In 2020, telehealth became the convenient way for patients to meet with their providers online when social distancing was necessary. Even though healthcare has returned to caring for patients in person, telehealth still plays a vital role in delivering care, especially to seniors. It expands the possibilities of healthcare, such as enabling seniors to manage complex conditions, access care when needed, and reduce the burden on their caregivers. Telehealth has truly revolutionized the healthcare industry with these benefits for older adults:
1. Convenient Access to Doctors
Seniors usually have more complex health needs, and attending multiple doctor’s appointments can be challenging. Seniors considered homebound have limitations that make it difficult to leave home. Telehealth appointments provide easy, convenient access to a doctor. Appointments can be attended at home without the need for driving to the doctor’s office.
2. Remote Symptom Monitoring
Seniors are at risk for developing diabetes, COPD, and autoimmune conditions that require ongoing symptom monitoring and managing. Physicians can easily monitor symptoms through telehealth technology. Seniors may book an appointment to chat online about new symptoms or medications, or they can report their vital signs, like blood pressure readings through a Bluetooth device.
Additionally, if a senior patient was recently discharged from the hospital, they may feel nervous about being alone. With telehealth, seniors can feel confident knowing their physicians can receive real-time updates about their health, and they can contact them when needed.
3. Safe and Sanitary
Doctor’s offices carefully follow safety regulations and clean their offices thoroughly. However, there’s still a small risk of getting exposed to germs when a patient visits. Seniors with compromised immune systems can choose a telehealth appointment from home and avoid the risk of infection.
4. Reducing Caregiver Burnout
As seniors age, they may require a dedicated caregiver to monitor their health and safety. Between helping a senior with daily tasks like bathing and cooking, taking them to appointments, and picking up prescriptions, the list of responsibilities can become extensive. Booking a telehealth appointment eases a caregiver’s workload and saves them from driving a senior patient to the doctor.
5. Fewer Emergencies
Regular telehealth visits help reduce costly and life-threatening trips to the ER. By improving communication between senior patients and their providers, telehealth appointments can provide medication management, preventive care, and chronic disease management. Early intervention can alert a physician to new symptoms before they lead to an emergency situation. They can be treated proactively, leading to fewer ER visits and a more reassured, positive outlook on a senior patient’s well-being.
Telehealth is Here to Stay
Telehealth will remain an incredibly useful tool for the healthcare industry. This advancement in technology has created more opportunities for seniors to connect with doctors to receive the best care and guidance. Providers can stay connected with their patients and enjoy a relationship that provides more personalized care than ever before.
To explore more advancements in the healthcare industry and how they’ve shaped the possibilities for seniors, visit www.OasisSeniorAdvisors.com.
