Telehealth for Seniors
Telehealth for Seniors
Telehealth – virtual health care appointments through a computer, tablet or smartphone – has grown in popularity over the last few years. However, no year has seen such a boom in telehealth use by older adults as 2020. According to The National Poll on Healthy Aging, older adults who reported participating in a telehealth visit increased significantly from four percent in May 2019 to 30 percent in June 2020.
Telehealth has been found to be more convenient for seniors, allowing them to connect with their doctors faster in the comfort of their own homes. Knowing the ins and outs of a telehealth visit and how to prepare can ensure you have a positive telehealth experience.
According to the Health Resources Services Administration, telehealth is “the use of electronic information and telecommunications technologies to support long-distance clinical health care, patient and professional health-related education, public health and health administration.”
Telehealth can be used for a range of medical conditions, including general physicals, urinary tract infections, respiratory infections and problems with the eyes and skin. Management of chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, COPD and arthritis can also often be handled via telemedicine. Thanks to portable technology you can use in your home, you can check your own blood pressure, heart rate and breathing rate while speaking with your doctor.
Even more complex conditions that you’d think require in-person appointments can be at least partially handled through telehealth visits. For example, some post-operative evaluations can be handled through virtual visits, since you can take your own blood pressure and your doctor can evaluate how you’re doing through video.
The biggest benefit to telehealth for older adults is the convenience offered. You don’t have to get into your car, drive to your doctor’s office and wait in a crowded waiting room until you’re called. Instead, you can sign into your appointment from the comfort of your own home.
Of course, telehealth visits aren’t perfect. The National Poll on Healthy Aging found that 67 percent of older adults were worried the quality of care during a telehealth visit wouldn’t be as good as at an in-person appointment. Fortunately, there are ways you can make your telehealth visit just as positive as your in-person visits with your doctor.
To make your telehealth appointment productive and beneficial to you, follow the following steps:
Once you know what device you’ll use, make sure it is fully charged before your appointment. Ensure your Wi-Fi connection is strong, and if it isn’t, use an ethernet cable to connect to your internet router. It’s also important to check with your healthcare provider about any technical requirements needed for the appointment, that way you have the correct setup on your device when you’re ready to sign in.
As a nationally recognized leader in senior lifestyle opportunities, Asbury continually redefines the expectations of aging. With eight continuing care retirement communities, we are more than just a place to call home. We are a place where new friendships can blossom and where new experiences and opportunities are just around the corner. Learn more about our communities in Maryland, Pennsylvania and Tennessee.