If you are the caregiver responsible for an aging adult who lives out-of-state, you are likely aware of the unique demands associated with long-distance caregiving. In addition to more typical caregiving responsibilities, such as scheduling medical appointments, arranging transportation, supporting healthy nutrition, and handling finances, a great geographic distances adds another layer of complexity. The complicated responsibilities of caregiving can be even more worrying when they are handled remotely.
Potential emergencies, such as a natural disaster or an unexpected trip to the ER, add further obstacles to the long-distance caregiver's duties. In this blog, we're sharing tips for how to prepare for emergencies and strategies for coping.
Related: Helpful Tips for Long-Distance Caregivers
Natural Disasters
Natural disasters like hurricanes, wildfires, tornados, and earthquakes are unfortunately become more common and increasing in intensity. These catastrophic weather events can damage property on a grand scale, interrupt utility service, overwhelm medical facilities, disrupt local businesses and impact public services which seniors may rely on, in addition to creating more immediate dangers to health and welfare.
The anticipation of a large-scale weather event may also have a negative impact, leading to a strain on available resources. For example, before a hurricane makes landfall, it is not uncommon for stores to run low on certain storm supplies or for inventory shortages to occur. Seniors who have lived through multiple natural disasters may also be emotionally triggered by the apprehension they feel in response to potential upcoming devastation in their area, by the sound of heavy rain, lightning, and thunder, or by watching news reports of what others are actively experiencing.
Proper planning and communication can do much to alleviate the stress arising from natural disasters. To prepare for a catastrophic weather event, long-distance caregivers may find it helpful to:
- Talk it out. Take care to remind your loved one that in the event of a major weather event, you may not be reachable by phone or internet. Traveling to visit and assist them may also pose a significant challenge because of road closures, airline delays, and inclement weather. Discuss possible responses to emergencies to decide what factors will determine whether they evacuate or shelter in place. Enlist the help of a local friend or neighbor to ensure that there is local assistance standing by.
- Create an action plan. Provide instructions for what to do in the event their home loses electrical power, loses access to running water, or loses phone and/or internet service. Include reminders for daily needs, like eating proper meals, practicing good hygiene, and relieving stress, as well as contact information for neighbors and emergency services, and how to check their home for damages once the worst has passed.
- Be prepared. Help them to pack a travel bag that includes at least a week's supply of medication, a list of doctors and current medical conditions, and copies of their health insurance documentation. Include a change of clothes, water bottle, and some shelf-stable food items, as well as a phone charger, radio, toothbrush, and other small comforts of home that might be desired in the event of an evacuation.
- Stay informed. Depending on the severity of the event, it could take a few hours or several days to restore internet or phone service. Don't rely on the senior in your care to provide updates should a natural disaster impact their area. Bookmark the state and county website where they live, as well as local news feeds, and save their location to your phone's weather app. Review the county's emergency response plans, which should include information on evacuation routes and provide resources for older adults and other vulnerable populations.
- Stay current. Social media platforms are a great resource for real-time updates from emergency responders who may not be updating their websites in real time. The social media handles for those coordinating emergency response efforts should be listed on either county or state government websites.
Health Emergencies
Older adults are at an increased risk for health concerns that might result in a visit to the emergency room, including heart attacks, strokes, falls or drug interactions. Data from a U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report showed that in 2021, there were 140 million total visits to the emergency room. The reported visit rate varied widely by age, with seniors between age 65 and 74 accounting for 39 emergency visits per 100 people in that age bracket in the US, and that rate increased sharply for those 75 and older, 66 visits per 100 people.
While an emergency department visit is never positive, for a long-term caregiver, a loved one's unexpected trip to the emergency room poses additional, unique challenges. To prepare for an emergency room visit, there are a few things to complete ahead of time:
- Obtain permission. If the senior in your care is taken to the emergency room, obtaining information about their condition is likely your primary goal. The rules governing access to private healthcare information are complex, which will be further complicated by not having permissions sorted ahead of time. If you are concerned about this, you m ay want to consider a Medical Power of Attorney, which will allow you to receive information on their condition and make decisions on their behalf. It is important to note that Medical Power of Attorney can only be granted if your loved one has been deemed mentally competent.
- Be organized. Make sure you have an updated list of medications, doctors, health history, and conditions ready to share. You may also need to arrange for additional in-person assistance when the senior in your care is released from the hospital. Having a group of friends locally who can help or the contact information for home healthcare agencies can make the transition smoother.
- Travel arrangements. Depending on the geographic distance between you and your loved one, you may need to book a flight. Most airlines offer medical emergency fares; however, availability is limited and you will need to call the airline directly. Before a health emergency, research the available options to that the choice is easier should a decision arise.
Learn More About Assisted Living Near You
With 24 communities throughout Long Island, Manhattan, Westchester County, and New Jersey, The Bristal offers luxury accommodations and supportive services, while providing peace-of-mind to seniors and their families. To find a location that is close to you, visit our community page.
This blog was originally published in 2022. It was updated in October 2024.
