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As NRI children living abroad, managing your elderly parents’ health in India can be a challenging task. However, thanks to advancements in technology, you can now coordinate remote health monitoring to ensure their well-being without being physically present. This blog will guide you through the steps to set up and manage effective remote health monitoring solutions for your elderly parents, focusing on health tracking, suitable devices, and useful apps. Let’s dive in!
Remote health monitoring involves using technology to track and manage the health of individuals from a distance. This technology helps NRI children stay informed about their parents’ health status and ensures timely medical interventions. The primary components of remote health monitoring include health tracking devices, mobile apps, communication tools and concierge services that connect you with local healthcare professionals in India and help you coordinate care.
The first step in setting up remote health monitoring is selecting the appropriate devices for your parents. These devices help monitor vital signs, track physical activity, and manage medications. Some popular options include:
a. Wearable Health Trackers
Wearable health trackers are user-friendly devices that monitor various health metrics. These devices can track heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels, and physical activity. They also serve as a strong tool to encourage fitness through their gamification systems that encourage achievement of goals.
Top Choices:
- Fitbit: Fitbit offers a range of devices from basic to more advanced features. They all track heart rate, sleep patterns, and physical activity. Advanced models also offer a SpO2 sensor for blood oxygen level monitoring.
- Garmin: Offers heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and stress management features.
- Apple Watch : Includes ECG, blood oxygen monitoring, and an advanced fall detection feature.
A number of lower cost options exist on the market too, depending on what your budget is.
b. Blood Pressure Monitors
Blood pressure monitors are essential for tracking cardiovascular health. Opt for digital monitors that are easy to use and read. However, remember that digital monitors are sometimes a little less accurate than a manual BP machine. You can always opt for a manual BP check from time to time to validate your readings.
Top Choices:
- Omron Platinum Blood Pressure Monitor: Offers reasonably accurate readings and stores up to 100 readings.
- Withings BPM Connect: Syncs with a mobile app to track and store blood pressure readings.
c. Glucometers
If your parents have diabetes, or are at risk for it, a glucometer can help manage blood glucose levels. Glucometers, especially those connected to an app, help store and monitor readings on a consistent basis, thus helping with advice on the right medical intervention.
Top Choices:
- Accu-Chek Guide: Provides accurate glucose readings and offers an easy-to-read display.
- Contour Next One: Features a high-precision meter and a user-friendly app for tracking glucose levels.
Mobile apps complement health tracking devices by consolidating data and providing health insights. These apps enable NRI children to track their parents’ health data in real-time.
a. Health Monitoring Apps
Top Choices:
- MyFitnessPal: Tracks diet, exercise, and weight management.
- Google Fit: Monitors physical activity and integrates with various health devices.
- HealthifyMe: Offers diet plans, workout routines, and health tracking features.
b. Medication Management Apps
These apps help ensure your parents adhere to their medication schedules.
Top Choices:
- Medisafe: Reminds users to take medications and tracks adherence.
- Pharmallama: Provides pre-sorted medications and delivery services.
Effective remote health monitoring requires a reliable communication system to stay in touch with your parents and their healthcare providers.
a. Video Calling Platforms
Regular video calls allow you to check in with your parents and discuss health concerns with doctors.
Top Choices:
- Zoom: Offers high-quality video calls and screen sharing.
- WhatsApp: Provides video calls, voice calls, and text messaging.
b. Online Medical Consultation Services
Online consultation services connect you with doctors who can offer medical advice based on the data collected from health monitoring devices.
Top Choices:
- Practo: Offers online doctor consultations and health check-ups in India.
- Apollo 24/7: Provides virtual consultations, medication orders, and health tracking services.
A well-structured routine ensures that health data is consistently collected and reviewed. Here’s how you can set up an effective health monitoring routine:
a. Schedule Regular Check-Ins
Set up weekly or bi-weekly calls with your parents to review health data and address any issues. But do take care to balance these conversations out with day to day information about your own lives as well. Remember, you’re speaking with your parents, not an office colleague!
Tip: Use these calls to discuss any concerns with your parents and review the health data from the tracking devices.
b. Coordinate with Local Caregivers
Consider working with local caregivers or healthcare concierge companies. Keep your regular doctors and caregivers updated on health monitoring goals and device usage, and have them check in on your parents regularly in person.
Tip: Share health data reports with caregivers and ask for their observations and feedback.
Managing remote health monitoring can come with challenges. Here are some solutions:
a. Technical Issues
Ensure your parents are comfortable using health tracking devices and apps. Provide clear instructions and offer technical support.
Tip: Create a step-by-step guide for using the devices and apps, and establish a contact for technical support.
b. Ensuring Device Accuracy
Regularly check that health monitoring devices are functioning correctly and providing accurate readings.
Tip: Schedule periodic device checks and calibrations, and consult with local healthcare professionals if needed.
For a more comprehensive and managed approach, consider using professional healthcare concierge services.
Nila Cares offers personalised healthcare concierge services for NRI children, providing in-home care, health monitoring, organizing healthcare appointments, medication, examinations and more.
Conclusion
Coordinating remote health monitoring for your elderly parents in India may seem daunting, but with the right tools and strategies, it is entirely manageable. By selecting the right health tracking devices, utilizing effective apps, establishing a strong communication system, and setting up a reliable monitoring routine, you can ensure your parents receive the best possible care.
