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Supporting a Caregiver Long-Distance

Posted by Sue, Volunteer Mentor @sueinmn, Apr 18 6:21pm

My "best" cousin has been diagnosed with moderate cognitive impairment, according to the neurologist, with her high intelligence she has been able to cope and mask it for 5-10 years. This winter, a week-long visit exposed the severity, and we worked with her sisters and long-time partner to get some help.
Now, her sisters "get it" and are able to arrange and attend appointments. Her partner has stepped up wonderfully to get her tests, PT, etc and actually retired earlier than planned to be with her day-to-day. Her four grown children, their mates, and her grandkids ranging in age from 8-21, are choosing to pretend.
How can we support her partner from 1000 miles away?
Sue

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John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Apr 19 8:28am

@sueinmn, If I was doing the caregiving just having my best friend or relative reach out to me often to stay in touch would help. A few years ago I lost my best friend to health issues. I had known him since early childhood, went to high school with him and his wife. I was often the third wheel on date nights since he had a car and I didn't. Both my sister and I stay in contact with his wife. My sister calls often and I regularly exchange text messages with photos and memories of our adventures together growing up. My regret is not knowing how sick he was before he passed away and planning a visit to see him one last time.

Does her partner use a computer where you could set up a family Zoom meeting to stay in touch?

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Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Apr 19 8:38am
In reply to @johnbishop "@sueinmn, If I was doing the caregiving just having my best friend or relative reach out..." + (show)
@johnbishop

@sueinmn, If I was doing the caregiving just having my best friend or relative reach out to me often to stay in touch would help. A few years ago I lost my best friend to health issues. I had known him since early childhood, went to high school with him and his wife. I was often the third wheel on date nights since he had a car and I didn't. Both my sister and I stay in contact with his wife. My sister calls often and I regularly exchange text messages with photos and memories of our adventures together growing up. My regret is not knowing how sick he was before he passed away and planning a visit to see him one last time.

Does her partner use a computer where you could set up a family Zoom meeting to stay in touch?

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Thanks, John - the Zoom is a good idea. She no longer tracks well on the phone, and we can't do video calls due to our lifelong Apple/PC-Android difference.

I have scheduled a call with him this morning to see how he is doing.
Sue

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