6 Effective Strategies for NRI Children to Support Their Parents’ Mental Health in India

Supporting the mental health of elderly parents from abroad is a challenge that many NRI children face. However, despite the distance, there are several effective strategies you can use to ensure that your parents’ mental and emotional well-being is maintained. In this blog, we’ll explore six practical approaches for supporting your elderly parents’ mental health in India even from a distance, focusing on emotional care, virtual counselling, and mental wellness programs.

1. Establish a Routine for Regular Communication

One of the simplest yet most effective ways to support your parents’ mental health is through consistent and meaningful communication. Regular contact helps bridge the distance and shows that you care about their well-being.

Why It Matters: Regular communication helps reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation, which are common among elderly individuals. It also provides you with an opportunity to gauge their mental and emotional state and offer support.

• Schedule Regular Calls: Set up weekly video or phone calls at a time that works best for both you and your parents. Aim for consistency to help them feel connected. Encourage and organise calls with your extended family as often as possible. 
• Be Present: Use these calls to listen actively to their concerns, share updates about your life, and engage in meaningful conversations. 
• Video Platforms: Use platforms like Zoom, WhatsApp, or Google Meet for video calls. These tools offer easy-to-use interfaces and features that support face-to-face interaction.

2. Encourage Participation in Virtual Mental Wellness Programs

Virtual mental wellness programs offer a range of services designed to improve mental health. These programs can be a great resource for your parents to access mental health support from the comfort of their home.

Why It Matters: These programs provide structured support for mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and stress, which are common among senior citizens. These issues often lead to physiological issues such as hypertension and heart issues as well.

• Find Reputable Programs: Look for online mental wellness programs or apps specifically designed for elderly individuals. 
• Introduce Mindfulness Apps: Apps like Headspace or Calm offer guided meditation and mindfulness exercises that can help your parents manage stress and improve their mood.
• Explore Local Options: In Mumbai, Chennai, and Bangalore, you can find local therapists and wellness programs that offer virtual sessions specifically tailored to senior citizens.

3. Facilitate Engagement in Local Community Activities

Community engagement helps your parents stay socially active and mentally stimulated. Encouraging participation in local community activities can provide them with a sense of purpose and belonging.

Why It Matters: Social interaction and mental stimulation are key components of mental health. Community activities can reduce feelings of loneliness and provide opportunities for meaningful engagement.

• Research Local Senior Clubs: Look for senior citizen clubs or community centres in and around your home that offer social events, hobby classes, and support groups. Large societies often have several activities going on at the same time.
• Suggest Online Groups: Encourage your parents to join online groups or forums for seniors. Platforms like Facebook have numerous groups where they can connect and engage with others. Such platforms could also be used to discover events with like minded people. 
• Coordinate with Local Caregivers: If you have local caregivers, ask them to help your parents get involved in community activities and provide transportation if necessary. Local caregiving services such as Nila also offer a dedicated concierge service to help with companionship. 

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4. Encouraging a Regular Meditation Practice

Meditation and breathing exercises practised regularly are powerful tools to build up emotional wellness. They can instil a sense of calm and peace. However, these can only be built through consistency and practice. 

Why it matters: At a time when there is an increasing number of distractions in the form of social media and phones, combined with chronic health ailments, it’s increasingly important to find ways to bring internal stability. Meditation or breathing exercises can provide this, in addition to being part of a reliable routine. 

• Engage a Coach: One of the best ways to build a practice is to have someone following up and guiding you through the process on a regular basis. For your elderly parents, a meditation coach, either online or in person, would add immense value and ensure the continuity of the pratice.
• Suggest Community Meditation: Identify community health centres or groups that practise meditation in your city where your parents could attend in person a few times a month to strengthen the habit. Local caregivers or concierge services can help identify these and help make it easy for your parents to travel to and from.  
• Participate with them: Set up weekly meditation sessions as a family using video conferencing tools. Participating with your parents in the practice would help them remain consistent and help you build a valuable practice too.
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5. Set Up Virtual Health Check-ins with Mental Health Professionals

Virtual health check-ins with mental health professionals provide your parents with access to professional support and counselling services.

Why It Matters: Regular mental health check-ins with a professional can help identify issues early and provide therapeutic support to manage mental health conditions.

• Arrange Online Therapy Sessions: Services like Nila Cares can help organise virtual counselling and health management services for the elderly. This can be a convenient way for your parents to receive professional mental health support.
• Consult Local Therapists: You can also arrange for local therapists in a number of cities across India to provide in-person counselling sessions for your parents.
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6. Create a Comprehensive Mental Health and Wellness Plan

A well-structured mental health and wellness plan ensures that all aspects of your parents’ mental well-being are addressed. This plan should include regular activities, health check-ups, and mental wellness practices.

Why It Matters: A comprehensive plan helps manage your parents’ mental health proactively and ensures that they have the support they need for their emotional well-being.

• Develop a Wellness Schedule: Create a weekly or monthly schedule that includes activities like exercise, social interactions, and relaxation practices.
• Include Regular Medical Check-Ups: Ensure that your parents have regular appointments with their healthcare providers to address any mental health concerns.
• Share Resources: Provide your parents with resources for mental health support, including helplines, support groups, and wellness apps.

Managing your parents’ mental health from abroad can be challenging, but Nila offers a range of services designed to support NRI children in providing comprehensive care for their elderly parents. From arranging virtual health consultations to organizing local community activities and wellness programs, Nila Cares can help bridge the gap between you and your parents in India.

Explore more about how Nila Cares can support your family’s needs at www.nilacares.com.
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Conclusion

Supporting your elderly parents’ mental health from abroad requires a thoughtful and proactive approach. By establishing regular communication, encouraging participation in virtual mental wellness programs, facilitating community engagement, setting up virtual health check-ins, and creating a comprehensive wellness plan, you can ensure that your parents receive the emotional and mental support they need.

For a more personalized solution, Nila Cares offers specialized healthcare concierge services for NRI families, helping you manage your parents’ health and well-being effectively from anywhere in the world.

Discover how Nila Cares can assist you and your parents by visiting www.nilacares.com.