Arrange elder care in Türkiye from abroad: a family coordination plan

Remote care starts with clear responsibilities, not more messages. Write down needs with your relative, identify someone who can help locally and agree on a communication routine everyone can maintain. You can begin this plan today without waiting for an app.

Start with your relative’s preferences

Ask which tasks they want help with, who they feel comfortable welcoming into their home and what information they wish to share. Separate companionship, shopping, meals and personal care. Discuss health assessments with the relevant professional rather than trying to resolve them through a family conversation.

Assign responsibilities that people have agreed to take on

• Coordinator: handles routine communication with the caregiver and collects outstanding tasks.
• Local support person: can help with practical needs such as visits, keys or accompanying an appointment.
• Budget contact: tracks agreed payments, expenses and upcoming needs.
• Backup contact: steps in when the main contact cannot be reached.

One person may hold more than one role, but each person needs to accept their responsibilities. Make sure your relative knows the arrangement. Avoid a plan that depends on one person being available at all times.

Interview the caregiver in two stages

First clarify experience, tasks, working hours and the components of the fee. Then include your relative and local contact in a second conversation where possible. Contact references with permission. Agree who will be present at the start and when you will review the arrangement.

Make time zones and communication expectations explicit

Write meeting times in Türkiye time and check the local equivalent where you live. Agree on one channel for routine messages and a separate calling arrangement for matters needing a prompt response. Define when updates are expected rather than interpreting every period of silence as a problem.

A short daily update template

• Date and person sharing the update:
• Tasks completed today:
• Task postponed and reason:
• Anything your relative wants to share:
• Decision needed from the family and person responsible:
• Next conversation: date and Türkiye time.

Plan for interruptions

Discuss what happens if the caregiver cannot attend, a phone battery runs out or the internet fails. Keep the local contact, full home address and an alternative communication route accessible. Device notifications are not a replacement for available human support.

Review outstanding tasks each week

• Which tasks were missed, and why?
• Is your relative comfortable with the arrangement, and what would they change?
• Are appointments, time off or additional costs coming up?
• Does every outstanding task have an owner and a target date?
• Is the information being shared still necessary, and should anyone’s access change?

Where does WellFamily fit?

WellFamily for iOS is available on the App Store for care coordination, reminders and family sharing. Download it using the link on our app page. Android users can preregister and use this guide with their existing tools.