Revolutionizing senior care through telemedicine, many elders today are as mobile as they were 20 years ago. For others, however, getting to appointments can be a challenge. This is especially problematic when it comes to doctor appointments, as attending them can be critical to a senior’s health and wellbeing. Fortunately, there is a new option some physicians are using in elder care settings called telemedicine, sometimes also referred to as telehealth. 
With this approach, doctors can perform certain kinds of services remotely. For example, a conversation about whether a medication for depression or anxiety is having the desired effect on a person’s mental health can be conducted as a teleconference, since no physical examination is required. There are many ways that telemedicine can help older adults with access to healthcare, but is it a good choice for every situation and every person? Some of the most asked questions about this additional method of getting healthcare are answered below.
Top Questions about the Benefits of Telemedicine
While telemedicine does not work for all types of visits, for those where it is effective, it provides a number of benefits including.
What’s the difference between telehealth and telemedicine? Many times the two terms are used interchangeably but telemedicine refers specifically to clinical services offered remotely while telehealth can refer to non-clinical services, such as provider training, administrative meetings, and continuing medical education, in addition to clinical services. Both use technology such as video conferencing, the internet, wireless communication, telephone and more.
Can telemedicine create easier access to healthcare providers? For those with mobility issues and/or who live far from their doctor’s office, the option to simply sit in front of a device and talk with a health care provider in the comfort of their own senior living community can be fantastic.
Does telemedicine save time? From showering and dressing to go out to an appointment to the hours spent traveling to and from the provider’s office for what may be many appointments each month, the time elders invest in tending to their health can really add up. Eliminating travel can give a senior a large chunk of their day back.
Is telemedicine better for my health? For seniors whose immune system may be compromised, the less time spent in a waiting room with other potentially contagious patients the better.
Does telemedicine allow for more flexibility with scheduling? Being regularly carted to and from the doctor’s office can leave a senior feeling a little powerless. If even some of those visits can take place virtually and at a time of the elder’s choosing, that experience can help them feel empowered, more engaged and more interested in their care.
Does telemedicine diminish the relationship with the provider? Because both parties know they have to be in front of the camera to be seen, elders often feel, somewhat counterintuitively, like they get more focused attention from their healthcare provider in telehealth visits. While telemedicine is a valuable addition to health care, it is not appropriate for all types of visits. Clearly appointments that require hands-on evaluation, treatment or testing cannot be completed using telemedicine. And there are also some limitations to telemedicine such as the ability to use technology, but for those where it is effective, it provides a number of benefits.
Combining Traditional Values and a Progressive Approach to Elder Care
At Green House Homes, we believe in traditional values like maintaining the dignity, engagement, and independence of seniors. We also believe in supporting those values in a unique way in our forward-thinking elder care communities. That’s why we see a great deal of potential in telemedicine and look forward to the continuing evolution of the field and its ability to serve seniors.
