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Here’s a shocking fact for most of us in the Atlanta-area: If you live more than an hour away from a loved one who needs care, you are a long-distance caregiver. 

Living far away from loved ones can make it difficult to make sure their daily needs are addressed, especially if illness or chronic disease strikes. With the help of friends, family, and hired help like personal care aides from Prescott HealthCare, it is possible to put together a long distance care team that will provide for your loved one and give you some peace of mind.

Here are some tips on how to put together a long-distance caregiving team for your senior.

1. Ask the senior how you can be most helpful
  • What do they need daily?
  • What tasks are difficult for them?
  • Do they have regular weekly or monthly appointments – hair, physician etc. that they need transportation to and from?
2. Talk to the senior’s physician
  • If the senior is willing to give you written permission, or you are the health care proxy, ask the physician to update you about the senior’s health. You can also discuss this with your loved one, but often seniors will hide information about their health condition for fear of losing their independence. You need to know exactly what the health impairments are in order to address them appropriately.
  • If you do not have permission or are not the health care proxy the physician cannot, by law, release private medical information to you. However, he or she may be willing to suggest the types of support that think will be most helpful.
3. Talk to friends, family members, neighbors of your loved one
  • Can a schedule of support and help be created?
  • Can a neighbor’s child take out the garbage or walk your loved one’s dog?
  • Can a sibling who lives close by take your loved one grocery shopping?
  • Can neighbors or family members check in the senior regularly, especially during extreme hot and cold weather?
  • Make sure everyone has all your phone numbers, your e-mail and other contact information.
4. Rely on local resources

There are many organizations that provide support for seniors. You can find the ones in your loved one’s area by checking these sources of information:

In-home care from Prescott HealthCare can also be a great resource to rely on. Certified, professional home caregivers can take care of your loved one and keep you updated on their condition. 

5. Keep detailed records
  • Create a 3-ring binder in which you can keep notes, medical records, insurance information, calendars and even printed copies of emails. This will be a great help to you as the care of your loved one becomes more complex
  • Include contact information for all physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, case managers and specialists, like physical therapists
  • Make copies for all those involved in the support and care of your loved one and keep the records updated

If you need more help with long distance caring for your elderly loved one, give the in-home care experts at Prescott HealthCare, LLC. a call. Our knowledgeable staff can help you find a care solution that works for your family.


About Prescott HealthCare, LLC

Prescott HealthCare is a family owned and operated private home care provider dedicated to giving Atlanta area families safe, personalized care right in the comfort of home.

Our certified aides help people with daily activities like:

Dressing and groomingBathing and hygiene
Incontinence careMedication reminders
Meal preparation and servingCompanionship
ErrandsEscorting to appointments

If you are interested in learning more about how we can help you at home, contact us anytime at: 404-883-3302 or right here online.

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