How Can You Support a Loved One with Dementia from Afar?

When a senior loved one is diagnosed with dementia, family members often feel overwhelmed by the desire to help while managing geographical barriers. Long-distance caregiving presents unique challenges, but there are meaningful ways to provide support and maintain connection. Here are practical strategies to help family members navigate this difficult journey from afar.

Stay Connected through Regular Communication

Maintaining consistent contact can preserve relationships and provide emotional support for both seniors with dementia and their primary caregivers.

Establish a communication routine:

• Schedule regular phone or video calls at times when your loved one is most alert.

• Keep conversations simple and focus on familiar topics.

• Use visual aids during video calls, such as photos or objects that trigger positive memories.
• Send letters or postcards, which can be read multiple times and provide tangible reminders of your care.

Coordinate with local caregivers:

• Create a shared calendar or communication system with primary caregivers.

• Ask for regular updates on your loved one’s condition and daily routines.
• Respect the primary caregiver’s schedule and preferred communication methods.

Provide Practical Support from Afar

Even from a distance, you can offer valuable assistance that reduces the burden on local family members and enhances your loved one’s quality of life.

Financial and logistical help:

• Research and arrange for local services such as meal delivery, housecleaning, or transportation.

• Coordinate medical appointments and maintain a shared medical information file.

• Contribute to care expenses or hire professional respite care for primary caregivers.
• Order groceries or supplies online for delivery to your loved one’s home.

Families looking for top-rated Montgomery respite care providers can reach out to Home Care Assistance. From respite care to specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care, there are many ways we can make life easier for seniors and their loved ones.

Plan Meaningful Visits

When you can visit in person, make the most of your time by planning activities that work within your loved one’s current abilities.

Before your visit:

• Consult with primary caregivers about your loved one’s current routines and preferences.

• Prepare familiar photos, music, or items that might spark positive memories.
• Plan shorter, more frequent visits rather than long, overwhelming stays.

During your visit:

• Follow established routines to minimize confusion.

• Engage in simple enjoyable activities like looking at photo albums or listening to music.
• Take photos and videos to share with other family members who cannot visit.

Support the Primary Caregiver

Remember the family member providing daily care needs support too. The individual’s wellbeing directly impacts the quality of care your loved one receives.

Emotional support:

• Listen without judgment when the caregiver needs to vent frustrations.

• Acknowledge the difficulty of the caregiver’s role and express gratitude for his or her dedication.
• Help the caregiver connect with local support groups or counseling services.

Practical assistance:

• Offer to research care facilities, services, or resources in the area.

• Help with paperwork, insurance claims, or legal documents remotely.
• Arrange for the caregiver to have breaks by funding respite care or visiting yourself.

Caring for senior loved ones can be challenging for families who don’t have expertise or professional training in home care, but this challenge doesn’t have to be faced alone. Family caregivers can turn to Montgomery Home Care Assistance for the help they need. We provide high-quality live-in and respite care as well as comprehensive Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care.

Stay Educated and Involved in Care Decisions

Understanding dementia and staying informed about your loved one’s condition helps you provide more effective support and participate in important decisions.

Learn about the disease:

• Research the specific type of dementia affecting your loved one.

• Understand the progression and what to expect at different stages.

• Learn effective communication techniques for people with cognitive impairment.

Participate in care planning:

• Attend medical appointments via phone or video when possible.

• Research treatment options and community resources.

• Contribute to discussions about future care needs and living arrangements.

Supporting a family member with dementia from a distance requires creativity, patience, and consistent effort. While physical separation creates challenges, technology and thoughtful planning can help you maintain meaningful connections and provide valuable support. Remember your involvement, no matter how remote, makes a significant difference in the lives of both your loved one with dementia and his or her primary caregivers.

Caring for seniors with dementia can be challenging for family caregivers. Luckily, there is dementia care Montgomery families can rely on. Professional dementia caregivers help seniors with dementia stay safe and comfortable at home by preventing wandering, providing cognitive stimulation, and assisting with household chores. If you need professional care for your loved one, Home Care Assistance is just a phone call away. Reach out to one of our Care Managers today at (334) 593-3988.