nest Hub can help with reminders for things like medication or even controlling lights in the home. They can also make hands-free calls if your loved one struggles with using a phone.
Medical alert systems: These systems are so important, especially if there’s a risk of falls. They can alert you or emergency services if something happens.
Health monitoring apps: If your loved one is comfortable using technology, apps that track things like blood pressure, heart rate, or medication adherence can give you extra peace of mind.
By using these tech tools, you can stay involved in their care and check in daily, even when you’re not there in person.
4. Schedule Regular Visits (When You Can)
No matter how great technology is, nothing beats seeing your loved one in person. If you can, try to schedule regular visits. These trips allow you to check on them in person and help out with tasks that are hard to manage from a distance.
When you visit:
Make the most of your time: Use your visit to tackle things that need to be done in person, like organizing paperwork or attending medical appointments with them.
Reconnect emotionally: Don’t forget that caregiving isn’t just about logistics. Spend time together—share meals, take walks, and reminisce. Those moments are priceless.
Check in with local caregivers: Use your visit to meet with any professional caregivers or others who are helping out. It’s a good time to review the care plan and make any necessary changes.
If regular visits aren’t an option, see if other family members can step in, or plan visits around special occasions like birthdays or holidays.
5. Focus on Emotional Support
Aging can be lonely, and being far away makes it harder to provide that emotional support. But staying connected emotionally is just as important as managing their care.
Here’s how to stay close, even from a distance:
Check in regularly: Even if it’s just a quick call or video chat, regular check-ins show your loved one that you’re thinking of them.
Send care packages: A surprise care package can brighten their day. Fill it with things like their favorite snacks, family photos, or handwritten letters.
Encourage social connections: Help your loved one stay social by encouraging them to get involved in community activities or even virtual events.
These small gestures go a long way in helping your loved one feel cared for and connected.
6. Take Care of Yourself
Let’s be real: long-distance caregiving can be tough. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when you can’t be there for your loved one 24/7. But remember, you need to take care of yourself, too.
Here’s how to manage your own well-being:
Set boundaries: You can’t do everything, and that’s okay. Delegate tasks to other family members or caregivers to avoid burning out.
Join support groups: Whether online or in person, find a group of people who understand what you’re going through. It’s a great way to get advice and emotional support.
Practice mindfulness: Taking care of yourself mentally and physically is key. Find activities that help you relax, like meditation or exercise.
PEACE & LOVE,
Caregiving is a marathon, not a sprint, so make sure you’re in a good place, too. You can only be at your best for your loved one when you’re also taking care of yourself.
I hope these tips help make long-distance caregiving a little more manageable for you. It’s not always easy, but with the right support systems and tools, you can give your loved one the care they need—even from miles away.
