Long Distance Caregiver for Parents in Mumbai

For some families, it is becoming more common for ageing parents to be left alone while their children live in another city, pursuing their education or career.

The challenge is, families do have the option to look after ageing parents from distant locations, if they can find the right kind of support, and ensure parents receive the help they need.

Below are some tips on how you can look after your parents if they're ageing, and in cities like Mumbai but away from you.
 

1. Determine What Your Parents Need Help With

Many seniors lead independent lives, and only require the help of a caregiver in certain cases. But to know what exactly to look for, you can start by understanding how much your parents can manage themselves, and what they need you to do.

Perhaps they could manage daily chores, but would benefit from having someone to accompany them to a shopping trip.

Or maybe they require assistance in eating, bathing, or getting dressed.

You could ask your parents what they struggle with and what kind of help they prefer. A simple list of duties could also help you get an idea of what kind of assistance your parents may need. This could include appointments with doctors, or any specific needs such as getting them to the store.
 

2. Set Up Reliable Local Support Services in Mumbai

There are a variety of support services that can help you look after your parents from a distance. The kind of service you would need would depend on what your parents require. In certain cases, a caregiver may be required to look after your parents full-time.

Caregiver support could include assistance with daily activities, a companion for conversations and outings, or help with ambulation if they have trouble walking or getting to the bathroom.

You could ask the agency about the caregiver's background checks, certifications, and the scope of their responsibilities, such as working hours and emergency response. You could also discuss the terms of the agreement, and what role you would have in your parents' care. For example, for a basic caregiver service, you may want to know what they do after completing errands.

MobiCrew provides mobility care and assistance for seniors and physically impaired individuals who need help getting around. You can find out more here.

Note: Mobility and companion care services differ from nursing services. In cases where medical supervision is required, it is best to consult your parent's physician and set up a formal nursing arrangement.
 

3. Establish Communication Channels

When you're away, it can be tempting to call your parents multiple times a day. However, for many seniors, constant communication can become a hindrance, or a cause for anxiety.

To avoid this, you can set up a communication schedule, such as a brief call everyday or weekly. If you have a companion, you can ask them to call you in case of any emergencies.

In addition to regular phone calls, you can also use video calling to see how your parents are coping.

Although video calls can give you an idea of what's going on at home, nothing beats an in-person examination when something seems wrong.

If you have a caregiver, you can ask them to report any concerns to you immediately.

When communicating with your parents, make sure to respect their boundaries and privacy. It's best to get their permission before involving any other family member or friend in their care.
 

4. Set Up An Emergency Response Plan

One of the hardest things about being away is not knowing what to do in case of an emergency. To prepare yourself and your parents, you should create a contingency plan in case of an emergency.

This plan should include a list of emergency contacts, such as family members, friends, or local authorities.

You should also make sure your parents know who to call in case of an emergency. In addition, you can store any relevant medical information, such as a list of medications and known allergies somewhere easily accessible. This is especially important in the case of natural disasters, where ambulances and private vehicles may not be able to reach your parents. You can also establish arrangements for getting your parents to the hospital, if necessary.

It's also a good idea to prepare a backup contact in case your primary caregiver becomes unavailable.

For emergencies, you can call the national emergency number 112.

Make sure your parents have access to a phone and know how to use it.
 

5. Make Their Lives Easier

There are many ways you can make your parent's life easier. For elderly or physically disabled people who live alone, small adjustments can make a significant difference.

Make sure that commonly used objects are within reach, floors are not slippery, and there are no obstacles that may cause tripping and falls. If your parents require medical equipment to get around, you can ask their physician if they require additional support or adjustments at home.

You can also make it easier for your parents to complete daily tasks. For example, you can set up grocery delivery services at their convenience, or make appointments with doctors and other specialists.

By removing obstacles from your parents' daily life, you can reduce the chances of accidents, injuries, and other incidents. As a result, you will have fewer things to worry about if you're away.

Above all, you should ensure that your parents feel comfortable and not burdened by your request. If you're looking for caregiver services for your parents in Mumbai, you can find a list of potential caregivers on MobiCrew.