As families become more geographically spread out, it’s increasingly common for adult children or loved ones to be living in different cities, or even countries, from a parent with dementia. This reality can make caregiving deeply emotional and logistically challenging. Feelings of guilt, helplessness, and anxiety are natural when you’re not close by to provide daily support. However, long-distance dementia care is possible and with the right care facility and communication systems in place, you can still be a vital and involved part of your loved one’s life, even from afar.
The emotional and logistical challenges of long-distance dementia care
Caring from a distance often brings unique emotional burdens. Many long-distance caregivers worry:
Is my loved one safe and comfortable?
Are they receiving the level of care they need as their condition changes?
Will they still feel loved and supported by me if I’m not there every day?
There are also logistical challenges to consider:
Regular travel may not always be feasible
You rely heavily on updates from the care team
You may need help coordinating medical appointments, care changes, and social interactions
These concerns are valid. That’s why choosing a facility that understands both the clinical and emotional needs of the resident, and their family, is essential.
Why choosing the right dementia care facility matters even more from a distance
When you aren’t nearby to monitor day-to-day happenings, you need to be able to trust the facility completely. At Livewell Estates, we take this responsibility seriously. As a specialised dementia care facility, our focus is solely on supporting individuals with cognitive impairments in an environment designed specifically for their needs. From our pioneering approach to our highly qualified, multidisciplinary team, everything we do is centred around delivering world-class, person-centred dementia care. What sets Livewell apart for long-distance families?
Tailored care plans: Every resident undergoes a detailed OT (Occupational Therapy) assessment and medical review to create a care plan that meets their unique needs – emotionally, physically and cognitively.
Varying levels of care support: Our care ratios range from 1:3 to 1:1, ensuring your loved one receives personalised attention at every stage of their dementia journey.
Expert clinical team: With registered nurses, caregivers, occupational therapists, lifestyle coordinators and nutritionists all on site, your loved one receives well-rounded, specialist support every day.
How Livewell supports long-distance families
We understand that not being close to your loved one can be tough. That’s why we’ve built systems that allow families to feel connected and reassured, no matter the distance.
Transparent and regular communication
Our team maintains open lines of communication with families. We provide:
Regular updates on your loved one’s progress and well-being
Access to your loved one’s care plan and any changes that may arise
Photos, videos, and updates of activities, milestones, and special moments
Support for virtual and in-person Visits
We encourage family involvement wherever possible:
Video calls and virtual check-ins are supported and facilitated by our care team
In-person visits are always welcomed, and our estates are designed to make your time with your loved one comfortable and meaningful
Family members are supported in understanding dementia, helping improve quality interaction when they do visit
All-inclusive, hassle-free care
Unlike many other aged care facilities where families are billed separately for services like laundry, grooming, or therapy, Livewell offers an all-inclusive monthly levy. This means:
Unlimited laundry and daily housekeeping
Personal grooming support (haircuts, shaving, hygiene)
Access to our occupational therapists, physiotherapists, nutritionists and biokinetics
Daily meals prepared to meet specific dietary needs
This removes the logistical pressure of arranging additional care or services, and gives you peace of mind knowing everything is being taken care of, professionally and compassionately.
A luxury dementia care facility that feels like home
Livewell’s estates in Bryanston and Somerset West are more than just dementia care facilities, they are vibrant, luxury environments designed to feel like home. Residents enjoy:
Spacious, private suites with en-suite bathrooms
Interior-designed spaces filled with warmth and elegance
Pet-friendly policies, sensory gardens, hair salons, and communal areas to support both comfort and connection
When you can’t be there every day, knowing that your loved one is surrounded by beauty, comfort, and compassionate care makes all the difference and give you peace of mind.
Staying involved from afar
At Livewell, we view long-distance family members as an essential part of our care team. Whether you’re across the country or across the globe, you can remain actively involved in your loved one’s journey by participating in care planning discussions, staying informed about their daily routine and overall well-being, and feeling confident that they are living each day with dignity, purpose, and joy in a safe, nurturing environment. If you’re navigating the challenges of long-distance dementia care, let Livewell be your eyes, ears, and extended family. We invite you to schedule a virtual consultation or in-person tour to discover how we can support both you and your loved one.
Contact us today and experience the difference specialised dementia care makes.