Long-distance caregiving for elderly parents or other family members is challenging in the best of times and even more so during the coronavirus pandemic. In these days of social distancing, elderly family members have been isolated even further for their own protection. And yet, we know that the elderly thrive on social connection.

If you need ideas to support your people virtually, I can help! I dove head-first into virtual caregiving nearly three years ago and learned many lessons I hope may help you in your journey. For immediate help, check out these posts:

COVID-19: How to help your elderly parent when you can’t visit

Long distance social support for elderly parents

Five low-tech ways to connect virtually with your senior parents

Long-distance caregiving with elderly parents can be as easy as picking up the phone
Virtual caregiving tip #1: Maintaining contact with your elderly and virus-susceptible parents can be as easy as picking up the phone.

Women are care givers and keepers of souls.

In this midlife stage, we women have a job or career, we raise and send off our children to their own lives. Many of us also find that we are stepping up to help our elderly parents. This can be one of our most life-giving roles — and one of the most challenging.

Helping our elderly parents is particularly difficult in today’s social distancing environment with the coronavirus pandemic. At the same time, our parents also face ongoing issues such as memory loss, medical issues, or financial problems.

In the coming days, I will add virtual caregiving tips and resources as quickly as I can. In the meantime, here are additional resources on long-distance caregiving for elderly parents:

If You Are at Higher Risk | CDC

AARP’s Practical Tips for Caregivers Concerned About Coronavirus

World Economic Forum | COVID-19: 4 tips to help the elderly stay connected

AARP: Families Concerned About Loved Ones in Nursing Homes, Assisted Living