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3 Things to Do if You’re Travelling Abroad and Leaving Your Elderly Parents at Home Alone

Lifestyle

Travelling abroad can be both exciting and stressful, especially when you’re leaving your elderly parents at home alone. While it’s natural to feel concerned about their well-being in your absence, with proper planning and proactive measures, you can ensure their safety and comfort while you’re away. Whether it’s for work or leisure, taking these three steps will give you peace of mind and keep your parents secure and happy.

1. Organise Care and Support Systems

Leaving your elderly parents without proper support can lead to unnecessary stress for both you and them. Here’s what you can do:

Hire a Professional Caregiver or Companion: If your parents require help with daily tasks, having a professional caregiver can be valuable. Caregivers ensure that their daily routine goes uninterrupted and can reduce feelings of loneliness.
Ask a Trusted Friend or Relative to Check In: If hiring a caregiver isn’t an option, ask a trusted neighbour, relative or family friend to check in on your parents regularly to ensure they’re doing well and have everything they need.
Plan Emergency Support: Keep emergency contacts, such as nearby friends, family members and healthcare providers, readily available for your parents. Ensure they have access to a phone and can easily reach out for help if needed.

2. Ensure Safety at Home

A safe and secure environment is essential, especially when seniors are left home alone. Take steps to minimise risks:

Conduct a Home Safety Check: Check that all appliances are in good working condition and that emergency lights are available in case of power outages.
Install Security Systems: Consider setting up home security cameras and a monitoring system so you can keep an eye on your home remotely.
Provide Easy Access to Essentials: Organise their medicines, groceries and other daily essentials in easy-to-reach places. If your trip is longer, arrange for regular deliveries of fresh groceries or supplies.

3. Stay Connected Regularly

Even if you’re miles away, staying in touch with your elderly parents is vital to reassure them and address their concerns.

Schedule Daily Calls or Video Chats: Make it a routine to check in with your parents daily via phone or video call. This keeps them emotionally connected to you and reassures them of your care.
Leave a Detailed Itinerary: Share your travel plans, including your contact details, hotel information and flight schedules, with your parents so they can reach you in case of an emergency.

Bonus Tip: Pre-Arrange Services with ElderAid

ElderAid services are available in Bangalore, Hyderabad/Secunderabad, Chennai and Palakkad. If you’re planning to leave your elderly parents alone at home, ElderAid’s Care Managers and professional caregiver services can help bridge the gap. From assistance with daily activities, to accompanied doctor’s visits, and even providing emotional companionship, ElderAid offers personalised care plans to ensure your parents are well-supported while you’re away.