Adults often have to deal with long-distance caregiving of a senior loved one or parent.

Home Instead, Inc., franchisor for the Home Instead Senior Care network, has found that 23 per cent of American adults care for an older relative more than an hours drive away.

Caregiving from afar can be stressful. Home Instead suggests these tips for providing long-distance care.

1. Open communication is key – Make sure you meet all the people who are involved in your loved one’s daily life when visiting them. It does not matter if they are a caregiver or physician, it is important to get to understand those responsible for the care of your loved one.

2. Be aware – Are your loved ones avoiding answering certain questions about their health? Are they unable to participate in their regular activities? Are they not aware of any important dates or current events? These are signs that they may need more help or care around the home.

3. Be prepared. Make a list if your older adult has any medical issues/medications or doctor’s names. You can also keep a list of legal documents for when you have to access them from far away.

4. Spend quality time at visits – It’s easy for caregivers to become overwhelmed by their responsibilities.

Make sure you have time to spend with your loved ones when you visit. You can go to a movie together, visit family members, walk, or just relax at your home.

5. Get to know your neighbors and friends. Get to know the neighbors of your loved one and identify two or three trustworthy people who can check in on you and provide updates.

6. Find support and information to help you be a better caregiver.

Home Instead Senior Care, for example, offers resources to support family members in providing better care. These include how to move someone safely from a bed into a chair, how you can help someone bathe, how to treat bed sores and prevent them.

Family members who are looking for support and additional resources in long-distance caregiving should visit caregiverstress.com. They can also find a local Home Instead Senior Care office at www.Caregiverstress.com. www.homeinstead.com/state.