older people’s health issues
Care Providers: Family and Friends
Long Distance Caregiving
In a modern, mobile society, family members sometimes live hundreds or even thousands of miles apart. Such distances complicate efforts to ensure that older family members receive the care that they need. Long-distance caregivers—usually adult children—have many challenges. Good communication is often difficult to maintain. Family members may feel that they never get a complete or accurate impression of how the older person is managing or what is needed. Even when needs are understood, family members may feel there is little they can do for the older person unless they are there to do it. Family members can take several steps to make helping from a distance less worrisome: Scheduling a regular time for phone calls, which can be reassuring for everyone Communicating by e-mail or videoconferencing Finding a person who can visit their loved one regularly and who agrees to call them immediately if questions or concerns arise Arranging for participation in some type of meal delivery program if shopping, meal preparation, and eating are concerns Installing a home security system if security is a concern Setting up a personal emergency response system (medical alert device) if falling is a concern Also, family members should have copies of any Advance Directives , such as a living will or durable power of attorney for health care, so that they can help if their loved one needs emergency treatment. Family members should also be aware if their loved one has a Family members can get help from people who are familiar with resources in the community where the older person resides. The older person’s primary care doctor may be helpful in arranging for local assistance. Or family members can arrange for a geriatric care manager to oversee the caregiving and health care. Long-distance family members who opt to provide care in person can take advantage of the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA). FMLA permits people to keep their job while taking up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave to attend to a dependent family member. Only large employers are required to provide this protection, and there are other restrictions, such as those about employee eligibility. 