Managing Your Parent’s Care From a Distance

Donna Nichols • March 11, 2021

It is possible to manage your parent’s care from a distance and here’s how…

You may wonder how you can manage your parent’s care when you live in another state or even another country.

What is the first step?

First, decide what you CAN do for them !

  1. Can you take over their finances?
  2. Can you organize their doctor visits and transportation?

There is always something you can do for them no matter how far away you live thanks to technology.

Should you find it just too overwhelming for you, perhaps you need an advisor in the city where your parents live.

Please do NOT go to the internet and pick the first advisor you come across.

Some charge you money up-front, yes, BEFORE they do anything!!

Don’t fall prey to this kind of advisor.

An advisor should assist you free of charge unless you require an elder law attorney or a guardian.

The most important thing to ask your parents is what they want.

  1. Do they want to stay in their home?
  2. Do they want to move to an assisted living community ?

Please don’t try to make the decision for them, you may think you know what they want, but do you really?

You may think they need in-home care when they really need assisted living.

While in-home care is great, it doesn’t take the place of peace of mind of someone there for them 24/7 should they require any assistance.

If there are a couple of children involved, plan a Zoom or Facetime meeting so everyone is on the same page as to what your parents want.

Once you all know what they want, you can agree on what parts each of you will play in the role of their care.

You can contribute to their care in ways you never think you can, whether it be taking care of their finances, home repairs, or making their doctor appointments, even the smallest task becomes a great deal.

Make sure you plan visits as often as possible , this is another place where an advisor comes in. An advisor can regularly check in on your parents to make sure they are doing well and give you updates.

If it’s impossible for you to visit, plan regularly scheduled phone calls and Skype or Facetime. As long as they know you care about them, it makes all the difference in the world.

Also, as long as you are checking on them regularly, they are more likely to do what they are supposed to do.

Also, have an emergency plan in place, have people in place who can get to your loved one in case you cannot get there right away.

Know where they are going to go and how they are going to get there.

Have a list of their current medications ready to take with them and have a bag of bathroom supplies ready to go on short notice.

When they are ready for an independent living, assisted living, or memory care community, look for a local placement service like Assisted Living Made Simple to guide you.

The local companies have the knowledge and expertise of the communities in the area.

When you are not near your parents and are trying to manage their care, it can be a challenge, but it doesn’t have to be.

With some planning and effort, you can ensure your loved one gets the assistance they need.

If you need help or encouragement as a Caregiver give us a call at  386-847-2322  or check out our  Caregiver Support Group. Our  Senior Advisors  are here to walk with you through this journey.

Coping with Holiday Loneliness

By Donna Nichols • December 8, 2025
The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.

Holiday Visits: How to Spot Changes in a Loved One’s Needs

By Donna Nichols • December 2, 2025
The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.

Gratitude in Every Season

By Donna Nichols • November 13, 2025
As Thanksgiving approaches, we’re reminded that gratitude isn’t just a holiday tradition — it’s a way of life. At Assisted Senior Services, we see it daily: in the quiet strength of caregivers, the wisdom of our seniors, and the small moments that make a big difference. We believe gratitude is more than a feeling. It’s a practice. A way of seeing the world, even in challenging times. For seniors, caregivers, and families, this season can stir a mix of emotions. There may be joy in gathering, but also grief, fatigue, or change. That’s why we hold space for all of it — and honor the quiet strength it takes to keep showing up with love. Gratitude doesn’t erase hardship, but it helps us carry it. It reminds us that even in uncertainty, there are still ordinary gifts: a warm hand to hold, a shared laugh, a moment of peace. Whether you’re caring for a loved one, navigating new challenges, or simply pausing to reflect, this season invites us to slow down and appreciate the ordinary gifts around us — a warm smile, a shared story, a helping hand. We are grateful for: • The families who trust us to walk alongside them, through transitions and triumphs. • The caregivers who show up with compassion and grace. • The caregivers who offer comfort, dignity, and patience every single day. • The seniors who teach us resilience, humor, and the value of every day – reminding us of what really matters. This Thanksgiving, we honor your journey. We celebrate your courage. And we’re here to support you — not just during the holidays, but all year long. So, whether your Thanksgiving is bustling or quiet, traditional or tender, we hope you find something to hold onto — and someone to hold it with. From all of us at Assisted Senior Services, thank you for being part of our community. We’re honored to support you, and we wish you a season filled with warmth, connection, and care. Happy Thanksgiving!