The Overseas Pakistani's Guide to Managing Parents' Healthcare Back Home
As overseas Pakistanis, we often grapple with the challenge of ensuring our parents receive quality healthcare back home. This guide offers practical strategies to manage your parents' health from afar, addressing the unique needs of our community.
Understanding the Challenge
Many of us have experienced the emotional tug-of-war between building our lives abroad and caring for aging parents in Pakistan. The stark contrast in healthcare systems can be a source of constant worry, as we've witnessed more advanced medical infrastructure in our adopted countries.
Key Strategies
1. Build a Reliable Support Network
Create a WhatsApp group with relatives or trusted friends living near your parents to coordinate updates and assistance.
Assign specific roles, such as checking in weekly or accompanying your parents to doctor appointments.
Reach out to local organizations like https://eldersclub.pk/, neighborhood welfare groups, or nearby mosques for elder support programs.
Check platforms like Pakistan Senior Citizen Association (Ph: +92-21-5653261-3) or similar groups for elder care services.
2. Leverage Technology
Regular Video Calls: Schedule daily check-ins using apps like WhatsApp or Skype to stay connected and monitor their well-being. Some people have Amazon ECHO which can offer free video to video streaming as long as your parents and you all children have ECHO devices. Apple has similar facetime options.
Health Monitoring Apps: Equip your parents with devices that track vital signs and send real-time data to you. Fitbit, Smartwatches are a great way to do this. Equip parents with devices like the Omron Platinum Blood Pressure Monitor (if you are in the US, you can use this link) or the Accu-Chek Guide Glucometer (link).
Emergency Alert Systems: Install systems that can alert local authorities and family members in case of falls or health emergencies. In Karachi, if you do not have standby generator or UPS, some of these devices can be tricky since internet is a requirement. For example, once you have your UPS system in place or a generator on standby, this device is available on Amazon that you can buy and set it up in your next trip to Pakistan.
3. Arrange Professional Care
Hire Local Health Care Services: Many providers in Pakistan offer nursing and caregiving services that can be customized to your parents' needs. Just google senior care near me and you will find dozens of options. Sehat Kahani also has home care services and offerings. Aga Khan Hospital also has home visits by doctors or telehealth visit programs. Aga Khan Home Service appointment number is 021 111 911 911. Human-Healthcare.com is a more expensive option at 100$/month where expert doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, nutritionist, psychologist work closely with US based consultants to provide home based primary care service to your parents. From medications to commute are all included in their package. Subscribing to Human-Healthcare.com is also an option for those who want to top tier medical care for their parents in Karachi. For many people, it may be expensive.
Regular Health Check-ups: Coordinate with local hospitals or clinics to arrange routine appointments. This is one area that you can not let your parents deal with it by themselves. We see so many families go through shocks and surprises that could have been prevented. Obviously, as our parents age, death will find them, just like it will chase all of us eventually. However, having a preventive health visit provides so many benefits that are hard to summarize here. Human-Healthcare.com is the only subscription based service currently where you are comprehensively covered for doctor and nurse visits. You do not have to worry about visits but their physician led team takes responsibility of your parent's health. All routine as well as urgent visits are covered. For all other services mentioned above, you have to pay for every service every time.
4. Manage Finances and Insurance
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Open a joint bank account in your parents’ name to facilitate easy access to funds for medical expenses.
Create a separate emergency fund for unexpected healthcare needs.
In Pakistan, Jubilee has parent insurance. There are various other insurance options available.
Travel: For parents visiting Canada, explore Super Visa Insurance (link) for long-term medical coverage.
Travel: If in the US, consider short-term travel health insurance for visitors like VisitorsCoverage (link).
Although Human-Healthcare.com does not have insurance, but they do cover a lot of care needs in their 100$/month package including medications, imaging, vaccines, physio visits, and annual checkups.
5. Plan for Emergencies
Emergency Travel Fund: Use budgeting apps like YNAB (You Need A Budget) to set aside a dedicated fund for sudden trips home.
Power of Attorney: Assign a Power of Attorney to a trusted family member. Platforms like LegalZoom (link) can guide you in creating the document.
6. Utilize Innovative Platforms
Explore services like Human-HealthCare.com, which offers doorstep healthcare services and access to international medical experts.
7. Consider Visits and Relocation
Regular Visits: Plan trips home during key holidays or medical check-ups to personally assess your parents’ health and needs.
Explore Visa Options:
For parents visiting Canada, apply for a Super Visa (link).
For the US, explore options like B-2 Visitor Visa (link) for short-term stays.
Conclusion
Managing your parents' healthcare from abroad requires a multi-faceted approach. By combining technology, local support, and professional services, we can ensure our loved ones receive the care they deserve. Remember, you're not alone in this journey - many in our community face similar challenges, and together, we can find innovative solutions to support our parents' well-being. You can WhatsApp us at +1 3199363574 if you need free advice on any healthcare issue back home.
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