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Seniors now have access to technology that allows them to reap the benefits of telehealth. Telehealth is a type of healthcare that encompasses a variety of healthcare services that are accessed virtually – meaning not face-to-face.  You may encounter many terms that all refer to telehealth, like virtual visits, telemedicine, tele-doc, video conferencing, remote patient monitoring, and others. These services give patients the unique ability to schedule a doctor’s visit via computer, tablet, or smartphone, and receive care from the comfort of their home. The provider is live on the internet or cellular connection, and the patient can ask questions, describe physical issues, and even show the doctor injuries or symptoms.  

There are several ways that these services specifically benefit seniors:

• Reduce the number of unnecessary hospital visits (such as the emergency room) by allowing you to be seen by a provider in your own home.
• Reduce the burden and cost of travel expenses. Specialists and harder-to-find services are often available via telehealth.
• Reduce the stress put on at-home caregivers. Adults caring for senior parents often have competing responsibilities. Telehealth can help provide balance by eliminating travel time as well as time spent at the practice.
• Improve overall patient satisfaction. Patients have had a great response to telemedicine services – feeling more connected, more heard, and with greater access to all sorts of care options.

As seniors live longer, they are more prone to having chronic illnesses – such as diabetes, COPD, heart failure, and auto-immune conditions. Chronic diseases are complex and often require monitoring and ongoing management of symptoms. This is one of the important advantages of telehealth services. A patient and caregiver can work remotely with the doctor to discuss new or changing symptoms. Some symptoms and conditions that may be able to be evaluated virtually include: 

• Diabetes and blood sugar that is not controlled
• High blood pressure
• Heart failure and swelling
• Arthritis pain
• Depression and anxiety or changes in mood
• Checking for medication side effects

Another advantage of telehealth is the ability to use televisits as a way to easily do remote patient monitoring for medication management. Medication managementby a nurse or physician is an important part of maintaining health. Adjusting medications to the optimum levels to control things like blood pressure and glucose levels provide the best long-term outcomes. Regular remote medication monitoring visits via telehealth can be a game-changer for seniors trying to manage a complex illness.

A good relationship with your provider, including regular telehealth visits, medication management, preventative care, and chronic disease management can lead to fewer sick days, fewer emergency room visits (or none!) and an overall better health outlook.  

Telehealth visits help avoid costly and life-disrupting trips to the ER by enhancing and improving communication between the patient and provider. Early intervention can alert the healthcare team to small changes before the condition becomes an emergency. Your provider can often see early signs that your condition is becoming less controlled, putting you  at risk for getting sick or nearing an emergency. For example, if your blood pressure medication needs adjusting, or some dietary changes are needed,  your provider can recommend adjustments, which can keep you at home and feeling your best. Early signs of illness are much easier to treat, creating a win-win for both you and your medical provider.  

At some point, many seniors will have a caregiver – whether that be a loved one like a spouse, an adult child or grandchild, or an in-home aide. Situations that might lead to needing a caregiver include inability to drive, a decrease in vision, a decrease in mobility and a need for help with activities of daily living like toileting, bathing, and cooking. 

While caregivers are often beloved family members with the best intentions, it is common for them to experience increased stress and caregiver burnout. This happens because caregiving is sometimes a full-time job, and there are other competing responsibilities and stressors that the caregiver is dealing with. Some caregivers may have children still at home, or full-time jobs to juggle. Attending appointments and taking care of other needs like picking up prescriptions add another layer of responsibility that can sometimes be difficult to manage. 

Telehealth can provide some welcome relief for caregivers and seniors by providing easier access to a medical support system. In conjunction with telehealth medical provider visits, other services can be offered as well, like case management, mental health services, and social services. The provider, along with the patient’s care team and outside specialists can work with caregivers and the senior patient to form a cohesive team that communicates and forms a care strategy. This care plan creates continuity, support, and a better quality of life for both the senior and caregiver.