Telehealth for Seniors
Telehealth, also known as telemedicine, has been a growing trend in the healthcare industry over the last decade. This emerging type of healthcare has given both patients and doctors additional flexibility to treat or be treated from the comfort of home. While telemedicine is helpful for people from all walks of life, it has especially positively impacted the senior community.
Accessing healthcare can be challenging for seniors due to various issues, such as mobility, chronic conditions, or even a lack of transportation. Telemedicine, which leverages technology to facilitate remote doctor-patient consultations and assessments, has become invaluable for providing seniors with the quality care they need. Read on to discover some of the benefits of telemedicine for seniors and how Seafields by Bishop Gadsden provides unparalleled health care for our residents.
Learn More: MUSC Health Kiawah Partners Pavilion
Telemedicine Benefits
Improved Access to Healthcare
Through video visits and at-home medical devices, telemedicine allows greater access to healthcare and breaks down some decades-long barriers. By allowing seniors to conveniently attend consultations without leaving their homes, seniors in rural locations or those lacking mobility can still receive efficient, quality care.
Lower Healthcare Costs
By reducing the number of unnecessary ER visits and hospital readmissions, telemedicine decreases the overall cost of care for seniors, Medicare, and other healthcare systems. Additionally, at-home care also saves money on transportation, which can be costly if frequent trips to see a doctor are necessary.
Continuity of Care
Telemedicine helps to facilitate regular appointments, check-ins, and prescription refills. This continuity of care allows seniors to manage medications and chronic conditions without hospital readmissions.
Increased Care Areas
Telemedicine allows more seniors access to healthcare by enabling remote monitoring, which aids in early interventions, virtual disease management, easily accessible mental health services, and additional services like nutrition and therapy.
Safe and Sanitary
While doctor’s offices carefully follow safety regulations and clean their offices thoroughly, there is still a risk of being exposed to germs during an appointment. Seniors with potentially compromised immune systems can choose a telehealth appointment from home, avoiding the risk of infection altogether.
Related: The Role of Healthcare in Life Plan Communities
Making Telehealth Work for Seniors
Even though telehealth is a convenient solution to many problems facing the healthcare industry today, it can still pose some challenges to seniors with limited digital literacy. Some key points to consider include:
- Overcoming Technology Barriers: By providing training, simplified platforms, and walkthroughs, seniors can adapt to the use of technology in telemedicine.
- Navigate Evolving Insurance Structure: Telehealth services can better facilitate coverage for seniors by staying current on insurance reimbursement and interstate practice policies.
- Prioritizing Patient Privacy: Seniors’ medical histories must remain private, even in the digital world of telemedicine, where consultations aren’t held in traditional medical service locations like a doctor’s office or hospital.
Experience Prioritized Care at Seafields by Bishop Gadsden
In addition to our in-house wellness clinic, MUSC Health Kiawah Partners Pavilion will provide world-class healthcare right next door to Seafields. This state-of-the-art facility will offer 24/7 emergency treatment and significantly expand the healthcare services provided here.
If you’re interested in a life plan community with premier healthcare always nearby, contact us below to learn more about our luxury community.
