Caring for an Older Loved One in a Rural Community

Caring for an older loved one can be challenging no matter where you live. For caregivers in rural communities, however, finding support can come with additional obstacles. Services may be spread across large geographic areas, transportation may be limited and there may simply be fewer programs available nearby. With many aspects of healthcare moving online, the Digital Divide is also an issue. According to The International Telecommunication Union, only about 75 percent of households in rural areas in the Americas utilize the internet, compared to 91 percent of urban households.

Here is a more in-depth look at the challenges rural caregivers face, and what solutions exist to support their needs:

Overcoming the Distance

In rural areas, a routine doctor’s appointment, pharmacy visit or trip to a senior center may require a significant drive. If your loved one no longer drives, getting to appointments or essential services can become even more complicated, especially if you’re currently working and need your car to navigate your own schedule.

Ask healthcare providers, your local Area Agency on Aging or community organizations about transportation programs. Some communities offer senior transportation, volunteer driver programs or other options that can help older adults get to medical appointments, grocery stores and other essential destinations. If there are a number of caregivers in your area, you may also want to consider banding together to coordinate outings to save on gar and time.

Don’t Let Limited Internet Access Become a Roadblock

Telehealth can be a convenient option for certain medical appointments; however, not every older adult or caregiver has reliable internet access or feels comfortable navigating websites.

If internet access is limited, look for organizations that offer support by phone. Libraries, senior centers and healthcare providers may also be able to provide internet access or help you find information online.

If broadband is extremely limited in your loved one’s area, keep in mind that there are various advocacy efforts you can lend your voice to so that the concerns of older adults and their caregivers are heard in conversations about the Digital Divide. The Rural Broadband Association has several tools and resources to help you get started.

Finding Services May Take Extra Work

Rural communities may have fewer home care agencies, adult day programs, respite services and other resources than larger cities. A service that exists may also have a waiting list or only serve certain geographic areas.

Don’t assume that a lack of services in your immediate community means you have no options. Your local Area Agency on Aging, senior center, healthcare provider or social service organization may know about programs that aren’t easy to find through an online search. Ask specifically about services that can come to your loved one’s home, transportation assistance, meal programs and caregiver support.

Look for Support Beyond Your Immediate Community

You don’t have to find every solution on your own. Organizations serving a larger region may be able to connect you with resources even when those services aren’t located in your town.

For example, WeCare…Because You Do℠ from Benjamin Rose is an individualized care coordination program that connects caregivers with a personal Community Care Navigator. Support is available by phone, email and online, making it possible to receive guidance without traveling to an office. Navigators help caregivers identify needs, find services and resources, and create an Action Plan for tackling caregiving challenges.

Dementia caregivers should also consider utilizing Best Programs for Caregivers, an online database that can help you find dementia support programs either physically present in your region, or able to be accessed nationwide via either phone or internet.

If you’re caring for an older adult and aren’t sure where to begin, you don’t have to figure it all out at once. Start by identifying which challenges are creating the most stress right now, then reach out to an organization that can help you find the next step. Even when resources are spread across miles, the right support can help make caregiving feel much less isolating.