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, especially when your loved one lives in a memory care community for people dealing with cognitive decline.
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.
Talia Chipman, Community Relations Director at Fieldstone Memory Care of Puyallup, acknowledges that cell phones can be challenging in memory care. While many residents can handle calls on their own, others struggle to keep their devices located and charged. But Fieldstone of Puyallup is committed to maintaining as many lines of communication as possible, so every resident has an opportunity for connection.
“It really depends on the person, we are open to trying things and finding what works for each resident.”
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 have a lot of people who want letters and post cards but that’s certainly not your only option for connection,” Chipman said.
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.
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.
“LifeLoop is the online portal we use that can help keep family members connected,” she said. “We just need the names, emails, and relationships from the power of attorney and then each person can get their own account,” Chipman said. “It’s a mobile app that allows people to easily send postcards, as well as communicate with the care team and check in on what activities their loved one has been participating in.”
The program also allows for video chats with residents, even if they don’t personally own a tablet or cell phone.
“We also have our television on wheels with a bunch of applications on there for video meetings.” Chipman recalls one resident who would meet weekly with all her daughters on a video call.
“They could all get on the call at the same time and sing with her,” she recalled. “It was really meaningful.”
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.
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.