Let’s Talk About Caregiving From a Distance
Let’s Talk About Caregiving From a Distance Have you ever loved someone from miles away and wondered, “Are they really okay?” Recently, I had a conversation with a friend whose father lives alone. He has always been very independent and takes pride in caring for himself. However, he recently lost his wife. Like many adult children, my friend wants to respect his independence while also making sure he is safe. I asked her a simple question: “Do you have cameras or any monitoring devices in the home so you can check on him?” She paused. Then came the bigger question: “Is that too much?” Honestly, I don’t think there is one right answer. Every family is different. The goal isn’t to take away someone’s independence—it’s to preserve it for as long as possible while ensuring their safety and well-being. As our parents and loved ones age, many of us face one of the hardest caregiving questions: When do you step in? The Challenge of Long-Distance Caregiving Millions of Americans ...