Caring for aging parents can be challenging. It can be even more challenging when it’s from a distance.
There are nearly 42 million Americans caring for adults over 50 , according to AARP. That number is likely to rise even more as the U.S. population ages. Of that group, 11% are long-distance caregivers , meaning they live more than an hour away from the person who needs help.
Social distancing has highlighted the challenges of caring for aging parents from a distance and magnified the importance of creating a plan . Here’s how to get started when you live far away.
Gather Your Paperwork
Create a file of important documents related to your parents’ care. This includes medical records, advance directives for health care, financial information, wills and power of attorney forms for health and financial decisions.
You may need to get written permission to access medical information. The same goes for access to bank accounts and other financial services. Doing this work ahead of time means you can act quickly in your parents’ best interests if an emergency strikes.
Identify a Local Point Person
Having someone nearby to check on your parents can be a literal lifesaver. It can be a family friend, neighbor, trusted volunteer or hired professional.
Your local point person should have essential contact information. They also need a set of keys or security codes to enter the home in case of an emergency. It’s vital to meet the contact in person to discuss your parents’ routines and schedules. If that’s not possible, connect with them by phone, email or virtually.