Tips & Advice for Caring for Parents from a Distance

A couple of years ago, I got an overseas opportunity with my dream company. Initially, I was very happy with the offer – everything looked perfect. The job, the new salary and even the accommodation they were providing. Then it struck me – what about my parents? I tried convincing them with all the power I had in me, to come with me. My dad agreed for a minute, but my mom outright refused. She said her home was here and she wouldn’t leave it. This was a once in a lifetime opportunity. My parents themselves had put up a lot of money in educating me and now it was my turn to climb the socioeconomic ladder for them. I devised a plan to take care of both my parents – from 10,000 miles away.

First – set up a strong base here.

You will have to cover the house with alarms and cameras. All of these devices will have to be connected to some WiFi network along with a software interface, that allows me to monitor them whenever I want to. In addition to this, I hired a team of home nurses, house helps, physiotherapists and pharmacy home delivery guys. This way, everything from taking their sugar tests to getting their medicines was outsourced to someone. I told everyone that they had to do their job without fail, every single day. I even installed a biometric censor in the house to record everyone’s attendance. Before leaving, I went to the nearest hospital from my parents’ house and submitted a file with their entire medical histories. I informed the hospital that they are living nearby. This way, the hospital is always on standby, in case something goes unfortunately wrong.

Second - play out scenarios in your head.

I knew, even after all these measures, there were chances something might go wrong. So, I asked the watchmen to keep a check on them. My dad goes for a walk in the morning and gets milk for everyone in the house. If he does not go for walk even for a day, the watchman is right up at our place to check on them. I have also told the neighbours to keep a check on them. Read more about: Senior Health Care Rider

Have a family doctor in place.

One of the biggest reliefs is our family doctor, who stays hardly a mile away from my parents’ place. The doctor has been seeing our family for decades now and is aware of all the medical developments in our family – from malaria that my mom had years ago, to the chronic back pain that my dad still has. He too visits mom and dad every fortnight and keeps a check on their regular test reports. Read more about: Health Insurance

Buy a regular testing subscription.

These days, there are companies that provided series of lab tests at the comfort of your home. This allows you to have the tests regularly at your own convenience. I would really recommend you to take up an annual subscription covering all the tests your parents are prescribed to take. Read more about: Senior Citizen Health Insurance

One final question – was this enough?

No. Nothing can ever be enough. I still feel like just taking the next flight and landing there to see them. I would want to bring them here with me, but I will never challenge their wish. What I can do is, give them a healthy and safe environment to lead a comfortable life. This entire system of checks and interventions helps me sleep at night. Some people, including my parents, have told me that maybe this is a bit too much. Maybe, it is for them. Maybe, it infringes on their privacy sometimes. But I am ready to take all of those chances, to ensure that when the time comes, there is always someone to take care of them. Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms and conditions, please read sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale.