5 Benefits Of Telemedicine For Seniors
Telemedicine for Seniors:
What it is, and how it can help the elderly.
What will they think of next?
There was a time when doctors made house calls to provide exams and care. As those days passed on, doctors established office hours and appointments for check-ups and wellness visits. Today, there’s a new option, which is neither a home visit nor a trip to an office but both: telemedicine.
Telemedicine is the remote diagnosis and treatment of patients by means of various telecommunications technology. This technology could consist of a wearable device that sends signals from the body to a physician’s (or a caregiver’s) computer, or even a video conference call from home with a doctor via the internet. Whichever the means, the benefits of both types of telemedicine to today’s seniors are clear.
5 Benefits of Telemedicine for Seniors
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Aging in Place is Safer
Some of the greatest developments in telemedicine are the several FDA-cleared devices seniors can wear that immediately send an alert to a nurse’s aide’s cell phone when the system detects a fall. These devices can also monitor heart rate, blood pressure, blood sugar and more, allowing a physician to keep close watch on a patient from a distance and send help if needed. -
Removes Transportation Hassles
Going to the doctor can be tough for seniors for many reasons. Some seniors don’t drive. Others may live a great distance from the doctor. For others, it’s nearly impossible to leave the house due to frailty, advanced illness, or dementia, for example. Having the ability to see a doctor from home removes the problems travel may cause. -
Saves Money Due to Reduced Healthcare Costs
Using remote monitoring devices and online video consultations can lower the cost of ongoing treatment and office visits. -
Easy Monitoring of Chronic Conditions
Telemedicine has become a perfect tool for helping physicians monitor chronic health conditions like COPD, heart failure, diabetes, obesity, and more. Along with remote video consultations for follow-up discussions, new systems allow for remote monitoring and transmission of important information like the patient’s weight, blood sugar and vital signs in real time. -
Seniors Can Receive a Doctor’s Opinion Quickly
Some telemedicine service providers and health technology companies provide 24/7 telemedicine consultations. In situations where you don’t know if you should call 911 to take your senior loved one to the hospital emergency room or if it can safely wait until morning, being able to talk to a doctor immediately is a reassuring and valuable service.
If you’re a caregiver for a senior who could benefit from the use of telemedicine, seek the advice of your physician or other healthcare professional. They can help determine which device or service would work best for your senior’s particular situation.
Alternatives for Seniors is a print and online directory that specifically caters to the housing and personal care concerns of senior citizens and their families. Call our Senior Specialists at (888) WE-ASSIST (888-932-7747) or visit the Alternatives for Seniors website to begin searching for the perfect home for you or your loved ones.
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BLOG Date: Tuesday, February 23, 2015
Writer: Ryan Allen