The integration of healthcare and technology is a game-changer in patient care. With the rise of virtual healthcare, healthcare services and information to patients and caregivers have never been more accessible. Now patients can get diagnoses of illnesses, order prescription refills, attend doctor’s appointments, and moreover the phone or computer at the comfort of their homes. The good thing is that telehealth isn’t only reserved for the younger demographic, the elderly have a plethora of benefits to reap from telehealth as well. However, seniors have a harder time warming up to the use of telehealth. Perhaps understanding the benefits can go a long way in boosting their confidence. Here are 5 benefits that prove why older patients should embrace telehealth.
1. Remote monitoring
Aging comes with a lot of issues such as poor mobility, forgetfulness, lower immunity, and chronic diseases. These issues coupled with reduced independence often require seniors to have a caregiver almost around the clock. Unfortunately, with the rising cost of living, family members want to be out there making a living. Placing the elderly in nursing homes is a rather expensive cost for most families as well. This is where remote patient monitoring comes in. Remote patient monitoring refers to using technology to monitor patients remotely. The technology uses remote monitoring devices to collect real-time data regarding patients’ health and transmit it electronically to healthcare providers. The healthcare providers can then assess the information and intervene where necessary. This gives families the peace of mind that their elderly members are safe. It also saves the cost of hiring a caregiver or paying for a nursing home. In addition, it gives the seniors a chance to age well with their families and communities.
Remote patient monitoring can be used in the following scenarios:
- Reminding seniors to take their medication to help manage chronic conditions properly
- Creating a routine for patients with memory loss, dementia, or Alzheimer’s disease that help avoid missing their medication or forgetting that they have already taken medication and taking another dose
- Patient follow-up on progress after an illness. This reduces the duration of hospital stay or the chance of discharging them to a nursing facility
2. Enhanced experience
Telehealth can offer enhanced patient experience and satisfaction in several ways. Here are some of them:
- Eliminating long wait times: Older patients don’t have the patience to wait for long for their turn to see the doctor. Telehealth eliminates wait time by allowing a transparent appointment booking system. Seniors can open the portal, see the slot that works best for them and make a booking.
- Personalized care: Telehealth technology has the ability to keep a record of patients’ medical history. This means that the doctor already has this information before the appointment time. This makes it possible for doctors to personalize patient care. Seniors would appreciate the individual attention that telehealth offers.
3. Reduced in-person appointments
In telehealth, consultations happen remotely via video, phone, or text. Seniors don’t have to go to the hospital every time that they need to consult with their doctor. These reduced hospital visits can be welcome for seniors who are frail and with poor mobility. The disruption of their normal day and having to make the treacherous trip to the hospital can be overwhelming and tiring. In addition, most seniors have compromised immune systems that makes them more vulnerable to catching germs and diseases. Telehealth has especially been helpful during the COVID-19 crisis. Older adults were declared to have a high risk of contracting the disease. Telehealth ensured that seniors continued to receive treatment while safely social distancing at home.
4. Increased convenience
Older adults rarely stay put in one place. They want to make the most of their retirement by traveling the world. Telehealth ensures that doctor’s appointments never get in the way of this. They can connect with their doctors from wherever they are in the world. Whether they are on a cruise or visiting their grandchildren in another state, they never miss an appointment.
5. Simplified life
Caring for an elderly family member can be overwhelming especially when the caregiver is raising a family, has a job and other responsibilities. Just finding time to shuttle them to and from the hospital can be a real hassle. Being able to consult with their elderly member’s doctor from home saves them money, time, and mental stress.
Conclusion
Though not all seniors have embraced telehealth, it is clear that it is an innovation that is revolutionizing care for seniors positively. Remote patient monitoring devices and virtual appointments keep seniors safe by reducing in-person appointments. They also reduce costs of care and take off stress from caregivers. In addition, seniors can enjoy the enhanced experience and convenience of consulting with their doctors as they enjoy their retirement wherever they are.