We're a mobile society. Long-distance calls and visits on holidays and special occasions are often enough to nurture family ties as long as everyone is in good health. But as parents age, these simple contacts are not enough, especially when children take on the responsibilities of long-distance caregiving. This is an increasingly common situation. According to the National Council on Aging, seven million Americans care for parents or loved ones who live more than an hour away.
The responsibilities of long-distance caregiving can seem overwhelming. By dividing your parents' needs into discrete problems that you can solve will seem more manageable. Do they need help with transportation? Many communities offer low-cost van service. Do they need assistance after the death of a spouse? Counseling is often available from specialists who deal with grief. Do they need modifications to their home? Your job is to find a reliable contractor.
You can find a great deal of information by consulting your parents' local phone book or by finding their community's homepage on the Internet. You might also consider hiring a geriatric care manager to serve as your local eyes and ears and to help you assess and manage your parents' care.
