Caregiving from a Distance

Not every caregiver lives in the same zip code or state as their aging parent, sick sibling or friend in fragile health. Distance caregivers live about 100 miles from the person for whom they’re caring. The National Alliance for Caregiving (NAC) estimates that 13% of Americans provide long distance care for a loved one. Distance caregivers can experience a different level of anxiety than local caregivers because of a lack of first-hand information and a high level of uncertainty regarding the patient’s condition. Sara L. Douglas, Ph.D., RN, a professor in oncology nursing and assistant dean for research at Case Western Reserve University School of Nursing finds distance caregivers are “generally concerned with ongoing treatment, uncertainty over when they could visit the patient, where they could get their questions answered and how they could be of the most help.”

Douglas’ research found that a variety of communication methods between a cancer patient’s care team and the distance caregiver can reduce his/her anxiety and feeling of distress. Videoconference coaching sessions between the caregiver and a social worker focused on information and support, participation in the patient’s appointments via videoconference and access to a website designed for distance caregivers resulted in a significant reduction in anxiety and stress for the distance caregiver.

Social distancing and other protective protocols prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic may have local caregivers feeling some of the same anxiety as distance caregivers. When that’s the case, caregivers should initiate a conversation with the patient’s care team. Physicians know that caregivers provide critical support for patients so you may be pleasantly surprised at the willingness of care teams to support caregivers.