Caring for aging parents is never simple—but it becomes even more complicated when siblings live in different cities, provinces, or even countries. Often, one person ends up taking on most of the responsibility, while others want to help but aren’t sure how. The result? Frustration, miscommunication, and burnout.

At Thorp, we believe caregiving should be a team effort—whether your team is across the street or across the world. This guide offers practical tips on how to coordinate care effectively as a family, even when geography gets in the way.

1. Start with a Family Care Plan

Begin by setting shared expectations. Talk openly about your parent’s needs, what kind of help is realistic from each sibling, and how decisions will be made. Document this plan in one place so everyone has clarity.

Tip: Thorp makes it easy to store and update this plan centrally so all team members stay aligned.

2. Assign Roles Based on Strengths and Proximity

Not everyone needs to be physically present to help.

A local sibling might handle appointments and check-ins.
A remote sibling could coordinate finances, schedule home care, or manage medications.
Another might handle insurance paperwork or research services.

Matching responsibilities to strengths—not just geography—prevents burnout.

3. Use One Shared Tool for Communication

Group chats are chaotic. Notes get buried. Updates are missed.

Choose a single, organized platform to:

Share updates and timelines
Track medications and appointments
Log observations and messages
Keep everyone in the loop—without a dozen texts

That’s exactly what Thorp does—bringing everything into one calm, centralized space.

4. Have Scheduled Check-ins

Hold a regular video call—weekly or bi-weekly—to regroup. It reduces misunderstandings, surfaces concerns early, and gives everyone a voice.

Make these conversations structured, not ad hoc. Use a checklist of updates: physical health, mental health, medications, appointments, and any support needed.

5. Recognize and Support the Primary Caregiver

If one sibling is doing more of the day-to-day work, acknowledge it. Express gratitude, check in on their mental health, and find tangible ways to offer relief—like sending meal delivery or coordinating short breaks.

Burnout is real, and shared appreciation can go a long way.

Final Thought

Distance doesn’t have to mean disconnection. With the right tools and intentional communication, siblings can work together to provide care that’s loving, balanced, and well-coordinated.

➡️ Try Thorp for free at thorp.app – built by caregivers, for caregivers.

Because you shouldn’t have to do this alone.

How to Coordinate Care for Aging Parents When Siblings Live Far Away