Because we humans relocate all over the globe, family caregivers often find themselves caring from a distance. You may be the primary person looking out for someone, or a secondary team member, with another doing the bulk of the care. As the primary caregiver, because you won’t be able to lay eyes on the situation so easily and because you are at risk of burnout as you balance care with work-life or other responsibilities, a team approach is key. Your team may include other family, friends, neighbors, and/or professionals. If you are a secondary caregiver, don’t under-estimate the value of the support you provide, for both the care recipient and the primary caregiver, who may be quite stretched. Phone calls, research, coordination of services from afar, and in-person visits are all potential pieces you can bring to the puzzle of care. Of course, family dynamics often mean there are issues to work out.
Family meetings, whether in person, via skype, or on the phone, can lead to a more functional team, enabling you to attend care needs in a way that works for everyone.
There are caregiver services which the Boulder County Area Agency on Aging (AAA) can provide, no matter where your loved one is. Many long-distance caregivers have taken our caregiver training classes, subscribed to Care Connections newsletter, and sought information and support as caregivers. In addition, it is important to know that you can determine which AAA to call about services anywhere in the United States through the Eldercare Locator at www.eldercare.gov or 800-677-1116. Whether you are caregiving long-distance or closeup, you can call me to learn more about what might be helpful to you.
~ Juliette Jonjak Kershner is Caregiver Initiative Coordinator with Boulder County Area Agency on Aging, a Division of Community Services. For more information on BCAAA caregiver services, call 303- 678-6116 or email InfoCaregiver@ bouldercounty.org.