Senior citizens and older adults who have access to telehealth technology – and it’s as easy as opening a browser window on a computer, tablet or telephone – are able to talk with a health care provider in the privacy and safety of their homes. The benefits of telehealth for seniors cannot be denied and became even more crucial to good health during the pandemic and its ongoing concerns.
Access to a doctor through telehealth provides benefits for older adults that include:
- A video visit gives your doctor the opportunity for a face-to-face conversation without having to wear a mask during the visit.
- You stay safer because you’re not exposed to other people and potentially contagious conditions.
- A video visit gives your doctor or healthcare provider a glimpse into the way you live. That may not seem like a benefit to an older adult, but if you’re struggling with upkeep in your home, a healthcare provider may recommend an in-home service. For older adults looking to age in place, in-home care may make that possible.
- The biggest benefit, besides protecting yourself from potential illnesses from other patients in a waiting room, is not having to leave your home and arrange transportation to the office.
- There are no barriers to what you can discuss with your physician during your telehealth visit. If you have a physical concern that may need further exploration, your doctor may determine you need to schedule an in-person appointment or refer you to another healthcare provider. You’re not going to miss out on any care you need by using telehealth.
If you have access to technology or a friend or family member who does, you can reap the benefits of telehealthcare. Keep in mind that the term “telehealth” can be an all-encompassing term and may include virtual visits, video conferencing with a doctor or nurse and remote patient monitoring through a wearable device.
Benefits of telehealth for seniors
Advances in medical care mean we are living longer, and with longevity comes the propensity for chronic illnesses including:
- COPD
- Heart failure
- Diabetes
- And others
An older adult who has a chronic condition that requires ongoing care can benefit from telehealth services because it could cut down on in-person office visits. Chronic conditions may require more frequent visits and telehealth lets you get care remotely.
Telehealth also reduces caregiver burnout.
Many older adults rely on care provided by a loved one, a spouse, child, grandchild or in-home health aid. If you rely on family for care, telehealth may be a welcome relief because they won’t have to take time off work or arrange care for their own children.
If this is your first time participating in a telehealth visit, here are some tips to help you get the most out of the time with your healthcare provider:
- Make sure the lighting in the room is bright enough that the doctor can see you clearly.
- Practice with the technology and software prior to the meeting. You want to make sure the camera and microphone are operational and that you can get into the telehealth appointment. Your doctor’s office may even offer a “test run” if you ask them.
- Be in a private, quiet area in your home when you’re in the telehealth appointment. Turn the television off, keep the dogs quiet and choose a place that allows you to fully focus on your visit.
- Have your prescriptions at hand so you don’t have to try and remember what medications and doses you’re on.
- You may need to give insurance information and/or pay for the visit, so have your insurance cards and payment method available.
- Make a list of the questions and concerns you want to bring up with your doctor. Don’t leave your concerns to memory.
- Have a pen and paper with you so you can write down notes and comments from your doctor during the visit.
While there is a myriad of benefits to using telehealth, there will still be times when it’s necessary to pay a visit to your doctor in her or her office, but if your physician provides telehealth visits, it may be worth trying it out.
come home to our quaint community, where the staff feels and acts like family, everybody knows your name and the service is impeccable. Here, you’re part of the American House family, where our 40-year history of caring for seniors shows in the way we treat our residents.
Benefits of telehealth for seniors
We’ve combined our compassion for seniors with the latest technology to keep residents safe and healthy. Behind the scenes, our state-of-the-art safety and wellness monitoring system, Rythmos® from Intrex, remotely monitors our community’s security and our residents’ wellness. Residents will have peace of mind with a personal emergency response pendant that automatically detects falls and can pinpoint their location. For those requiring management of acute or chronic conditions, advanced remote patient monitoring is also available, enabling residents to safely maintain their independence. For our memory care units, Rythmos® provides monitoring to guard against unsafe wandering outside the community.
We offer the best of both worlds − a comfortable, friendly atmosphere and an innovative safety and wellness platform. We invite you to come to see for yourself what we’re all about! *Monitored by a third party.
Contact an American House Senior Living Community near you and take a tour.
American House was founded in 1979 to enrich the lives of seniors and their loved ones in an environment that fosters independence, compassion, quality services and meaningful relationships. We provide a wide range of senior living options, including independent living, independent living with assistance, memory care services provided by a third party, respite stays and hospice in Dearborn Heights, Farmington Hills, Rochester Hills, Sterling Heights and Westland.
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