Episode 7: Long-Distance Caregiving: How to Advocate When You’re Not There

In this powerful episode of Prescription for Admission, I sit down with award-winning author and caregiver Lisa Braxton to talk about what it really means to advocate for your aging parents, especially when you’re miles away and can’t be at the bedside.If you’ve ever tried coordinating hospital care from another city (or another state), you know the feeling: the late-night calls, the anxiety of not being present during medical decisions, the fear of missing something important. In this conversation, you’ll hear what long-distance caregiving actually looks like behind the scenes and how you can advocate effectively, even when you’re not physically there.Lisa shares her deeply personal journey of navigating hospital care from afar, offering hard-earned insights into eldercare, caregiver burnout, and the creative strategies she used to stay informed and involved. From recording medical appointments (with permission) to frequent check-ins and building relationships with healthcare providers, she explains how technology can become a lifeline, not just a convenience.We also explore the emotional weight of caregiving. You’ll hear why self-care isn’t optional, how building a trusted support network can protect your well-being, and what caregivers truly need from healthcare professionals: clarity, accessibility, and compassion.Lisa reflects on the moving lessons captured in her memoir, Dancing Between The Raindrops, sharing stories that will resonate with you if you’ve ever fought to protect someone you love.Whether you’re a caregiver, a family member supporting aging parents, or a healthcare professional who works with patient advocates, this episode will challenge you to communicate better, support more intentionally, and advocate more confidently.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhy long-distance caregiving is uniquely challenging—and how you can prepareHow to advocate for elderly parents during a hospital stay when you can’t be therePractical ways technology (like recording appointments and regular calls) improves healthcare communicationWhy you should feel empowered to call the hospital and ask for updatesThe importance of self-care in preventing caregiver burnoutHow to build a trusted caregiving support networkWhy personal referrals matter when choosing care facilitiesHow healthcare providers can better support family advocatesWhy documenting and recording conversations helps you process complex medical informationHow sharing caregiver stories can inspire, guide, and comfort othersAbout Lisa BraxtonLisa Braxton is an award-winning author, essayist, and caregiver advocate whose work explores family, resilience, and the emotional realities of eldercare. Drawing from her own experience navigating long-distance caregiving and hospital advocacy for her aging mother, she offers powerful insight into what it truly means to support a loved one through complex medical decisions.Her memoir, Dancing Between The Raindrops, is a deeply moving account of balancing caregiving, career, and personal identity while confronting the healthcare system from the outside looking in. Through honest storytelling and hard-earned wisdom, Lisa gives you validation, guidance, and the reassurance that you are not alone in your caregiving journey.Resources & Links📘 Grab your copy of Prescription for Admission📖 Connect with Lisa Braxton on LinkedIn📚 Get Dancing Between The Raindrops on Amazon, Sea Crow Press, or through her website#patientadvocacy #eldercare #agingparents #familycaregiver #healthpodcast #medicalpodcast