How to manage the health of Visiting Parents from India?
Parents from India should get complete medical checkup before going abroad, get necessary blood work, and get enough meds for the entire trip.
If any medical issue arises after going abroad, try to find standalone clinics which are not part of a health system [private doctors who own their clinic].
Also get an Extra pair of eyeglasses, glucometer, hearing aids etc.
Don’t force elderly to drink more water after they come here unless you are sure it’s safe. For some patients, who have heart, kidney or liver diseases, too much water is harmful.
Get medical records along e.g. Urine culture and sensitivity results from India if someone is getting frequent urinary tract infections, extra dose of antibiotic that work [ask their family doctor in India] etc.
If someone is experiencing swelling in legs before coming to USA, et it checked to find the reason as some conditions causing swelling can be dangerous and some may be benign. Same way if someone is feeling dizzy, get the needed work up before coming here.
If they have Arthritis and pain, Tylenol will probably work.
Also, let the parents sleep well and don’t put them to stress by making them travel too much. Do not bring up stressful topics for discussion.
Some buy travel insurance. Travel insurance is a type of insurance that covers the costs and risks associated with travel. It can provide coverage for a wide range of events, including trip cancellations, medical emergencies, lost luggage, and other unexpected events that may disrupt your travel plans.
Here are some important points to consider when purchasing travel insurance:
- Determine your coverage needs: Think about what you want your travel insurance to cover. Do you need coverage for trip cancellations, medical emergencies, or both?
- Compare policies: Shop around and compare policies from different insurance providers to find the one that best meets your needs.
- Read the fine print: Carefully read the policy to understand what is and is not covered.
- Know the exclusions: Some policies may exclude certain events or circumstances from coverage, such as pre-existing medical conditions or high-risk activities.
- Consider the cost: Travel insurance can be expensive, so consider the cost of the policy against the potential risks and costs you may face on your trip.
- Purchase the policy early: It’s usually best to purchase your travel insurance as soon as you book your trip, as some policies may not cover events that occur before you purchase the policy.
- Keep a copy of the policy: Make sure to keep a copy of your policy with you while traveling in case you need to file a claim.
