Hiring help at home for an elderly parent: a simple guide for families
Many families in Chennai have parents living alone while children work in another city or abroad. Small things — a hospital visit, a haircut, daily company — become hard. This guide covers the kinds of help you can book at home, the questions to ask first, and how to stay in touch even when you are far away.
The kinds of help you can book
| Help | What it covers | Usually charged |
|---|---|---|
| Day caregiver | Company, meals, medicines, short walks, help to the bathroom | By the hour |
| Hospital visits | Going with your parent to appointments and the lab | By the hour |
| Physiotherapy at home | Exercises for back, knee and balance; recovery after surgery | Per session |
| Haircut and grooming | Haircut, shave or beard trim at home | Per person |
| Home cleaning | A deep clean so the home stays safe and tidy | Fixed price |
| Small repairs | Grab bars, lights, leaking taps, fans | Price after visit |
Not sure how a repair is priced? Read how “final price after visit” works.
Start small
Your parent may not want a stranger at home every day. Start with something easy — a weekly hospital visit, or two hours of company in the afternoon. Once they are comfortable, add more.
Questions to ask before you book
Use Enquire on the listing to ask the provider before you book. Good questions:
- How long have you cared for elderly people? Any training?
- Have you looked after someone with diabetes, BP or memory problems?
- Which languages do you speak? (Tamil, English, Hindi…)
- Can you check BP and sugar, and note the readings?
- What will you not do? (Some caregivers don’t give injections or lift people.)
- Can we meet once, with my parent, before a longer booking?
The same approach works when you hire a tutor — see 8 questions to ask a home tutor.
Staying in touch from far away
- Book from your own phone. You can place the order and pay, even if you live in another city.
- Ask for updates in chat. A short message after each visit — readings, meals, mood.
- Keep a neighbour or relative informed about who is coming and when.
- Leave a written list of medicines, doctors’ numbers and emergency contacts at home.
Keep it safe
- Always pay through Brouz — never in cash or by direct transfer. Your money is held until the work is done.
- Keep valuables and cards locked away.
- Tell your parent the provider’s name and the booking time in advance.
- If something feels wrong, stop the booking and contact Brouz from the app.
Read Your money is safe to see how payments are protected.
In short
- Start small — one service, a few hours a week.
- Ask about experience, and meet once before a long booking.
- Book hourly help so you only pay for the time you need.
- Use the in-app chat for updates.
- Pay through Brouz, so your money is protected.
Questions families ask
Can I book for my parent if I live outside Chennai?
Yes. Book and pay from your own Brouz account and choose your parent’s area. Share the booking details with your parent and a nearby relative.
Do caregivers on Brouz give medical treatment?
Caregivers help with daily life — company, meals, reminders and simple checks. For medical care, book a physiotherapist or speak to a doctor. Always ask a provider what they can and can’t do.
What if my parent doesn’t like the caregiver?
Book a short trial first. If it doesn’t work, you can book someone else. Cancellation rules are shown on the order before you pay.
