Caring for loved ones from afar has its own set of concerns for long-distance caregivers. The inability to regularly assess a loved one’s needs and monitor his or her care can create emotional and even physical stress for both the older adult and their caregivers.

Often, the older adult feels as if they are a burden on their children who they recognize as having their own families and work responsibilities. As for their adult children, they frequently experience feelings of guilt, frustration, resentment and even anger. There can be the guilt of wanting to do more for their parents which conflicts with the guilt of spending so much time dealing with their parents’ concerns that their own children and life partners feel neglected. There may be feelings of frustration in dealing with insurance companies and other public and private firms and agencies, facilities, home care and durable medical equipment companies, physicians and other professionals. Oftentimes caregivers are resentful that they have to spend so much time and effort caring for their aging loved ones, and they feel bitter and angry that other siblings and family members aren’t willing to share the responsibilities.

One solution to helping reduce stress on both the aging adult and his or her long distance caregivers is to consider employing a third party professional to handle the seniors’ needs. When family members are not able to regularly travel in order to assess and oversee their loved ones care, these professionals are able to provide regular communication and feedback to the long distance care givers.  Such professional can help facilitate and monitor everything from home and medical care to transportation and relocation assistance. They are experts in helping seniors identify and access insurance benefits and public and private entitlements. They can also assist with bill paying, negotiating with creditors and supporting caregivers and other family members with information about support groups and respite care. These individuals often know how to identify the need for and act as a liaison between other professionals such as elder law attorneys, accountants and financial advisors.

To locate individuals and companies in your area it can be helpful to contact your local offices on aging and chambers of commerce. On the web you can visit for a directory of providers.