What can NRI care-givers do for their loved ones here?

NRIs across the world face a unique problem--taking care of their loved ones in India. The attendant challenges of long-distance care-giving are many. What can members of the Indian diaspora do for their loved ones? Scheduling visits at the time of a medical crisis such as a surgery or the worsening condition of a loved one, is always at the top of the agenda of family members who live afar. Lending emotional support is always one of the most important priorities, but there are many ways of care-giving. For instance, family members often try to ensure that there is some help, preferably a nurse or para medic to attend to their loved one. Such an arrangement also helps in tracking the condition of the patient on a day-to-day basis. Today, in a globalized context, it is much simpler to keep track of medical records and bills no matter where the family members are.

In the days of face-time, skype and video calls, it is much easier to keep in touch with family and friends and stay on top of the situation while being located in another country. Importantly, matters related to property and finances have to be discussed among family members and sorted out with the full knowledge of the loved one. All key decisions must have the consent of the loved one who is being attended to. Do not forget to plan for emergencies. This is one critical aspect of long-distance care-giving.

While the diagnosis and line of treatment should be left to specialists, it is good to keep oneself informed about the ailment. It also helps to a very large extent in learning about what the patient is going through. Moreover, these days, it is possible to check medical records and test results online. Having a geriatric specialist, a service which many cities in India offer today, would be of great help.

Even if one is thousands of miles away from one's loved ones, it is possible to reach out to them and address the challenges of long-distance care-giving in the world we live in today.

By Prof Y Satyanarayana