We live in a mobile society, and that means that adult children are not always going to live in close proximity to aging parents. This makes it difficult to ensure their daily needs are addressed, especially if illness or chronic disease strikes. However, it is possible to put together a long-distance care team that will provide for your loved one and give you some peace of mind. Here are some tips on how to assemble a reliable team that will serve the best interests of the senior you love:

1. Ask the senior how you can be most helpful
– What do they need daily?
– What tasks are difficult for them?
– Do they have regular weekly or monthly appointments, such as hair appointments or doctor visits, that they need transportation to and from?

2. Talk to the senior’s GP
– If the senior is willing to give you written permission or you are the health care proxy, ask the GP to update you about the senior’s health. You can also discuss this with your loved one, but often seniors will hide information about their health condition for fear of losing their independence. You need to know exactly what the health impairments are in order to address them appropriately.
– If you do not have permission or are not the health care proxy, the GP cannot, by law, release private medical information to you. However, he or she may be willing to suggest the types of support they think will be most helpful.

3. Talk to friends, family members, and neighbours of your loved one
– Can a schedule of support and help be created?
– Can a neighbour’s child take out the rubbish or walk your loved one’s dog?
– Can a sibling who lives close by take your loved one grocery shopping?
– Can neighbours or family members check in on the senior regularly, especially during extreme hot and cold weather?
– Make sure everyone has all your phone numbers, your email, and other contact information.

4. Rely on local resources
There are many organisations that provide support for elders. You can find the ones in your loved one’s area by checking these sources of information:

– Age UK: Visit the Age UK website for resources and support services available nationwide.
– NHS Choices: Check the NHS website for information on elderly care services in your local area.
– Care Quality Commission (CQC): The CQC website provides ratings and reports on care homes and other elder care services.
– Local Council Website: Visit your local council’s website and search for “elder care”, “senior care”, or “adult social care services.”
– Elderly Accommodation Counsel (EAC): Use the EAC’s HousingCare.org to find suitable housing and care options for older people.
– Home Care Agencies: Certified, professional home care providers can take care of your loved one and keep you updated on their wellbeing.

5. Keep detailed records
– Create a binder in which you can keep notes, medical records, insurance information, calendars, and even printed copies of emails. This will be a great help to you as the care of your loved one becomes more complex.
– Include contact information for all physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, case managers, and specialists, like physical therapists.
– Make copies for all those involved in the support and care of your loved one and keep the records updated.

The NHS also has a webpage dedicated to caregiving. It is a rich source of information that lists numerous books, fact sheets, and information pages on a wide range of issues involved in caregiving. Last week, we published a piece on how to manage the emotional impact of long-distance care – an aspect of caring for your loved one that you don’t want to miss