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Oct. 23, 2025—Even if you don't live nearby, there's a lot you can do to support a loved one who needs caregiving assistance. You might start by asking your loved one and their primary caregiver, if that's someone other than you, what tasks they think you can help with remotely. Then try these six tips for long-distance caregiving, with information from the National Institute on Aging, the Caregiver Action Network and other experts.

1. Coordinate appointments and services.

You might schedule some of your loved one's medical appointments or arrange for services they may need. This could include things like home healthcare or medical equipment and supplies. Creating a list of your loved one's providers with their contact information will help you organize and coordinate services and care.

2. When you're able to visit, take on some caregiving tasks.

Plan to attend a doctor's appointment or to provide some hands-on care when you're in town to see your loved one. If your loved one has an in-person caregiver, offer to give them a break.

Also be sure to make time for non-caregiving activities with your loved one, whether that's watching a movie or sharing family memories. These moments help strengthen your long-distance connection.

3. Be a designated researcher.

Research your loved one's condition and treatment options. You can organize this information and share it with your loved one and their primary caregiver or other trusted family members. If long-term care may be needed, offer to look into options such as nursing homes or assisted living facilities.

4. Help manage financial tasks.

You might offer to help your loved one with things like paying bills or managing insurance claims, if memory issues or declining health make it challenging. You'll need to talk to your loved one about gaining access to their accounts and the power to make financial or medical decisions on their behalf. Sometimes it can be helpful to consult an attorney about setting up the proper paperwork.

5. Ask someone to be your local contact.

Find someone you can trust to notify you of any issues with your loved one. Maybe that's another family member or a neighbor. Make sure they know how to contact you if they notice that your loved one has an immediate need.

6. Check in often.

Call your loved one regularly to see if they need anything, whether that's a prescription refill or help getting groceries. Teach them to use video call technology, if they don't know already, for a more personal connection. Seeing your loved one's face while you talk may give you a more complete sense of how they're doing.

Sources

• AARP. "How to Be a Partner in Family Caregiving Even From Afar." https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/basics/help-caregivers-from-afar.
• American Cancer Society. "Caregiving in Special Situations." https://www.cancer.org/cancer/caregivers/what-a-caregiver-does/caregiving-in-special-situations.html.
• American Lung Association. "How Long-Distance Caregivers Can Make Living With COPD Easier." https://www.lung.org/blog/copd-long-distance-caregivers.
• Caregiver Action Network. "Tips for Long-Distance Alzheimer's Caregivers in the US." https://www.caregiveraction.org/long-distance-alzheimers-caregiving/.
• National Institute on Aging. "What Is Long-Distance Caregiving?" https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/long-distance-caregiving/what-long-distance-caregiving.