The benefits of telehealth are not just limited to convenience. For seniors, telehealth can provide a wealth of opportunities to keep them healthy and well-informed about their medical conditions.
From the comfort and safety of their own home, telehealth allows seniors to remain connected with their healthcare provider and receive the care they need.
Let’s take a look at the top five benefits of telehealth for seniors.
What is Telehealth?
Telehealth is a form of healthcare delivery that allows medical professionals to provide clinical care remotely via video conferencing or other digital technology.
Telehealth removes geographical barriers and enables access to care even when a patient isn’t able to physically visit a doctor’s office or hospital. It also makes it easier for doctors to consult with specialists and other medical professionals who may be located in different parts of the country or even different parts of the world.
There are many benefits associated with telehealth services including cost savings, convenience, and improved access to healthcare.
For patients, it can be more convenient to connect with their doctor from the comfort of their own homes rather than having to make an appointment and travel to a clinic or hospital. It can also save money on travel costs and time away from work .
Not only that, but telehealth services help bridge gaps in rural areas where there may not be easy access to healthcare facilities.
The increased use of telehealth services is due largely in part to advancements in technology such as high-speed internet connections, mobile devices like smartphones and tablets, and video conferencing software such as Zoom and Skype that make remote consultations possible.
Government initiatives, many of them due in part to the COVID-19 pandemic, have provided financial incentives for medical providers who offer telemedicine services and made them more accessible by allowing insurance companies to cover these services as well as expanding Medicare coverage for certain types of virtual visits.
5 Ways Telehealth Can Benefit Seniors
Let’s take a closer look at how telehealth can benefit seniors.
1. Increased Access to Healthcare
One of the most important benefits of telehealth for seniors is its ability to increase accessibility to healthcare services. With telehealth, seniors no longer have to travel long distances or leave their homes in order to receive medical care; they can simply access it from the comfort of their own homes.
This makes it much easier for those who may not be able to leave their homes due to physical or mental impairments or other factors such as lack of transportation or limited financial resources.
And it’s easier than you might think. According to a 2020 survey by the University of Michigan’s National Poll on Healthy Aging, 91% of seniors found it easy to use the technology necessary for completing their telehealth visits.
2. Reduced Healthcare Costs
Another major benefit of telehealth is that it reduces healthcare costs for seniors and their families. By eliminating the need for in-person visits, telehealth reduces both out-of-pocket expenses and insurance premiums.
It also helps reduce hospital readmissions, which can be expensive and often unnecessary due to preventable complications caused by lack of follow-up care after initial treatments.
3. Reduced Exposure to Germs and Remote Monitoring of Chronic Symptoms
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of avoiding contact with germs, especially for older adults who are more susceptible to infection. With telehealth services, seniors can receive treatment without leaving the safety of their homes. Furthermore, remote monitoring of chronic symptoms such as blood pressure or heart rate can help detect changes in health before they become serious issues.
4. Easier to Choose a Healthcare Provider, Especially Specialists
Seniors often have difficulty finding specialists close to them who accept their insurance plans. With telehealth services available at the click of a button, seniors have much more freedom when it comes to choosing their provider—especially if they don’t live near major metropolitan areas.
5. Reduced Caregiver Burnout
When caring for an elderly parent or relative, stress levels can quickly rise as caregivers struggle with balancing work and family life while managing medical issues like transportation and scheduling doctor appointments.
Telehealth services provide an invaluable resource by allowing senior patients and their caregivers greater flexibility in arranging virtual visits with healthcare providers. This also allows caregivers more time away from home while still ensuring that their loved one is receiving quality care from experienced professionals.
Final Thoughts
Telehealth offers numerous advantages over traditional healthcare services; from improved accessibility and cost savings to added convenience, there are many reasons why seniors should consider taking advantage of this technology if it is available in their area.
Telehealth technology has come a long way in recent years and will only continue to improve as new innovations become available on the market.
If you’re looking for ways to save money while still receiving quality medical care without leaving your home, then exploring what telemedicine has to offer could be a great option worth considering!