Key facts
- Nicola Prentis is a single mother raising her two children in Spain.
- She is remotely managing the care of her 80-year-old mother in the UK.
- Her remote caregiving duties are described as 24/7.
- She coordinates caretakers and facilitates virtual doctor's appointments.
- These responsibilities interrupt her time with her children.
- She faces difficulties using a Power of Attorney from abroad.
Nicola Prentis, a single mother residing in Spain with her two children, is facing the challenge of remotely managing the care of her 80-year-old mother in the UK. Her mother has significant health conditions, and the responsibility often falls to Nicola, despite having siblings in England. Her sister, who lives nearby, has her own health issues, and her brother does not have a helpful relationship with their mother. Nicola describes her role as a 24/7 remote carer and personal assistant, with her phone constantly on for calls from her mother or caretakers. She facilitates virtual doctor's appointments via WhatsApp, coordinates with home caretakers, and uses a subscription service for local calls and taxi bookings. These duties frequently interrupt her time with her children, sometimes causing her to miss their activities or homework help. She notes the difficulty of using a Power of Attorney from abroad, requiring a physical return to the UK to manage bank accounts. Nicola worries about the example she is setting for her children, as they witness her managing these demanding care responsibilities, with one child remarking, "Don't be mean to Nanna." She anticipates the situation will only become more challenging over time.