Telehealth for Elderly Adults

There is an old saying that says “March comes in like a lion and out like a lamb.” March of 2020 came in like a lion, but we are still patiently waiting for the lamb to emerge and it’s already April! Like the roar of the lion, the roar of the COVID-19 virus has dominated our news, our minds, and our everyday lives. We are diligently working together through social distancing, protective practices, and common-sense measures to halt the spread of the coronavirus so we can resume our normal way of life. Senior citizens, especially those with chronic health conditions and compromised immune systems, are in the highest risk group for contracting the coronavirus and other contagious illnesses such as the flu or viral pneumonia. How can we protect our vulnerable aging population and keep them as safe as possible? There is a way to keep our senior safe using new technological developments. Let’s familiarize ourselves with the new way of accessing health services while minimizing the health risks our elderly patients face every day.

Telehealth Services for Elderly Adults

What exactly is telehealth for the elderly?

Telehealth for seniors offers elderly people the opportunity to access a variety of health services using digital communication technologies.
Telehealth provides patient care through secure video visits with doctors and other medical professionals.
Telehealth services for seniors can minimize risks of exposure to contagious illnesses by utilizing remote technology for many of their healthcare needs.
Accessing remote assistance for healthcare services can eliminate long waits in crowded emergency rooms or doctor’s offices.
Patients can request and receive patient care instruction, medical services, health, and wellness information, and telemedicine advice form the comfort of their own home.
Patients can utilize video, audio, and instant messaging from their homes to confer with physicians and other medical professionals.
Telehealth services provide consumers with two-way interactive services between patients, caregivers, and their healthcare providers.

What are some of the other benefits of telehealth services?

Patients can save on travel expenses to and from the physician’s office.
Caregivers can also benefit from the technology. They can listen in, ask questions, and help the elderly patient follow through with instructions given by the doctor.
Telehealth services may lower the cost of care.
You will have more flexibility and convenience when you choose telehealth services.
Telehealth services are safe and reliable and will keep your health information private and secure.

What is the difference between telehealth and telemedicine for seniors?

Telehealth services include a wider variety of services in addition to the doctor-patient remote communication. Telehealth services can include remote connections with nurses, therapists, pharmacists, social workers, grief counselors, healthcare educators, and other professionals who might be helpful to the elderly consumer.
Telemedicine for elderly consumers is defined as a remote communication system that supports diagnostic testing, labs, treatment choices, patient progress, and follow-ups. These treatments are most often ordered by the doctor or other specialists who are involved in the patient’s case and plan of care.

So, as you can see, there are many ways telehealth services can be beneficial to you or your loved one. Telehealth services will save you a trip to the doctor’s office, the expense involved in getting there, and the hassle of parking once you arrive. You won’t have to spend your time in a crowded waiting room or expose yourself to other illnesses. Telemedicine makes it easy to access specialists, especially if the specialist is not nearby. As more people have access to technology, telehealth, and telemedicine services are becoming mainstream. Talk to your physician’s office today about on-line chats with the doctor and the benefits of virtual appointments. For additional information about telehealth services, click here.