Long Distance Caregiver

I am miles away.
If you are caring for someone who lives far away, you are not alone. Currently more than 6 million Americans are long-distance caregivers.

Long-distance caregiving for someone with the disease can be especially difficult. Concerns about your loved one's safety, nutrition, health, and care may seem overwhelming. You may feel guilty and anxious because you cannot be there every day to see how the person is doing.

However, with the right mix of services, ongoing coordination, and support, long-distance caregiving can work.

How can I help? How do I know what services are needed?
Visit the person with the disease to determine what kind of assistance he or she may need. Make the following observations:

• Is there appropriate and adequate food available?
• Is the person eating regular meals?
• What is the condition of the living environment? Has it changed?
• Are the bills paid?
• Do friends and relatives visit regularly?
• Is the person maintaining personal care routines such as bathing and grooming?
• Is the person still able to drive safely?

If you are unable to answer these questions, the person's doctor, neighbors, family members, and friends can be good sources of information.

What if I need to take time off from my job?
Sometimes you may need to take time off from work to resolve a crisis, accompany your loved one to a doctor's appointment, or address a pressing legal or financial matter.

With more than 3 million working Americans caring for elderly parents, both government agencies and private businesses are trying hard to meet the needs of caregivers.

The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) entitles eligible employees to take up to 12 weeks unpaid leave. Check with your employee benefits department to see if you are covered by FMLA. Also ask them about the benefits provided by your state.

What if I am not the primary caregiver?
The primary caregiver may be a spouse, sibling or another relative who lives with or close to the person with The. As a long-distance family member, supporting the primary caregiver is one of the most important things you can do. Here are some ways to help:

• Stay in close contact with both the caregiver and the person with The through telephone calls, cards, e-mail, etc.
• Recognize that the primary caregiver must make final decisions. He or she provides the daily care and is usually the best person to decide what needs to be done.
• Take on a caregiving task. You can help by handling bills, filling out insurance forms, making phone calls, and finding out what support services are available in the caregiver's community.
• Plan periodic visits to give the caregiver a break. You can spend time with the individual or run errands for the caregiver.

What additional resources are available?
The following resources are available from the Association:

• Respite Care Guide: How to Find What's Right for You
• Steps to Understanding Legal Issues: Planning For the Future
• Steps to Understanding Financial Issues: Resources for Caregivers
• Steps to Enhancing Communication: Interacting with Persons with The Disease
• Residential Care: A Guide for Choosing a New Home

the Association is the only national, voluntary organization dedicated to conquering the disease through research, and to providing information and support to people with the disease, their families, and caregivers.

Founded in 1980 by family caregivers, the Association has more than 200 chapters nationwide providing programs and services, including support groups, to assist Alzheimer families in their communities.