Stamford Senior AdvisorHow can we manage a parent's care in Fairfield County from another state?
Build a local team: a primary care doctor, a trusted neighbor or friend, the town's municipal agent for the elderly or senior center, and, where needed, a geriatric care manager or home care agency who can be your eyes and ears.
Get the paperwork in place: durable power of attorney, health care representative, HIPAA releases so doctors will talk to you, and a shared calendar of appointments.
How do we vet providers without visiting often?
Use the public records first: DPH's license export for assisted living, residential care and home health licenses, and CMS's ratings plus DPH's registry for nursing homes; then visit once in person and schedule video calls with the nurse supervisor.
Every Fairfield County provider's license record is in our directory, with nursing home pages that bring together CMS and DPH figures. Ask for the most recent DPH inspection results, since Connecticut does not post assisted living inspections online.
Should we move our parent closer to us?
Moving a parent closer often makes sense when you are the main caregiver and their local network is thin; it makes less sense when their doctors, friends and faith community are in Connecticut and they may need Connecticut programs such as HUSKY C or CHCPE.
If you do move a parent, apply for the new state's programs well in advance; benefits do not transfer automatically.
Who can check on a parent in an emergency?
Call 911 for emergencies; for suspected abuse, neglect or exploitation of someone 60 or older call Protective Services for the Elderly at 1-888-385-4225, and for problems in a care facility the Long-Term Care Ombudsman at 1-866-388-1888.
Ask the community or agency who will call you, and how fast, after a fall, a hospital transfer or a change in condition.
How often should a long-distance family visit?
As often as you can manage, and unannounced at least sometimes: frequent visits at different times of day are the most reliable check on care there is, and they tell staff the resident has someone watching.
Between visits, schedule regular calls with the nurse supervisor or charge nurse, ask a local friend to drop in, and review the care plan after every reassessment or hospital stay.
At a glance
| From a distance you can | From a distance you cannot | |
|---|---|---|
| Records | Check licenses and CMS data online | See staffing at 2 a.m. |
| Team | Hire a care manager or agency | Be the daily caregiver |
| Planning | Put documents and benefits in place | Wait for a crisis and fly in |
Sources include the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies (19-13-D105 and related sections), the Connecticut General Statutes as summarized by the Office of Legislative Research, DPH, DSS and Aging and Disability Services pages, CareScout and VA rate tables as cited above; see our editorial standards.
