According to the National Institute on Aging, long-distance caregiving is “living an hour or more away from a person who needs care.” Your caregiving responsibilities may include managing finances and bills, arranging home health care, or serving as an in-person caregiver when needed.
Caring for a parent or other loved one from afar can sometimes feel overwhelming. You’re unable to physically check in frequently or be present for an urgent need without contacting a nearby friend or neighbor for assistance. Fortunately, care management is an ideal solution for caregivers who live far from their aging loved ones.
This blog shares a real-life scenario of a long-distance caregiver and their mother. We also explore how a care management team can bridge the gap, provide needed services, and advocate for your parent or loved one.
Long-Distance Caregiving: Patty and Timothy’s Story
Like his mother, Patty, Timothy was born and raised in Philadelphia. Almost a decade ago, he married, relocated to the West Coast for work, and started a family of his own. An only child, Timothy called his mother every weekend to share updates, check in, and give her and the boys quality time as best they could from afar.
In recent years, after Timothy’s father’s passing, Patty had flown out and stayed with him and his family for the winter holidays. She felt adamant, though, about remaining in her own home and community of Philadelphia. Her move wasn’t urgent, so Timothy followed his mother’s wishes.
Following His Mother’s Wishes
Timothy prioritized caring for Patty despite their physical distance, especially as she lived alone. However, the three-hour time difference was becoming increasingly difficult to work with, and Timothy noticed he was taking on more aspects of her care.
While school shopping for the boys, Timothy got a call from her neighbor telling him that his mother had fallen in the yard earlier that day. She was thankfully okay, but Timothy was shaken up and couldn’t help but feel a bit helpless. He considered how much peace it would bring them to live closer again. Timothy called his mother to convince her once and for all to move out west so he could care for her.
Changing Plans After a Fall
While Patty was a bit miffed that the neighbor called him because she didn’t want to worry him, she wished harder than ever that there was less distance between them. In the end, Patty agreed to move out west under the condition that she could still live on her own. Timothy was relieved and told his mother she could have whatever she wanted.
He quickly realized that all of this was much easier said than done. How would he move his mom out, secure a place of her own, find local in-network providers for her appointments, and coordinate upkeep of the Philadelphia house in her absence, all while making sure his boys were ready for the new school year and continuing to work full-time? It would certainly take time, even with his wife’s help with the many details.
Using a Care Management Team for Support and Guidance
That’s when Timothy talked to a friend and learned about care management. Everything suddenly seemed doable, so he contacted a local care manager. She told him that she had a contact to also help on the Philadelphia side of things. They could coordinate a plan to present to him and Patty to ease the transition.
Related: Learn how a care plan can help you and your loved one >>
The Philadelphia care management team would help arrange moving services and coordinate records transfers to her new medical team. After she was moved, the local care manager could help locate an apartment for her. The team would then continue to stop by and check in on Patty and help her coordinate and attend appointments.
The team coordination was a great relief to the whole family and made the transition smooth. When the holidays rolled around, picking his mom up from the airport brought Timothy peace. He knew that she’d now be a few minutes away for years and years to come.
Contact Waverly Connect for Ongoing Support and Resources
Professional care managers can ensure your loved one’s needs are met and help relieve you of some of your caregiving tasks. We’ll provide ongoing support with decision-making and work in the best interests of your parent or loved one. Contact us today to learn more.
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