Long distance support options

KHop2007

Hi everyone. I'm new here. My 77 year old father was just diagnosed with Alzheimer's and I'm just starting this journey with him and my wonderful stepmom. But I live a plane flight away (or two day car drive).

I'm looking for tips to support from afar. Scheduled phone calls? I want to keep my father engaged but it is hard when we only have the phone. Just looking for ways to start this journey with them from afar.

H1235

Welcome,

I would suggest looking at the new caregiver group.

https://alzconnected.org/group/32-new-caregiver-help

The staging tool is very helpful. I would also recommend understanding the dementia experience. These are things that may be helpful to your stepmom as well. Referring her to this website might be helpful for her. If she is not computer savvy you could always pose questions for her and discuss the responses with her. I should point out that this section doesn’t get as many views. You may want to consider caring for a parent or general topics.
I think just being a nonjudgmental listener is also helpful. Maybe when you go for a visit offer to do some make ahead meals that could be frozen and taken out when needed.

cjgoldy2629

Hello,

I want to chime in that I am in the same boat. So far this has been a difficult journey because what I hear over the phone is not what is going on at my LO’s home. I try to call as many days of the week as I can. It feels like I am more involved with his everyday schedule. And I try to visit as often as I can. I find that it doesn’t need to be a long visit- even just a long weekend. Then I can see what is going on and so have more things to talk in the phone with him about.