How NRIs Can Stay Involved in Their Family's Healthcare from Afar
Get expert medical guidance for your loved ones with a second opinion from U.S. doctors
Introduction:
Non-resident Indians find it difficult to manage their loved one’s health from afar. NRIs feel hopeless when their parents face an emergency. Virtual platforms have helped NRIs to evaluate the health status of their parents. Daily communication with primary clinicians and neighbors can help in assessing the health status of parents.
How to care for your loved one’s?
Maintaining proper communication with the family:
Parents feel confident when you communicate with them daily. You can monitor their health condition through video calls, irrespective of location. Regular communication also builds trust and confidence. It is important to inquire whether they have taken their daily medications.
Keeping in touch with relatives, friends, and local caretakers:
It is important to keep in touch with friends and local caretakers. Ask them to accompany parents during hospital visits. You can also ask relatives to visit them occasionally.
Proper communication with the general physician/primary doctor:
Elderly patients will be taking medicines for hypertension, diabetes, etc. If they miss the medicines, it can lead to complications. It is important to communicate with the primary clinician to inquire about the dosage of medicines. Communicating with your primary physician can help monitor your parents’ health and act accordingly.
Spending quality time with the parents:
Even though you have a busy schedule, visit your parents. Spending quality time with parents can eliminate anxiety.
Maintaining a healthy diet:
Elderly parents must follow a balanced diet that nourishes their bodies. Eating healthy foods along with exercise can help manage lifestyle diseases. Unprocessed foods that contain saturated fat can increase cholesterol levels, which can predispose you to cardiovascular diseases. Hence, a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables must be followed.
Role of technology in healthcare management:
NRIs can ensure proper care for their loved one’s with the aid of the latest medical technologies. Innovative approaches like virtual platforms, health monitoring devices, etc., can provide convenience to elderly parents. Patients can get expert opinions from specialists, irrespective of their geographical location. Elderly parents can get a remote second opinion through telemedicine services. There are certain devices, like fitness trackers, that help monitor blood pressure.
With the help of alert systems, elderly patients can take medications at the right time.
When elderly parents are lonely for a long time, they experience social isolation. They also feel anxious and depressed. Online platforms have enabled them to communicate with their loved one’s through video calls that help in mitigating loneliness.
How to manage a medical emergency?
– Keep a list of contacts in your hometown, such as neighbors, family members, friends, primary doctor, etc.
– It is important to stay calm, as getting tense will only complicate the process. From a calm space, you can think clearly and take action.
– Keep a list of medications that your parents are taking. The drugs prescribed for heart disease, diabetes, etc., must be taken regularly. Emergencies can occur when parents forget to take the medicines.
– Medical bills can be costly, and parents get stressed regarding hospital payments. Tell them that health insurance will pay the expenses.
– Contact the ambulance service in case of a medical emergency that provides assisted services.
– Postoperative care must be provided after surgical procedures with the help of a caretaker.
Role of a second opinion in managing the healthcare of elderly parents:
A second opinion can play an important role in managing the healthcare of parents. An expert medical opinion can play an important role in confirming a diagnosis, providing alternative treatment strategies, and enhancing overall treatment outcomes. Elderly parents may not be comfortable with the invasive treatment procedures. Seeking a second opinion can provide minimally invasive procedures/conservative approaches.
If elderly parents are not comfortable traveling, it is possible to seek a remote second opinion from board-certified doctors that improves the prognosis.
Conclusion:
It can be challenging for NRIs to manage the healthcare of their parents from afar. Proper communication and technological advancement have ensured the safety of parents. Even though distance creates emotional challenges, NRIs can manage their family healthcare with the latest medical technologies.
Trusted platforms like My American Doctor connect patients with top specialists and get their medical advice without the need to travel. These services give people more belief in their treatment options, which ensures they receive the most effective care.
At My American Doctor, we put international patients in touch with the top U.S. doctors so that they can get skilled medical advice online. You or your loved one can get the best possible care through our platform, which gives you safe and easy access to top medical professionals. Don’t leave your loved one’s health to uncertainty—seek a second opinion today!
References:
- International Citizens Insurance. Healthcare System in India [Internet]. 2024 [cited 2025 Apr 1]. Available from: https://www.internationalinsurance.com/health/systems/india.php
- etimes.in. How technology has been kinder to the elderly [Internet]. The Times of India. 2024 [cited 2025 Apr 1]. Available from: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health-news/how-technology-has-been-kinder-to-the-elderly/articleshow/113507173.cms
- Samvedna Care. How can senior citizens deal with medical emergencies? [Internet]. 2024 [cited 2025 Apr 1]. Available from: https://www.samvednacare.com/blog/how-can-senior-citizens-deal-with-medical-emergencies/