When caregivers are asked to talk about the stress in their lives, they frequently identify their emotions first rather than a specific problem or situation. While recognizing emotions is an important step to maintaining positive emotional health, identifying the situations or events that are problematic is the key to managing stress and preventing caregiver burnout.

Long-distance care may begin slowly with simple tasks such as listening to a problem over the telephone or helping with household chores during a visit. It can also start suddenly in response to a medical crisis. Regardless of how care begins, the role of the long-distance carer is likely to evolve over time as the needs of their loved one change.

When we need assistance, studies suggest there is a pattern to our help-seeking behaviors. For help during short periods of time, we generally turn first to our informal network (spouse and children, followed by friends and neighbors). When help is needed over long periods of time, we tend to turn to a formal network of agencies and organizations for assistance (Suitor and Pillemer, 1990).

This publication provides information about basic concepts and approaches used in making decisions on behalf of others or planning for ones own future needs. Read on to understand important concepts about decision making and strategies, including representative payees, powers of attorney, trusts, and guardianship.