Why Families Prefer Doctor at Home Services for Elderly Care


Taking care of our parents and grandparents is one of the biggest responsibilities for Indian families. As our loved ones grow older, regular hospital visits can become a challenge. Long queues, traffic in cities, and the physical strain of travelling can be really tough for senior citizens. This is where the concept of Doctor at Home services is changing the game.

Across Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Ahmedabad and Surat, more and more families are now choosing home healthcare services. In fact, according to a NITI Aayog report, India’s home healthcare industry is growing at more than 19% every year, with elderly care being one of the biggest drivers.

Current Scenario of Elderly Care in India

India is one of the fastest-ageing countries in the world. As per the Longitudinal Ageing Study of India (LASI) 2021, our country already has more than 140 million senior citizens, and this number will cross 190 million by 2031.

Some common health issues faced by elderly in India include:

  • Hypertension (high blood pressure) – affects nearly 32% of seniors

  • Diabetes – nearly 1 in 4 elderly Indians suffer from it

  • Arthritis and joint pains – seen in over 45% of those above 60

  • Heart diseases, breathing issues, and dementia

For many families in cities like Surat or Ahmedabad, taking their elderly parents to hospitals regularly is not only time-consuming but also physically exhausting for the patient. This is why families now prefer Doctor at Home services for regular check-ups, monitoring, and even emergency care.

What is Doctor at Home Service?

In simple terms, Doctor at Home means a qualified medical professional visiting the patient’s home for consultation, treatment, or follow-up.

  • You can book a doctor through apps like Practo, mfine, or through hospital websites.

  • Many hospitals in Surat and Ahmedabad have also started their own Doctor at Home programmes.

  • It’s different from teleconsultation because the doctor physically visits and checks vitals, prescribes medicines, and sometimes even performs minor procedures at home.

Why Families Prefer Doctor at Home for Elderly Care

Convenience & Comfort

No more struggling with traffic or waiting for hours in crowded OPDs. Seniors can now get checked while sitting comfortably at home.

Personalised Attention

In hospitals, a doctor sometimes sees 20–30 patients in a few hours. At home, the same doctor can spend more time, listen carefully, and provide customised advice.

Reduced Risk of Hospital Infections

For elderly patients with low immunity, hospital visits increase the risk of catching infections. A Doctor at Home service reduces this exposure.

Emergency Support at Home

For sudden health issues like high BP, sugar drop, or breathlessness, a quick home visit can make all the difference until hospitalisation is arranged.

Cost-Effective Alternative

While an OPD visit may cost ₹400–₹800, families also spend extra on travel, waiting, and sometimes unnecessary tests. A doctor at Home in Surat or Ahmedabad usually costs around ₹700–₹1500, which many families find worth the convenience.

Family Peace of Mind

For working professionals, knowing that a doctor is checking their parents at home gives peace of mind. It also builds trust because everything happens in front of family members.

Types of Doctor at Home Services for the Elderly in India

  • General Physician at Home – for fever, cough, infections, regular health monitoring

  • Specialist at Home – cardiologists, diabetologists, or orthopaedics for chronic conditions

  • Post-Surgery Follow-ups – wound dressing, suture removal, recovery monitoring

  • Palliative Care at Home – for bedridden or terminally ill patients

  • Home Health Packages – regular monthly visits + lab tests at home

Popular Cities Offering Doctor at Home Services in India

This service is no longer limited to metros. Families across India are now using it.

  • Delhi NCR – multiple home healthcare brands

  • Mumbai & Pune – high demand due to senior citizen population

  • Chennai & Bangalore – large network of home doctors

  • Ahmedabad & Surat – increasing preference for Doctor at Home due to rising elderly population and busy lifestyle of families

So if you’re looking for the Best Doctor in Surat for your elderly parents, you don’t always need to rush to hospitals. Many trusted doctors now visit homes for routine check-ups.

Cost of Doctor at Home Services in India

Here’s a quick idea of charges:

  • General physician visit: ₹700–₹1200 per visit

  • Specialist visit (cardiologist/orthopaedic): ₹1200–₹2000

  • Monthly elderly care packages: ₹3000–₹6000 depending on frequency

When compared to repeated hospital visits, ambulance costs, and travel, families often find this service economical.

How to Book a Doctor at Home in India

Families in India have multiple options:

  • Hospital websites (Apollo HomeCare, Max@Home, Zydus Home Healthcare)

  • Private providers like Portea, Care24, Nightingales

  • Apps like Practo, mfine, Lybrate

  • Local clinics offering home visits

In cities like Surat, some of the Best Doctors are now available for home visits through both online booking and direct calls.

Challenges & Limitations of Doctor at Home Services

Of course, it’s not a complete replacement for hospitals.

  • Advanced equipment is not always available at home

  • Emergency cases may still require hospital admission

  • Availability of specialists may be limited in smaller cities

But despite these, most families say that Doctor at Home services are a blessing for regular elderly care.

Future of Elderly Care with Doctor at Home Services in India

The home healthcare market in India is expected to reach $21 billion by 2027. With rising adoption of telemedicine, wearable health devices, and AI-based monitoring, future elderly care will be more home-focused.

For cities like Surat and Ahmedabad, where many families live in joint setups and take active responsibility for parents, the demand for Doctor at Home services is only going to increase.

Conclusion

Indian families are increasingly realising that Doctor at Home is not just about convenience but also about dignity, safety, and better quality of life for our elders. Whether you’re in Mumbai, Chennai, or looking for the Best Doctor in Surat, home healthcare is becoming the go-to choice for elderly care.

It’s affordable, comfortable, and above all – it gives our parents and grandparents the respect and personal care they deserve, right in the comfort of their home.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

How Home Doctors Support Mental Health in the Elderly

Common Medical Emergencies Handled at Home in India

How Can I Arrange Regular Home Doctor Visits for My Parents in India?