Many people will likely find themselves helping a relative or friend manage their health and wellness. While providing care and support to a relative or friend can be difficult, long-distance caregiving can be particularly challenging. 

 

In response to numerous requests from members of our community who provide some form of care to loved ones who do not live nearby, the Central MN Council on Aging is participating in the Home for the Holidays campaign to support these long-distance caregivers with tips, tools and resources that can assist them as they care for their relatives and friends—no matter where they live.

 

 Launched every year during the holiday season, Home for the Holidays encourages discussion of important issues affecting older Americans at a time of the year when family and friends often gather. 

 

The new consumer brochure that is the centerpiece of this year’s campaign, Caring Across the Miles: Resources for Long-Distance Caregivers, provides long-distance caregivers with tools and resources that may help them better support their loved ones from afar. The Central MN Council on Aging’s Senior LinkAge Line staff are also available to provide information about local resources available to older adults and family caregivers to help their loved one remain at home. 

 

“Many people don’t realize that they are caregivers. But anyone who lives more than an hour away and helps a family member or friend coordinate transportation, arrange medical appointments, handle finances or secure in-home assistance is a long-distance caregiver,” says Lori Vrolson the Executive Director of the Central MN Council on Aging. 

 

“Our agency decided to participate in this national campaign because we know how important it is for all caregivers, including long-distance caregivers, to have the necessary tools and resources to help them meet the needs of their loved ones—no matter where they live.”

 

Most caregivers support family members by helping them manage long-term physical conditions, arrange medical appointments or secure in-home services—all while not living near the care recipient.  The Senior LinkAge Line provides free, accurate, and unbiased information at 1-800-333-2433.