Caring for an aging loved one from a distance can leave you feeling powerless when they need in-home support. Although phone and video calls or text messages can help you stay in touch, you need more than a smartphone to deliver hands-on assistance for quality senior care.

Professional home care from Visiting Angels can help you bridge the distance gap – whether your loved one lives 90 minutes or a five-hour plane ride away.

National Network of Home Care Providers

Through the power of our national network, we will connect you with the best home care provider near your loved one. We’ll customize a senior care plan based on their health needs, routines, preferences, and home life.

Here are some ways Visiting Angels’ long-distance support can aid your senior loved one:

• Long-Distance Consultations
  We will coordinate an initial home care consultation through video, phone, or email to ensure you and your family are included—even if you live on the other side of the world.
  
  
• Planning and Scheduling
  After getting to know your loved one and gathering your feedback, a coordinator will develop a detailed home care plan and schedule.
  
  
• Ongoing Communication
  We will notify you about changes or concerns regarding your senior’s physical, emotional, and cognitive well-being and keep a watchful eye on their living situation.

If your loved one splits time between two cities or makes frequent trips to visit family and friends, we can coordinate assistance through another home care office in our national network. We're here for you, wherever your loved one may be.

Home Care Support – Near or Far

Long-distance assistance includes emotional support and standard services such as companion care and personal care. Specialized services, including Alzheimer’s care and dementia care, are available for individuals with memory disorders. Other services, including the “Safe and Steady” fall prevention for seniors program, can give you peace of mind if your loved one lives alone or is at high risk of accidents at home.

With just one phone call or email to us, you'll gain access to our 25 years of senior care expertise, which has served countless families across the nation.

---

FAQs About Long-Distance Caregiving

How Do I Know When It’s Time For In-Home Senior Care?
Long-distance family caregivers can have difficulty recognizing when a loved one needs in-home care. Don’t hesitate to contact friends, neighbors, or others to ask if they notice any worrisome behavioral changes.
Also, be aware of “red flags” your loved one may casually mention over the phone. Tell-tale signs that professional in-home care is needed may include:

Challenges with diet, shopping, and nutrition

• Difficulty cleaning or maintaining their home
• Having a fall or other accident at home
• Forgetting to take medications
• Missing or forgetting appointments
• No longer socializing or leaving home regularly
• Not bathing, dressing, or putting on makeup

Helpful resource: 10 Strategies and Tips for Long-Distance Caregiving

What Kind of Assistance is Included With Long-Distance Senior Care?
Long-distance assistance includes emotional support and standard services such as companion care and personal care. We are happy to combine programs for a supportive plan to enhance your loved one’s care and give you peace of mind.

Specialized services, including Alzheimer’s care and dementia care, are available for individuals with memory disorders. Other services, including the “Safe and Steady” fall prevention program, can be helpful if your loved one lives alone and is at high risk for accidents in their home.

What Happens During the Initial Consultation?
Your loved one’s local agency will conduct a free in-home consultation with your loved one and a detailed phone consultation with you.
Together, you’ll talk through:

• Emotional care (social interaction, conversation, hobbies)
• Homemaking (light housekeeping, laundry)
• Meals (dietary restrictions, meal planning)
• Memory care (reminders to eat, hydrate, take medications)
• Personal care (bathing, dressing, toileting)
• Transportation (grocery shopping, errands, appointments)

In addition to these day-to-day care activities, you’ll also iron out logistical details like scheduling, access to your loved one’s home, and emergency procedures.

What if My Loved One is Reluctant About Hiring Someone?
The home care decision can be emotionally sensitive and may be met with objections to hiring a caregiver. If your loved one resists the idea, be sure to listen to their opinions and concerns. Emphasize their well-being is your top priority.

How Can I Make Sure My Loved One is Comfortable With Their Caregiver?
Your care coordinator will use input and information about your loved one's life, hobbies, preferences, and health conditions to recommend a caregiver with the ideal skills, experience, and personality to foster a perfect match.

If — for any reason, at any time — you feel the caregiver isn’t the right match, the care coordinator will work with you to select a different in-home caregiver.

Helpful resource: Select Your Caregiver® by Visiting Angels