5 Tips for Long-Distance Cancer Caregivers

Living far away from a friend or loved one with cancer? Supporting them from a distance can be just as effective as being there in person.

 

Families and loved ones don’t always live near one another. Being physically distant from a friend or a loved one when they have an illness can be a challenging experience.

If you’re facing this situation, you may feel guilty for not being there in person. You also may worry about emergency situations or struggle with other challenges that physical distance presents when helping a loved one from afar.

Here are 5 things you can do to help navigate the challenges of long-distance caregiving:

 

1. Have an honest conversation.

Talk to your loved one about their needs and how they wish to be supported during this time. You both may be feeling stressed and overwhelmed with everything going on. But it’s important to have a conversation about any concerns or needs you each have.

Be realistic and honest about what you can and can’t do from a distance. By being upfront from the beginning, you will be able to settle into a routine and find others who can provide support in the areas where you aren’t able to help.

 

 

2. Create a routine for yourself and with others near your loved one.

Once you have a conversation, you can set a routine for when you will call, send reminders or updates, or attend appointments with your loved one virtually if that’s an option.

It’s also important to get in touch with people near your loved one who can serve as a support person in case an emergency or other immediate needs arise. Exchange contact information with a family member, friend, doctor, or neighbor who can help support your loved one in person and notify you if an emergency occurs.

 

3. Use technology to keep in touch and coordinate help.

Technology is continually advancing. Knowing what is available to you can help you stay connected with your loved one. Through phone calls and video calls, you can have regular check-ins with them.

It might also be possible to attend your loved one’s appointments virtually to answer questions and take notes, as Cassie did while providing long-distance support to her mother. She communicated with her mom’s doctors and attended medical appointments virtually whenever possible.

If it’s difficult for other caregivers to take your loved one to appointments in person, see if there are telehealth options that allow your loved one to attend appointments from home.

Another useful tool is MyLifeLine, our free online support community for patients, survivors, caregivers, and loved ones. Create a personal network site for your loved one to keep family and friends updated on their cancer journey. Use the Helping Calendar to request and organize help from your network for things like rides to your loved one’s medical appointments, meals, childcare, and more.

 

4. Be informed and organized.

Although you can’t be there with your loved one every day, you can support them by researching information. For example, you can:

• Gather information about their cancer type
• Help find the right doctor
• Explore possible treatment options
• Learn about ways to manage treatment side effects

You can also keep track of your loved one’s finances, health insurance documents, medical bills, and other important logistics.

 

 

 

5. Practice self-care.

All caregivers must care for themselves too. It can be easy to forget this when you are a long-distance caregiver because you are not seeing your loved one on a regular basis. However, by taking time for yourself, you will be able to care for others even better.

Seeking support can also boost your emotional and mental well-being:

• Call our Cancer Support Helpline. Our Helpline offers free navigation for cancer patients and their loved ones by phone and online via our chat service.
• Find a caring and supportive CSC location near you. We have 196 locations worldwide, with professionally led programs like support groups, yoga and meditation classes, and educational workshops, all free of charge to anyone impacted by cancer.
• Join our online community for people impacted by cancer. Connect with others like you on our Caregiver Support discussion forum.

 

Above all, realize that it’s okay you are not there in person. There are many long-distance caregivers like you who are trying to be the best support person they can be for their loved one.

A cancer diagnosis can be traumatic for the patient and their family. Long-distance caregivers can offer physical, emotional, spiritual, financial, and logistical support. They play a vital role in providing comfort, hope, and help.