One of the biggest issues facing you as a family caregiver who is far away, is the guilt. You're not there every day, or maybe even every week, and that can cause you to feel that you aren't doing enough. You may also face guilt from your elderly loved one or from caregivers who are much closer. You'll need to learn to manage expectations, both yours and those of other people. It's important to stay honest with your loved one and to do what you can without feeling guilty about the care that you are able to provide.
Communicating with the Caregiving Team
Communication is extremely important in any caregiving situation, but it's especially important when you're farther away. Set up a plan whereby you and the caregiving team, which may include elder care providers as well as other relatives, have specific procedures for how your loved one's care is to be managed. If there is an emergency situation, there should be a plan for how that is communicated. Even the smallest details, such as dietary changes, need to be considered in the plan. Setting up regular group calls and including everyone in written communication can help a great deal.
Foster Empathy
One of the strongest tools you can have in your toolbox as a family caregiver who is far away is empathy, both for yourself and for everyone else involved. Empathy helps you to consider how the other people involved in the caregiving team feel. Keeping everyone's perspective and feelings in mind can help you as a team to come to a solution that otherwise would have been too difficult to find. Maintaining strong relationships with everyone on the caregiving team can make the situation better for everyone.