Conventional health and wellness regimens for senior citizens include regular visits to their physician. These visits have always been vital to keeping track of health issues and evaluating the effectiveness of their medications. However, the ability to see a doctor in person was compromised during the recent pandemic, making it impossible to see a doctor in the traditional way. Although telehealth is not necessarily a new concept, it became a primary solution in 2020 – not just for seniors but for medical patients all over the country and across Florida. Now that in-person appointments are once again available, many people have recognized telehealth not only as a temporary solution but as an excellent method to deliver healthcare as we move forward.
Telehealth For Beginners
The pandemic crisis may have pushed telehealth to the center of our attention, but it is not new. Although the telehealth concept mainly consists of virtual doctor visits via a video conference, telecommunications and technology innovations are changing all aspects of medicine. Contemporary telehealth services offer far more than just consultations – including remote monitoring of conditions, online health education, and storing medical imaging and charts online or in the cloud.
How Seniors Benefit from Telehealth
While patients of all ages benefit from telehealth’s versatility, the model can significantly help seniors. Senior citizens often have mobility concerns, lack their own transportation, and are worried about going out in public. Seniors face some roadblocks regarding telehealth, such as not understanding technology. A recent poll revealed that only a handful of seniors had ever attended a virtual physician’s visit – but over 50% were willing to do so if they understood how. If you are looking to persuade your senior to try telehealth, here are some great reasons to present to them.
- Prescription Management is Easier: Telehealth can facilitate prescription drug refills and chronic health management issues more efficiently. A senior citizen with no new symptoms to report regarding their chronic condition can easily renew their prescriptions over the computer.
- Eliminate Transportation Problems: Many seniors no longer drive their own vehicles. They need friends or family to help them get to essential appointments, such as doctor’s visits and runs to the pharmacy. Minimizing the amount of required driving will ease the stress of the seniors.
- Reduce Exposure to Illness: Physician’s offices are kept sterile and clean, and the risk of exposure to contagious illness is minimal – especially these days with all the additional precautions. Still, the potential to get ill does exist. By using telehealth, seniors with compromised immune systems may be able to stay home and eliminate the possibility of exposure to germs and infection.
- Handle Emergencies: Many seniors put off making a medical appointment because of the anxiety it can inspire – worrying about getting there, leaving the house, and health concerns. Unfortunately, this procrastination can cause a minor issue to become a major concern. When seniors understand the telehealth process, they are more likely to set up and keep appointments when they have even slight changes in their conditions. Telehealth can also reduce the need for emergency room visits, as many seniors who can’t drive will call 911 when they have a situation, even if it is not a true emergency.
- Provide Independence: For those who travel, have a busy social calendar, and live an active life, telehealth virtual services fit their lifestyle.
Seniors who live in assisted living residences can typically access their facility’s wifi connection to video-conference their physicians and manage their good health.
A Banyan Residence is committed to our resident’s health and wellbeing. If you are looking for a professional and compassionate assisted living or memory care center in The Villages, call us today.
