Technology continues to offer new and exciting ways to help your elderly family member to manage things that used to feel more complex. Telemedicine is a fantastic way to get your senior necessary medical help when concerns like transportation may be a factor. Here’s what you and your elderly family member need to know about telehealth appointments and what they are best for managing.
Telehealth Appointments Are Similar to In-person Appointments
Many seniors are nervous about telemedicine because it seems so different from what they’re used to experiencing with a doctor. But in reality, video appointments with a doctor are very similar to in-person appointments. The doctor needs to understand the situation that has your senior concerned, needs information about her medical history, and can then make recommendations based on all of that information.
When to Make a Telehealth Appointment
So, when is it a good idea to make a telehealth appointment for your senior? If she’s dealing with minor health issues, like a cold or allergies, telehealth is a good choice. Managing existing health conditions, like high blood pressure, is also easy to do virtually. Some other times telemedicine is the right choice:
- Mental health concerns
- Medication adjustments
- Follow-up visits for prior issues
- Referral requests to a specialist
- General wellness concerns
When to Avoid a Telehealth Appointment
As helpful and convenient as telemedicine is, though, there are times when it is much more important and prudent to seek out in-person medical care for your senior. If you suspect major health issues, like a stroke or a heart attack, it’s important to seek emergency medical care. Serious situations, like bleeding or a bad fall, also may be better handled by urgent care or the emergency room.
Troubleshoot Technology Before the Appointment
One of the reasons that telemedicine might feel more complicated is because of the technology involved. An easy way to help to reduce that stress is for you and your senior to troubleshoot her technology before her appointment. This is a fast and easy way to make sure that everything is running smoothly in advance and ensures that the appointment is more likely to go off without a hitch.
It is easier than ever to ensure that your elderly family member is getting the best medical care possible, no matter what health issues she is facing. Adding telehealth options to her toolkit is just another way to prioritize wellness for her.
Oxnard Family Circle started phased transition to the center-based services under Department of Public Health and Department of Aging regulations effective 6/1/2021. Oxnard Family Circle offers both services during this transition period: the center-based and the services at the doorsteps.
Considering help for a senior in Ventura County? Learn more about telehealth in Simi Valley, CA. Call us! 1-805-385-4180.
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