Elder care services in India for NRIs compared (2026)

Care-manager services, health apps and WhatsApp check-in desks compared on what they do, what they cost and who they suit — with published prices as of September 2026.

Updated 2026-09-19 · Athnova Care care team

Three kinds of help

Care-manager services with people on the ground (home visits, emergency response).
Health record and reminder apps that the parent installs.
Check-in desks that work over WhatsApp and phone calls and arrange tests and refills with your approval.

Care-manager services

Examples include Emoha and Samarth. As published on their websites in September 2026, Emoha plans ranged from ₹1,999 to ₹10,999 a month and Samarth’s care plans from about ₹10,999 to ₹16,999 a month. They suit families who need regular in-person visits or complex care. Check coverage in your parent’s city and what "emergency response" includes.

Apps

Record and reminder apps are often free, but they depend on the parent installing, opening and typing into an app every day — which many older parents stop doing after a few weeks.

WhatsApp check-in desks

A daily message the parent answers with a tap, a phone call if they go quiet, and alerts to family. Tests, refills and teleconsults are arranged through partners. Athnova Care costs $24 a month. It suits families whose parents are independent but living alone or as a couple, and who want to know every day that things are fine. It does not replace in-person nursing care.

How to choose

Does your parent need hands-on help at home? Choose a care-manager service.
Is the main worry "we would not know if something happened"? A daily check-in desk covers that for much less.
Many families combine a daily check-in with an on-call nurse or physio visit only when needed.

Questions families ask

Is Athnova Care a replacement for a care manager?

No. It covers daily monitoring, alerts and coordination. If your parent needs regular hands-on care, use a care-manager or nursing service as well.

Related guides

Athnova Care tracks and coordinates care. It does not diagnose, prescribe or replace a doctor. In a medical emergency in India call 112.