If you live abroad and your parents or relatives are in Nigeria, you know the feeling. Your phone rings at an odd hour and your heart drops. You cannot be there, and you are not sure who to call. A little planning now makes those moments much easier.

Know their health picture

Write down your parent’s health conditions, the medicines they take (name and dose), any allergies, and the name of their regular doctor. Keep it in one shared note, and keep photos of recent test results and prescriptions. When something goes wrong, anyone helping can see the full picture quickly.

Choose one person on the ground

Pick a trusted relative, neighbour or friend who lives close by and can check in or go along to appointments. Make sure your parent agrees, and that everyone has each other’s phone numbers.

Build a simple routine

A regular call at the same time each week works better than only calling when there is a problem. Ask specific questions. Are they sleeping and eating well? Did they take their tablets today? If they have high blood pressure or diabetes, a home monitor lets them share their readings with you.

Have an emergency plan before you need one

Agree on which hospital to go to, how they will get there, and who will go with them. Set aside some money for emergencies, so no one has to scramble for it on the day. Keep the plan where the person on the ground can find it.

Make everyday care easy

Many older people skip check-ups because travelling and waiting at a clinic is tiring. A doctor they can speak to by video from home, at a time that suits them, makes it more likely that small problems are caught early.

How TelMD can help

Message us on WhatsApp and tell us about your parent. We will guide you to the right care, by video, or at home if they are in Lagos. Your parent will need to agree to share their health details with you, and we will always ask for that first.

Chat with a nurse on WhatsApp

This article is for general information and does not replace a visit to your doctor.