Long distance caregiving requires that you develop a support system.

Many caregivers are living significant distances from home because they have pursued advanced education or career changes and advancement. Don't feel guilty...get planning.

• You need to develop a support system.
• You need to make an assessment of your loved ones needs.
• How much assistance do they need?
• Do they need all day care?
• Maybe some local friends, family, neighbors, or religious affiliated members can check on them.
• Are there local community assistance programs available? Meals on wheels?
• They might need a home health aide or a housekeeper to manage things around the house.

• If your loved one is hospitalized, look to hospital case managers and social workers to assist with discharge planning.  This way, when your loved one leaves the hospital, they are moved to an appropriate care setting and they receive quality care. 

• Maybe it's time to think about protecting them with a good medical alert system (this link explains American Senior Safety Agency's system). There are other good systems out there.

  By developing a plan with your mother, father, aunt, uncle, brother, sister, or friend...you can ease your stress and at the same time improve your loved ones quality of life.

I know these ideas are easy for me to say. I know your loved ones are not always receptive...but you still have to try.

In the worse case, go outside and let out a HUGE PRIMAL SCREAM...it can help :-)