How to support your aging parents’ health: A guide for NRIs

Living abroad comes with responsibilities, and one of the biggest is worrying about your parents’ health back home.

Whether you’re in the US, UK, UAE, or anywhere else, checking in regularly is tough due to time zones, work, and distance.

But the good news is you can still care for their health without being physically present every day.

The common health issues aging parents face

As your parents grow older, they’re more likely to deal with:

• Blood pressure and diabetes

• Joint pain and mobility issues

• Forgetting to take medicines

• Missed doctor visits

• Loneliness and emotional stress

These are manageable but only with consistent support.

How NRIs can support their parents’ health

You don’t need to do everything yourself. Just make sure the right systems are in place.

1. Set up digital health tools

• Use apps that track BP, sugar, and medicine reminders

• Choose tools where you can get reports remotely

• Try apps like Seht that let you manage their health from anywhere

2. Create a family health calendar

• Schedule doctor visits and health checkups in advance

• Mark reminders for vaccines, tests, or therapy sessions

• Use Google Calendar or healthcare apps with sharing options

3. Assign a local support system

• Hire a nurse or caregiver for daily check-ins

• Have a trusted relative or neighbor stay in the loop

• Keep emergency contacts updated and shared with them

4. Stay in touch about their health

• Make quick video calls weekly, ask how they’re feeling

• Don’t just ask “How are you?” ask specifics like sleep, food, energy

• Encourage them to open up about their health problems

5. Get annual health checkups done

• Book a full-body test once a year

• Choose hospitals that send digital reports

• Make sure follow-ups happen and results are understood

6. Talk about mental health too

• Loneliness and anxiety are common

• Keep them socially engaged, suggest hobbies, classes, or even senior groups

• Let them know you’re there emotionally, not just financially

Final thoughts: A little effort goes a long way

Caring for your aging parents while living abroad isn’t easy, but it’s not impossible either. With a mix of tech, time, and teamwork, you can make sure their health doesn’t get ignored.

Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Seht helps families stay informed but is not a substitute for professional healthcare guidance.

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