An estimated 5 million Americans currently care for an extended family member who lives at least one hour away. If you are part of that group, you know that the emotional and physical toll can be daunting. Taking care of chores such as shopping, cooking and paying bills can take hours out of your already busy week but it is a necessity of supporting loved ones who may not be able to care fully for themselves.

There are no easy answers when it comes to the care of a loved one and living in a different city can cause even more stress when you know you can't be readily available for any emergency. There are a few ideas that might make this overwhelming situation in perspective.

• Use community services. Fortunately, most communities offer free or subsidized services that can provide help with tasks that you're not available to complete. Eating habits can be healthier by using programs such as Meals on Wheels and there may be a driving service that can take individuals to doctors and appointments when you can't be there.
• Appoint a sibling as primary caregiver. Pick one sibling who is in charge of communicating with the rest of the family, doctors and community services. This will alleviate miscommunication and free up the other siblings to help during emergencies or with special circumstances. Keep Track of Important Information such as insurance policies, bank account numbers, investments, living will and power of attorney
• Find a primary physician. Along the same line, choose one doctor who can coordinate any medical services being provided to your family member and is willing to keep you up to date either by email or phone conversations.
• Get a support system. Enlist help from neighbors, friends and other extended family members who are in the area. Let them be your eyes and ears when you aren't physically available. Make sure they have your phone number, address and email so they can keep you up to date.
• Keep them involved. If you're caring for a parent, chances are they won't welcome the need to have someone look after them, but they'll allow it and work with you as long as they feel like they can retain as much decision-making power as they are capable of.
• Take care of yourself. You're time is already stretched thin, so taking time for yourself is incredibly important so you don't get burned out. If you have established a good support system you'll be able to rotate chores, take time away to be with your own family and to care for your own needs.

At some point in our lives, most of us will have to care for a family member who doesn't live with us. Using your extended family as a support system to care for that individual will give you an opportunity to bond as a unit, get to know each other again and support each other when times are difficult.