Senior citizens can now acquire the benefits of telehealth by accessing technology. Telehealth combines a variety of healthcare services that are accessed virtually. Telemedicine, virtual visits, remote patient monitoring, tele-doc, video conferencing, etc. are terms that refer to telehealth. These services enable patients to schedule a doctor’s visit through their smartphone, tablet, or computer and receive care from the comfort of their homes. Patients can describe any physical issues, raise questions, or even show symptoms or injuries to the care provider who is live online.

There are several ways telehealth services benefit senior citizens:

• Reduce the unnecessary hospital visits
  You could be seen by a doctor in your own home. 
• Reduce the cost of travel expenses 
  Health specialists and other health services are made available through telehealth. 
• Reduce the stress on caregivers  
  Caring for elders is a huge responsibility carried out by caregivers. Telehealth provide balance by reducing travel time and also time spent at the practice. 
• Improve patient satisfaction 
  Telemedicine services often provide great experience to patients – feeling more heard, more connected, and with more access to all types of service care options. 

Advantages of Telehealth Services 

Remote Patient Monitoring of Chronic Health Conditions 

Aged people are more prone to having chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, heart problems, and auto-immune diseases. Chronic ailments are quite complicated and require careful monitoring and proper management of symptoms. One of the most important advantages of telehealth services is that it allows a patient and caregiver to remotely connect with the doctor to discuss any symptoms or health conditions. Certain conditions and symptoms may be evaluated virtually, including:  

• Arthritis pain 
• High blood pressure  
• Diabetes and blood sugar 
• Swelling of parts 
• Checking for medication side effects 
• Depression and anxiety or mood swings 

Televisits are another advantage of telehealth, which promotes an easy way to do remote patient monitoring for medication management that helps the doctors, nurses, or physicians maintain the patient’s health. Adjusting medications to optimal levels to control glucose levels and blood pressure will give patients the best long-term results. Visits via telehealth and regular remote medical monitoring can be a game-changer for elders trying to manage complex ailments. 

Reducing Emergency Room Visits 

Good relationships with a health care provider, such as regular telehealth visits, monitoring medication, and chronic disease prevention and management, can lead to fewer sick days, fewer emergency room visits, and a better overall health outlook.

Telemedicine can avoid costly and life-threatening emergency room trips by improving and enhancing patient-provider communication. Early intervention can alert the medical team to small changes before the condition becomes an emergency. Your doctor can spot early signs that your condition is getting out of control and that you are at risk of getting sick or approaching an emergency. For example, your blood pressure medication may need to be adjusted. or if you need to change your diet, your health care provider can recommend adjustments to make you feel better at home. Early signs of illness are much easier to treat, which is a win-win for both you and your doctor. 

Cut Down Frequent Transportation 

Not all senior citizens can drive. This means that family members may need to arrange transportation to aftercare facilities such as clinics, pharmacies, or laboratories to see a doctor. This can be frustrating, confusing, and not always efficient. Telemedicine makes life a little easier by eliminating non-urgent visits to the doctor’s office.

Balancing Caregiver’s Responsibility 

Caregiving is sometimes a full-time job, and there are other competing responsibilities and stresses that the caregiver is dealing with. Some caregivers may have children still at home or other responsibilities to juggle. Telehealth can provide some warm relief for caregivers and seniors by providing easier access to a medical support system. Services, such as case management, psychiatric services, and social services, may also be provided in conjunction with the telemedicine professional visit. This care plan creates support, continuity, and a better quality of life for both the seniors and caregivers. 

Reduce Exposure to Bacteria or Germs 

Despite careful and thorough cleaning of equipment by clinic staff, the risk of bacterial contamination in the clinic and surrounding areas remains high. Elderly people with compromised immune systems can eliminate a particularly dangerous situation by opting for a telemedicine solution instead of visiting a doctor’s office. 

Preparation for your Telehealth Visit 

Telehealth visit is made easier than before using technology.  A computer, smartphone, or tablet that meets the following requirements is required. 

• A microphone (so the doctor can hear you) 
• Video camera (so the doctor can see you) 
• Speaker (to hear the doctor’s voice) 
• Internet or cellular connection fast enough to support AV 

It is also helpful to practice using a headset if you have hearing loss or use hearing aids. 

Tips to Prepare for your Virtual Visit 

• Choose an area of ​​your home where you can concentrate and not be disturbed.  
• Choose good lighting so the doctor can see you well.
• You will need a writing surface and space for your computer/tablet /phone.  
• Before you book, learn how to use the app or software, or ask someone to help you. A “trial run” before the interview is helpful! 
• Get ready to show your medical history and medications on screen. Have a list of prescribed medications written down. 
• Be prepared to provide your insurance or payment information. You may need it at your first visit.  
• Write down your questions for your doctor.  
• Have a pen and paper to write down what your doctor says, or ask your caregiver to do so. 
• Remember to ask when your next doctor’s visit should be. 

Telemedicine services offer many benefits to senior citizens. The capacity to balance health with mobility and other challenges is a tool that was not available generations ago. Providers can engage with their patients and relish a relationship that imparts more personalized care than ever before. Patients can feel confident in managing their overall health and living life to the fullest. Get more information and insights from our experts through a free demo.