Living abroad offers a world of opportunities and experiences, but it also comes with its own set of challenges—especially when it involves caring for aging parents back home in India.
The distance might be scary and always raises fear of their wellbeing at the back of your mind. While technology and occasional visits may help maintain connections, the reality is that as people age, their needs change in ways that are difficult to manage from afar.
Here are some useful ways to ensure elderly parents have everything they require, even when living far away from them.
Recognizing the Needs of Aging Parents
Healthcare is usually the foremost concern. The phrase “Health is wealth” is something many have grown up hearing, and as parents age, their bodies naturally become more vulnerable.
In such cases, they need a compassionate ear and a hand that cares—someone who listens to their worries and assists with errands.
Although video calls are one way of staying connected, they have to be combined with face-to-face interactions with friends, community organizations, or live-in companions to provide necessary social contact.
Daily living support is an essential aspect but often gets overlooked until it reaches crisis levels. Some simple tasks, like grocery shopping, may seem increasingly difficult over time; hence what starts as occasional help may eventually turn out into a need for regular assistance.
Building a Reliable Local Support Network
A designated point person acts as an eye and ear on the ground, having direct contact with the daily activities of parents. Begin by identifying friends, relatives, and neighbors who could form the parent’s support system.
Reach out to them and elaborate on why you want their help or if they would be willing to assist in any way, such as checking on them often, running some errands, or being around during emergencies.
Ensure that these individuals are dependable and able to provide support when needed.
Engaging Local Community and Senior Support
In addition to personal connections, local community groups and senior support organizations can play a vital role in the care of parents.
These organizations often offer a range of services, from social activities to healthcare assistance, which can enhance the parents’ quality of life. Many cities and towns in India have senior citizens’ clubs, religious organizations, and NGOs dedicated to elderly care.
These groups can provide companionship, organize events, and offer practical support, such as transportation to medical appointments or help with household tasks.
Remote Care for Aging Parents via Technology
Video calls have become a lifeline, strengthening relationships despite the vast distance.
Applications like WhatsApp, Skype, and Zoom can be used for regular video chats to check on parents, provide updates, and offer emotional support. These calls allow for visual contact, helping to assess their physical wellbeing and prevent feelings of loneliness or isolation.
Technology extends beyond communication; it also offers various resources to support parents’ health and security while they are away from home. Health monitoring apps, for example, can track important body functions like pulse rate and medication schedules.
Securing Financial and Legal Stability for Aging Parents
A financially sound strategy is vital for aging parents who require support and is essential to their wellbeing. This strategy involves overseeing their daily expenditures, monitoring monthly bills, and ensuring access to cash as needed.
Regular assessments of their income sources, savings accounts, and investments are crucial to understanding their financial situation. Setting up automatic bill payments for utilities and other recurring expenses is advisable to avoid missed payments and reduce stress for both the parents and their caregivers.
Planning Visits and Coordinating Care in Absence
Regular visits to see your parents ensure that you remain attached to the daily lives of your parents and can personally validate a parent’s living conditions, health, and general happiness.
These visits allow you to monitor subtle changes in their physical or mental health that might not come out during phone conversations or video calls.
Most importantly, your presence can be much-needed emotional comfort to your parents by letting them know that even if the physical body is elsewhere, in essence, they are not alone.
Considering Professional In-Home Care Services
Aging parent care is always a big challenge, especially when one lives far away from their parents.
AgeWell Care is a reliable Home Care service in Kolkata that guarantees peace of mind with personalized care designed to meet every elderly’s need
Our professional caregivers offer extended assistance, from medical support to daily activity support, which helps enhance your parents’ lives.
What sets AgeWell Care apart is our holistic approach: making personalized care plans and maintaining regular communications with our family members so that you will always be informed and connected. With AgeWell Care, you have the confidence to create a life abroad, knowing your parents back home receive the best standard of care in the comfort of their own home.
With AgeWell Care, be assured of a trusted partner who is genuinely committed to the wellbeing and happiness of your loved ones.