A number of people have contacted me about the problems of providing care and supervision when they live some distance from a loved one with Alzheimer's disease. Caregiving for someone in another State brings its own problems. One woman was concerned that her brother seemed to be neglecting her mother. Another was worried about her mother's ability to feed herself properly. What can you do to help your loved one and lessen your anxiety about their well being?
Contact your local Alzheimer Chapter about support and care agencies
The Alzheimer's Association has local chapters throughout the United States as well as in many other countries throughout the world. The local chapters can provide you with information about facilities, agencies, support groups and activities located in the same State as your loved one. Most of the Alzheimer's chapters have websites containing relevant information you will need.
Keep in contact with his/her doctor
Another excellent way of long-range caregiving is to have regular contact with his/her physician. Not only do you have a point of contact but your loved one's doctor has someone they can call if they are at all concerned by their mental or physical wellbeing.
Preparing for future needs of someone with Alzheimer's
Knowing the wishes of your loved one in advance and knowing the wishes of other close members of the family will help you at time when big decisions need to be made.
Even if you live a long distance away you can get legal and financial help for the person with Alzheimer's that will meet their future needs. Advance Directives, Power of Attorney and financial planning perform a number of emotional and practical answers. It will help you get the best most appropriate support services adn can help minimize any family disputes or disagreements.
When long distance caregiving has to stop for someone with dementia
You can contribute to decision making, support your loved one and you can help someone with Alzheimer's maintain their independence for as long as possible. However there often comes a time when the doctor believes that their Alzheimer's has progressed to the point where they need more support, more monitoring than is possible when you live out of State or an even longer distance away. It is at this point that you will have to take the difficult decision about the best future care of the person with Alzheimer's.
12/12/2005
