Family Caregiving During the Coronavirus

New Challenges for Caregivers

The coronavirus pandemic created new challenges for families caring for vulnerable loved ones. Many caregivers who once provided support in person now find themselves acting as long-distance providers. Before the pandemic, only about 13% of Americans gave long-distance care. Today, most family caregivers must follow social distancing protocols to keep loved ones safe.

Staying Close From Far Away

Technology offers the best way to stay connected. If your parent’s home already has security cameras or motion detectors, share access codes so you can check in visually. These codes can be updated later, allowing your parent to regain full independence when the time feels right.

Cameras also provide reassurance when you cannot reach your parent by phone. For those without an existing system, services like Briocare and LifePod provide remote caregiving support.

Smart Technology Solutions

Briocare uses Amazon’s Alexa with a mobile app to create personalized care plans. Features include:

• Medication reminders
• Family calls
• Emergency alerts
• Device integration
• Entertainment activities

LifePod offers similar benefits. It allows caregivers to schedule reminders, connect through smart speakers, and even enable telemedicine appointments. A remote doctor visit can adjust prescriptions, provide reassurance, or determine if in-person care is necessary.

Configured properly, voice-activated smart technology can become a vital lifeline between seniors and their caregivers.

Meeting Daily Needs

Beyond health and safety, seniors also need reliable access to food and household essentials. Many restaurants now deliver safely prepared meals. Grocery delivery services, such as Instacart, provide home delivery from local stores.

Even Amazon Prime and Whole Foods can connect seniors to fresh groceries and packaged food delivered directly to their door. If online ordering feels overwhelming, ask a younger family member or friend for help.

Protecting Finances From Afar

Caregiving also includes keeping an eye on finances. Seniors are frequent targets for scams, especially during the pandemic. Now is a good time to review your parent’s accounts. Watch for unusual charges, new credit cards, or changes in spending habits.

If managing finances feels complex, tools like EverSafe and Onist can help. These platforms allow you to monitor multiple accounts, track activity, and receive alerts for suspicious behavior. Look for services that use strong encryption to protect sensitive information.

Practical Steps for Remote Caregiving

Technology cannot replace human touch, but it can make caregiving easier and safer during times of distance. From daily check-ins to meal delivery and financial monitoring, digital tools help families stay connected and provide peace of mind.

Need Help?

We support families caring for aging parents. If you would like to talk about your family’s situation, we’re here to help.

📞 Call us at 207-848-5600 or visit our Contact page to schedule a conversation.