Some steps that apply to your situation are:
• Recognize and acknowledge your own limits. As your relative requires increasing levels of care, you may become overwhelmed. Consider hiring a geriatric care manager to coordinate your family member's care.
• Plan ahead to have family leave or personal days available in case you need to make an unexpected visit to your relative. Put aside money in a special fund to pay for such trips.
For additional information, consult the Family Caregiver Alliance as they have identified action steps in overseeing long-distance care. Contact them at 1-800-445-8106. Their Web site is www.caregiver.org.
