Looking after ageing parents? Compare elder care services, costs and key questions to ask

India's senior population is growing rapidly, while many children now live in different cities or overseas. As a result, professional elder care services are becoming an option for families who need help with medical care, daily assistance, emergency support and regular updates about their parents' well-being.

Most elder care providers offer customised services based on an individual's needs. These may include companionship, medication management, doctor appointments, hospital visits, physiotherapy, dementia care, nursing support, grocery shopping, bill payments, emergency assistance and regular health monitoring. Families can choose individual services or comprehensive care plans.

Costs vary depending on the level of care required. Subscription plans may start from around ₹2,999 per month and go up to ₹19,999 per month. More specialised services can cost significantly more—for example, one dementia care plan costs around ₹23,999 per month, while full-time assisted care can cost about ₹68,000 per month.

Not every caregiver has medical training. According to industry experts, a home attendant charging less than ₹1,000 a day is generally not a certified nurse. A professionally qualified nurse typically charges ₹1,600-₹1,800 or more for a 12-hour shift, depending on the location and care required.

Before hiring an elder care company, ask whether it is registered and licensed, whether caregivers undergo police verification, how emergencies are handled, whether care plans are personalised, if nursing staff are certified, how often family updates are shared and whether client references can be provided.

Most organised providers create a detailed medical profile, assign a dedicated care manager and maintain emergency contacts for family members. Depending on the company, updates may be shared through email, mobile apps, phone calls or video calls, while hospital coordination is managed whenever required.

Many providers offer fixed monthly subscription plans, but experts say customised services are often a better fit because every family has different needs. Some seniors may only need companionship, while others require regular medical supervision, dementia care or full-time nursing assistance.

Beyond comparing prices, check the provider's credentials, verify caregiver qualifications, understand emergency procedures, ask about communication frequency and speak to existing clients wherever possible. Taking these steps can help ensure your parents receive reliable care and give you greater peace of mind.