Supporting a Loved One in Long-Term Care from Far Away
November 25, 2025
When a loved one moves to senior living, it can involve a mix of emotions. You may experience some relief knowing that they are in a safe and caring environment, especially if they previously struggled with daily activities. At the same time, it may feel somewhat helpless to live far away from a loved one in senior living.
When you are more than a short drive from where they live, you may wonder how you can be a meaningful part of their support team. Or perhaps you are the primary contact for your loved one, even if you can’t be there all the time. That’s the nature of long-distance caregiving. The National Institute on Aging defines long-distance caregiving as anyone who lives more than an hour away from the person they care for. If you are the primary contact for your loved one’s senior living community, that’s a form of caregiving. Long-distance caregiving can be challenging.
Still, we know how important it is for seniors in long-term care to stay connected to their families. Research shows that family involvement in long-term care communities is good for everyone—residents, family members, and care staff. Connection boosts residents’ mood and engagement, and it helps loved ones feel informed and reassured.
Simple ways to stay involved from a distance
Schedule regular check-ins. A quick phone call or video chat can brighten your loved one’s day and provide valuable opportunities to hear about how they’re doing. Try putting a weekly call on your calendar—consistency makes it something they can look forward to.
“We often recommend a Jitterbug phone for our memory care residents, because there are very few buttons, so it’s super simplified,” said Fieldstone of Olympia Community Relations Director Christina Slape. “There are a lot of options similar to that. Just having access to a phone is nice because we will help facilitate any type of communication.”
Send letters, photos, and small surprises. Handwritten notes or care packages can go a long way. Include family photos, drawings from grandchildren, or items that bring a touch of home. These personal touches remind your loved one that they are loved and thought of—even when you can’t be there in person.
“We encourage families to stay in touch, even if it’s just a postcard,” Slape said. “Send little goody bags or photos of what you’ve been up to. Show residents that they still matter, that they are still being remembered, and that they are important to you.”
Coordinate with the care team. Develop a relationship with staff members at the community. Reach out periodically to get updates or ask questions. Many communities have designated family liaisons or care coordinators who can keep you informed and help answer any concerns.
“We definitely ask about family preference during assessment and intake, and we tell them that we are going to overcommunicate at first,” Slape explained. “For assisted living, if there’s any change in health status we are always updating the family. This communication goes both ways, and we will accommodate whatever means of communication works best for them, even down to their preferred time. We are as transparent as possible.”
Inquire about what kinds of senior living technologies the community uses and how to access them remotely. They may use online health portals that allow you to view care notes, medication records, or upcoming appointments—and even message with staff. These tools can help you stay actively involved in care decisions.
“We have an app called LifeLoop where we post attendance and upcoming events,” she explained. “Family members receive email and notifications about things that are happening in the community. They can also communicate back with the care team and message their loved ones directly through the app.”
Follow the community’s social media and newsletters. At Fieldstone Communities, our commitment to keeping our seniors connected to their loved ones means we have several options for staying in touch. You can follow our Facebook page to see photos of residents’ everyday activities as well as special events. And don’t worry—our social media policies mean everyone featured on our page has given us explicit permission to do so. We also send regular email newsletters with updates and highlights, giving you another window into community life.
Be there for important moments—even from a distance. Many communities are happy to help set up a video call so you can celebrate a birthday, holiday, or other special occasion. Even if it’s virtual, your presence still matters.
Slape and her colleagues are there for precisely that kind of connection, and they encourage it.
“We also help facilitate Zoom calls or one-on-one visits,” Slape said. “Any hands-on thing we can do to connect residents with their families, we will do.”
Plan visits when you can. You might not be able to visit often, but planning occasional trips—even short ones—can mean a lot. Talk to staff ahead of time to coordinate your visit and see if there are activities you can attend together.
Staying connected doesn’t have to mean being physically close. With a bit of creativity and the right tools, you can stay actively involved in your loved one’s life—offering comfort, support, and love no matter the miles between you.
Let us know if we can help you explore options for staying involved with a loved one at Fieldstone. We’re here to support families, near and far.