Dementia and long-distance caregiving: Staying connected
It’s challenging to live far from a loved one with dementia. You need the eyes and ears of a local “boots-on-the-ground” team to support them. Once that team is in place, it’s important to stay connected with everyone—your relative and the care team members. It’s a juggling act, for sure. Periodic visits, simple technology, and steady communication can help ensure they get good care, even when you’re at a distance.
Plan visits ahead. Coordinate your visits with the care team. Are there specific issues that need attention? Appointments they’d like you to attend? Tasks where they need support? Plan with them when your quality time with your loved one won’t interrupt the established routine. Aim to meet in a quiet space and at a time of day when your family member has more energy. Simple activities—reviewing photos, listening to favorite music, or enjoying a small treat—may be the most comfortable pace for them these days.
Use technology. Today’s digital options make it easier to stay connected across the miles. A shared online calendar can help everyone on the team track appointments and medications. A caregiving app can do this too. For your loved one, provide a simplified “senior” phone and/or tablet with big icons for initiating or receiving calls. They will likely need help using the device(s) as dementia progresses.
“Smart-home” technology is useful for keeping an eye on daily routines and safety. For example, you might install an automatic stove shutoff, sensors on doors, or smart lights for dark hallways. Wearables such as GPS bracelets or medical-alert devices (some have fall detection) can also give peace of mind. But your loved one must understand how to use them and be willing to consistently wear them.
Maintain communication. Establish and lead weekly or monthly check-ins with those who are providing day-to-day care. You might ask questions, request observations, and decide together on next steps to ensure everyone is on the same page. As always, sharing what you know about your loved one’s history and preferences also helps the care team give more-personalized support. After each call, post a brief written summary in your shared app to boost coordination.
Even far away, you play a vital role in your family member’s care. Maintain a steady guiding hand while also nurturing compassion and respect, from you to the team members and from team members to your relative.
Are you caring for someone with dementia from a distance?
As the Metro DC experts in aging well, our goal at Aging Well Eldercare is to support both you and your loved one by coordinating local resources, checking in regularly, and helping you stay connected in meaningful ways, no matter the distance. You don’t have to navigate dementia care alone. Partnering with a professional can give you confidence that your loved one is supported and that the care team is working smoothly together. Give us a call at 301-593-5285 to learn more.