Tips for Care Giving from a Distance

[Senior Independent Lifestyles]

Today's families are spread out, and moving back home when health issues come up isn't always an option. Whether you're one town over or all the way across the globe, you can still make a positive impact on your parent or loved one's life. Long-distance caregiving isn't just providing care financially, you can play a more active role by helping set up doctor's appointments, managing care and most importantly, staying in touch and providing emotional support. Here are a few things to get you started: Get all the information. You should know the names of your loved one's doctors, neighbors, friends and pets. You should know their birthday, social security number, medical conditions, allergies, possible treatments for ailments and allergies, prescription medications and favorite color, too. Get it all written down, and keep it in a file (on your computer or otherwise) -- and keep it up to date. Talk with everyone you can. Make sure you bring in the rest of your family and any close friends of your parent or loved one. This will help you prevent any resentment or duplicative efforts -- you don't have to do this alone. Get the papers in order. A will, power of attorney, advanced directives and any other paperwork you can think of should be filled out and on file before an emergency hits and you're left thousands of miles away and powerless to help. Make plans. You should make plans to visit and plans for emergencies -- both are important. Stay in touch. Make sure you call and talk -- and not just about logistics and health issues.  Even from a distance, your love can be felt. Don't be afraid to reach out and lend a hand.