How to build a long distance care team

1. Ask the senior how you can be most helpful

• Hold onto the sink and stand on one leg while brushing your teeth.
• While talking on the telephone, hold onto the wall and lean to one side, then the other to improve balance.
• While putting laundry away, bend the knees and then straighten the legs to build muscle strength.

2. Talk to the senior’s physician

• If the senior is willing to give you written permission, or you are the health care proxy, ask the physician to update you about the senior’s health. You can also discuss this with your loved one, but often seniors will hide information about their health conditions for fear of losing their independence. You need to know exactly what the health impairments are in order to address them appropriately.
• If you do not have permission or are not the health care proxy the physician cannot, by law, release private medical information to you. However, he or she may be willing to suggest the types of support that think will be most helpful.

3. Talk to friends, family members, and neighbours of your loved one

• Can a schedule of support and help be created?
• Can a neighbour’s child take out the garbage or walk your loved one’s dog?
• Can a sibling who lives close by taking your loved one grocery shopping?
• Can neighbours or family members check in on the senior regularly, especially during extremely hot and cold weather?
• Make sure everyone has all your phone numbers, your e-mail and other contact information.

4. Keep detailed records

• Create a 3-ring binder in which you can keep notes, medical records, insurance information, calendars and even printed copies of emails. This will be a great help to you as the care of your loved one becomes more complex
• Include contact information for all physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, case managers and specialists, like physical therapists
• Make copies for all those involved in the support and care of your loved one and keep the records updated