When someone you care about is living with dementia, being far away can make you feel powerless. You may worry about their daily safety, emotional wellbeing, and whether they’re taking medication or eating enough. But long-distance caregiving - while challenging - is entirely possible with the right strategies, communication, and technology.

Here’s how to stay involved, offer meaningful support, and keep your loved one safe and connected from miles away.

 

1. Understand Their Current Needs

Before jumping into logistics, take time to understand where your loved one is at cognitively and emotionally. If possible, speak with them directly. If not, talk to their local support network - a neighbor, caregiver, or healthcare provider.

Things to consider:

  • Have there been noticeable changes in memory or behavior?

  • Do they need reminders or supervision for daily tasks?

  • Are they showing signs of loneliness, anxiety, or confusion?

A formal care needs assessment (which can often be arranged through their GP or social services) can help identify risks and guide next steps.

 

2. Build a Local Circle of Support

Even from afar, you can coordinate a local support team. This might include:

  • A professional geriatric care manager

  • A paid caregiver or home health aide

  • Nearby family, friends, neighbours, or community volunteers

  • Faith or social groups your loved one trusts

  • Medical professionals like a community nurse or dementia adviser

Create a shared document or group chat to keep everyone aligned. Services like Lotsa Helping Hands, CaringBridge, or even a shared Google Doc can work.

 

3. Use Technology Thoughtfully

Technology can help bridge the distance. According to Wired, many caregivers use a combination of smart home tools, virtual check-ins, and reminder apps to stay involved from a distance​.

Recommended tools:

  • Video call devices (like GrandPad or a voice-activated Alexa Show)

  • Smart home monitoring (e.g. motion sensors, smoke alarms, water leak detectors, Nest cameras)

  • Medication management apps or dispensers with reminders

  • Elli Cares app: provides scheduled reminders, Safe Zones, check-in alerts, and the ability to send voice or video messages between care partners and loved ones

Note: Always introduce new tech slowly and compassionately. Let your loved one be part of setup decisions to make it feel familiar, not imposed.

 

4. Communicate With Intention

Even if memory is fading, the feeling of connection remains. Frequent, simple communication is key:

  • Use video or voice messages that feel warm and personal

  • Send short, clear reminders (“Hi Dad, it’s Tuesday - remember to take your blue pill!”) (check out Elli Cares for recurring scheduled reminders)

  • Ask yes-or-no or multiple-choice questions when decisions are hard

  • Reassure with tone more than content - kindness and calmness matter most

A Place for Mom suggests daily or weekly contact routines that are predictable and supportive—not overwhelming.

 

5. Help With Admin and Care Planning

Even from a distance, you can:

  • Pay bills online

  • Arrange deliveries for groceries, hygiene items, or prescriptions

  • Help manage medical appointments and paperwork

  • Coordinate transportation (e.g. rideshares, volunteer drivers)

Creating or updating a Power of Attorney, advance directive, or care plan ensures you’re prepared for future decisions, too.

 

6. Support Their Emotional Wellbeing

Dementia can be isolating. Help your loved one stay emotionally connected by:

  • Setting up a calendar of activities with support from local day programs or clubs

  • Sending printed photos or memory books

  • Scheduling regular family Zoom calls

  • Encouraging participation in online support communities like Alzheimer’s Society’s Talking Point forum or local virtual groups

MedlinePlus emphasizes how meaningful connection - even brief - is protective against depression and helps delay further decline​

 

7. Know That You’re Still Making a Difference

You might not be there in person every day - but your love, consistency, and planning truly matter. Many long-distance caregivers feel guilt. Replace guilt with action. You’re doing enough.

And as dementia care continues to evolve, technology and shared caregiving platforms like Elli Cares are making long-distance support more viable than ever before.

👉 Explore more long-distance support insights from MedlinePlus
👉 See how tech can help in Wired's guide
👉 Get practical communication strategies from A Place for Mom

 

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Elli Cares, the mobile app that supports independence and empowers seniors