Keeping Connected: How Technology Bridged the Distance for a Family

A woman in Washington State found herself 1,200 miles away from her mother, who was living in an assisted living facility in Phoenix. The distance was tough, but technology helped them stay connected. The mother, who passed away at 83, had dementia and spent her final years in the care facility. The family felt a mix of emotions—guilt, sorrow, and gratitude—for the time they had together.

The Move to Phoenix

The mother's move to Phoenix wasn't easy. She had lived in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, and had been a big part of her daughter's life, helping with childcare and visiting often. But as her dementia worsened, it became unsafe for her to live alone. The family found a facility near her grandson, Josh, who lived close by and visited often.

Daily Calls and Support

The daughter, who worked as an office manager, called her mother every day at the same time. She would leave work early to make the call, knowing consistency was important for someone with dementia. Her husband provided much-needed support during this challenging time.

Managing Care from Afar

One of the biggest challenges was managing her mother's care from afar. The daughter had power of attorney, but being so far away made it difficult. Then, Josh discovered a service called Jubilee TV, which allowed the daughter to watch her mother in real time. This helped her stay connected and keep track of the caregivers.

Final Days

The family flew to Phoenix when doctors said her time was short. In her final days, the mother was lucid and happy, singing along to her favorite Motown hits. The daughter felt at peace, knowing her mother was happy before she passed away.