Living Abroad And Worried About Your Parents Health In India
A life-altering and exhilarating event is moving overseas. But, being far from your loved ones can provide its own set of difficulties, particularly in terms of their health. You’re not the only one who worries about your parents’ health in India while living overseas. We’ll go over some of the typical worries that expats have regarding their parents’ health in India in this blog and offer some advice on how to handle such worries.
Healthcare in India
Throughout the past few years, India’s healthcare system has seen substantial improvement. There are numerous governmental and private hospitals, clinics, and healthcare institutions around the nation. But, depending on where in the nation you live, the standard of healthcare can differ substantially. Medical facilities and access to healthcare can be limited in rural places.
Although private healthcare in India might be pricey, public healthcare is typically affordable. For financial reasons, a lot of people choose private health insurance to pay for medical expenses. It’s important to keep in mind that not all health insurance policies will cover pre-existing conditions, and that as you age, your premiums may go up dramatically.
Common Health Concerns for Expats
You may worry about your parents’ health as an expat, especially if they reside in India. The following are some of the typical health issues that expats face:
Chronic Health Conditions: You could be concerned about how your parents are managing their condition in India if they have a chronic health condition like diabetes, heart disease, or arthritis. Handling chronic health concerns can be difficult, particularly if your parents lack access to the same medical resources or drugs that they would have in your native country.
Infectious Diseases: Malaria, dengue fever, and tuberculosis are just a few of the infectious diseases that are prevalent in India. You might be concerned about your parents’ potential exposure to one of these illnesses if they reside in India, particularly if they are elderly or suffer from compromised immune systems.
Mental Health: For expats and their families, mental health is a major problem. Your parents might not have the same access to mental health resources in India as they would in your place of residence. This might be particularly difficult if your parents are struggling with anxiety or despair.
Medical Emergencies: Medical emergencies can occur at any time and can be particularly difficult if you aren’t around to assist. You might be concerned about your parents’ capacity to receive emergency medical care quickly if they reside in India.
Managing Your Concerns
Although worrying about your parents’ health is normal, there are things you can do to minimise your worries. Here are a few advices:
Maintain Contact: Being in regular contact with your parents is the most crucial thing you can do. This can be done by text messages, voice conversations, or video calls. You may stay updated about their health and wellness by keeping in regular contact with them.
Visit Frequently: If at all possible, attempt to make regular trips to India to see your parents. This can help you have a better idea of how they live and have access to medical resources. Seeing them in person can also help you feel more at ease.
Create a Support Network: It’s crucial to create a support system for your Indian parents. Those who can assist your parents in an emergency include relatives, friends, and neighbours. To offer further support, you can also think about employing a caretaker.
Think About Health Insurance: If your parents don’t already have coverage, think about getting them a plan. This might ease your mind and assist in paying for medical expenses.
Investigate Local Healthcare Facilities: To make sure your parents have access to high-quality healthcare, investigate the local healthcare facilities in their neighbourhood. To find your parents’ most affordable alternative, you may also do some research on the price of medical care and compare it to the price of private health insurance.
Urge Parents to Adopt Healthy Habits: Encourage your parents to develop healthy habits like eating a balanced diet, working out frequently, and getting adequate sleep. This can enhance their general welfare and aid in the prevention or management of chronic health issues.
Get Professional Assistance: If you’re having trouble controlling your worries about your parents’ health, think about getting some professional assistance. You can get assistance from a therapist or counsellor in managing your worry and anxiety over your parents’ health.
Remain Up-to-Date: Keep yourself updated about any adjustments or modifications that might affect your parents’ ability to get healthcare in India. This can aid in your decision-making regarding their medical needs.
Assisted living care is a great option for expats who are concerned about the health of their parents in India. Assisted living facilities offer assistance and care to senior citizens who require assistance with basic daily tasks like dressing, bathing, and managing their medications. These institutions have qualified staff members who may offer elders medical attention, social activities, and other services that can enhance their general well-being.
Assisted living facilities can be the perfect solution for expats who are unable to give their parents in India the care and support they need on a daily basis. For senior citizens who might have reduced mobility, ongoing medical ailments, or other age-related concerns, these facilities can offer a secure and comfortable living environment. Assisted living facilities can also provide expats with peace of mind if they are unable to travel to India regularly to provide care for their parents.
Some of the benefits of assisted living facilities for seniors in India include:
Safety and Security: Seniors can live in a safe and secure environment thanks to assisted living facilities. These facilities have wheelchair accessibility, emergency call systems, and round-the-clock security because they are created to specifically cater to the needs of senior citizens.
Medical Care: Staff members at assisted living care facilities are qualified to offer medical care and help with medication administration. The health and wellbeing of seniors who reside in these institutions can be enhanced by regular check-ups, prescription reminders, and other medical services.
Social Activities: Seniors can keep active and involved by participating in a variety of social activities offered by assisted living homes. These institutions frequently offer common areas where residents can congregate for activities like watching movies and playing games.
Healthy Meals: Assisted living facilities offer healthy meals and snacks that are catered to the dietary requirements of elders. Seniors can keep a balanced diet with the assistance of these meals, which are frequently made by skilled chefs.
Housekeeping and Maintenance: Housekeeping and maintenance services are offered by assisted living facilities, which can assist seniors in maintaining a tidy and comfortable living space. Laundry, cleaning, and basic repairs are a few examples of these services.
For expats who are concerned about their parents’ health in India, assisted living facilities can be a great choice. With access to medical care, social activities, and other amenities that can enhance their general welfare, these facilities can offer seniors a safe and comfortable living environment