The Benefits of Telemedicine for Seniors

In a post-COVID world, the emergence of telemedicine has many benefits. Its use within the senior healthcare sector allows for a safer and potentially cheaper alternative for those who cannot always see their physician in person.

But what is telemedicine, you ask? Telemedicine is more commonly known as a remote method of providing care, usually through video calls, on-demand online chat services, or even direct emails or with a medical professional.

A practical example of telemedicine that seniors can use is if their physician or another medical professional consults with them via a Zoom call, FaceTime, or even text to replace the traditional in-person consultation.

As we embrace our new normal and realize the benefits of social distancing, especially in seniors with existing comorbidities and other complex ailments – telemedicine offers a way to provide care where traditional means may be too risky.

Let’s look at some examples.

Typical uses of telemedicine for vulnerable seniors

• A physician can assess whether or not the senior patient needs treatment in person
• Physicians can provide certain kinds of medical care, such as mental health treatment and assessments of minor infections
• Physicians can write or renew prescriptions for the senior as needed
• Physicians can offer certain types of therapy, such as speech and even physical therapy in some instances

What are the benefits for seniors who make use of telemedicine?

1. Reduced costs and time: Not only does telemedicine offer seniors the ability to consult with their physician from the comfort of their own home, but it also reduces traveling fees and time to and from doctor’s appointments. Another point worth noting is that waiting room times in the doctor’s office are a thing of the past, as pre-allocated time slots are provided for one-on-one consultations.  

2. Improved access to quality care: For those suffering from disabilities, telemedicine offers a much-needed alternative, especially for those who reside in outlying areas with little to no options for quality medical care. For seniors who struggle with anxiety and depression or are housebound due to this, telemedicine offers a great alternative in the form of psychiatric or psychological care services.

3. A boost for preventative care: Telemedicine may allow seniors to access preventive care that improves their long-term health. This is especially true for those with financial or geographic barriers to quality care. Another bonus is that telemedicine can offer a complete digital patient record if used regularly and effectively, which could make it easier for a physician to make a diagnosis or suggest a treatment plan based on the patient’s detailed medical history. In other instances, senior patients choose to embrace the new digital landscape by getting a smartwatch or activity tracker with a built-in heart rate monitor. In doing so, they become more aware of their vital signs and maybe better equipped to spot early warning signs ahead of falling ill, such as gauging abnormal heart rhythms or spotting a noteworthy decrease in other important stats.

4. Convenience: Telemedicine allows people to access care in the privacy of their own homes. This convenience may mean that a senior does not have to arrange transportation at an additional cost and can potentially remove the fear element experienced by some when visiting the doctor or hospital in person. 

5. Slows down the spread of infection: Visiting the doctor’s office can expose seniors to others who are sick. This exposure can be hazardous for people with underlying conditions or weak immune systems. Telemedicine eliminates the risk of picking up an infection at the doctor’s office entirely. 

It is important to note that as we slowly shift to a world where digital services are more prevalent than ever, telemedicine is not a catch-all solution for treating vulnerable seniors and can have the following disadvantages for some:

Disadvantages of Telemedicine for Seniors

1. Insurance coverage: Not all insurers cover telemedicine by default. Some sources indicate that only 26 states currently require insurers to cover or reimburse the costs of telemedicine for patients. Still, the trend is growing, and laws regarding this are bound to come into practice shortly. 

2. Protecting personal data: Hackers and other cybercriminals may be able to access a patient’s medical data, primarily if the patient accesses telemedicine on a public network or via an unencrypted channel. That being said, the shift to a more digital way of life means that not only seniors but all online users will need to take extra precautions to ensure they use reputable telemedicine providers. Over and above this, incorporating the necessary security measures to ensure that passwords, data, and other sensitive information stay safe within the digital realm will go a long way in ensuring that personal data remains protected.

3. Care delays: If a senior requires emergency care, accessing telemedicine first may delay overall treatment, especially since a physician won’t be able to provide necessary lab tests or life-saving care digitally.

*Disclaimer: The information contained in this blog is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between a patient/site visitor and their physician or other trusted medical care provider.

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