Do you struggle with limited mobility? Do you find it difficult to attend regular doctor visits? Are you sick and don’t think you could make it to see a doctor?
Access to quality healthcare for seniors is imperative to their quality of life.
Since the start of the COVID-19 epidemic, telehealth has proved effective in resolving 84.0%-86.7% of visits in the elderly population.
It has transformed senior home care by providing seniors with the ability to stay in their St. Louis Park area homes and allow them to receive care from anywhere remotely.
This advancement in medicine has helped to improve health outcomes, reduce caregiver burden, and reduce the cost of healthcare for seniors.
Let’s learn more about how telehealth is changing senior home care.
What is Telehealth?
Telehealth takes advantage of technology to provide remote healthcare services. It happens at a distance, and can include using video conferencing, the internet, and phone calls to provide care.
Telehealth provides services to patients in their homes or in long-term care facilities in the St. Louis Park area and can also provide services to patients who are unable to travel or who live in rural areas.
Telehealth is provided by healthcare professionals, such as doctors and nurses.
They also have the ability to examine patients through other special technologies. These include virtual exams, remote assessments of injuries or illnesses, and follow-ups.
Senior Care Benefits of Telehealth
Telehealth can help the elderly get the treatment they need without needing them to travel. This can help them avoid lengthy and inconvenient trips.
It can also improve health outcomes provide seniors with a greater sense of independence.
Many elderly care facilities and private homes have begun integrating telehealth which has led to the creation of senior living centers, called wellness centers. They offer senior-specific health care services to include Telehealth care for Physical Therapy, geriatric mental health treatment, and routine checkups. Telehealth senior care providers offer a combination of telehealth and senior care services.
Reduces Caregiver Burden
The use of telehealth technologies can help reduce the burden on caregivers as it allows caregivers to connect with healthcare professionals more easily. It also provides a way for seniors to get the care they need without having to leave their homes around St. Louis Park.
Caregivers can also use telehealth to track the health of their elderly loved ones and provide them with support and reassurance more regularly.
Reduces Healthcare Costs
Telehealth costs less than going to the doctor in person as caregivers are able to communicate with providers remotely, avoiding unnecessary and costly doctor appointments.
One study done by the American Journal of emergency medicine shows a net cost savings of $19-$121 per emergency telemedicine visit. There is a possibility this number could continue to increase as more people begin to use it.
How to Get Started with Telehealth in St. Louis Park
If you have a loved one that is struggling with mobility or needs senior care in the St. Louis Park area, telehealth could help.
Contact us for more information on how to get started through a telehealth appointment and learn about the various ways it can help your family members maintain their independence as they age.
