Telehealth refers to the exchange of medical information via electronic communications for the purpose of boosting an individual’s general health and wellbeing. Once considered a novelty, this approach to staying connected with medical professionals is becoming increasingly common. If you have an aging parent who is considering telehealth services, here’s how you can help him or her take advantage of remote health options.
Explain How Telehealth Services Can Be Used
If your parent is still uncertain about remote doctor visits, take some time to explain how such services can be used. Seniors often benefit from telehealth services for the following purposes:
- Having regular primary care checkups if mobility issues make in-person visits difficult
- Monitoring recovery from illnesses or surgery
- Assessing potential medical emergencies
- Addressing chronic health issues
If your loved one is recovering from an illness or living with chronic health conditions, it may be challenging for him or her to live at home independently. Whether you need respite from your caregiving duties or your aging loved one needs 24-hour care, Edmonton, AB, Home Care Assistance can meet your family’s care needs. Our dedicated caregivers are available around the clock to provide transportation to doctor’s appointments, ensure seniors take their prescribed medications, and help with a variety of tasks in and outside the home.
Find Out What’s Available for Your Loved One
Before you start the actual process of getting your parent set up, take a moment to reach out to his or her regular doctor. It’s important to do this because not all physicians offer remote visits, so confirm telehealth services are an available option for your parent. If the answer is yes, ask what the procedure is for scheduling digital appointments.
Talk to Your Parent’s Health Insurance Provider
Seniors should contact their health insurance providers to see if online visits are covered. If you have permission to discuss health matters on your parent’s behalf, reach out to his or her insurance provider to find out what’s covered with regard to telehealth services.
Get Everything Ready for the Appointment
A telehealth session typically requires a computer or laptop with a working camera. Additionally, it’s best to have a secure Internet connection, since personal health information will be shared. A video platform needs to be used as well. If there’s a need to record visits, recording software will also be required.
Remain Nearby in Case Your Parent Needs Help
Your parent may only need help setting things up for telehealth visits. However, some aging adults also require additional assistance during remote visits, especially if they’re not too familiar with the process. If you believe this could be the case for your parent, stay nearby for the duration of the visit. This way, you can provide a helping hand when it’s necessary while still allowing for some privacy.
For family caregivers who find it challenging to balance their loved ones’ care needs with their own personal obligations, home care can be the ideal solution. If you’re the primary caregiver for a senior family member and are looking for professional at-home care, Home Care Assistance should be your top choice. Our dedicated and compassionate caregivers are committed to helping older adults address their health issues and enjoy a higher quality of life in the golden years.
Prepare a List of Questions & Concerns Prior to the Visit
Treat remote healthcare visits like any other doctor visit by helping your parent be as prepared as possible. Just because visits are remote doesn’t mean there aren’t time limits on the sessions. Help your parent get the most out of a digital visit by preparing a list of questions and concerns. Such a list might include:
- Questions about recent test results
- Any new concerns about medication dosages, effectiveness, or reactions
- Questions about recommendations from the last visit
- Concerns about symptoms that may have changed since the last remote or in-person visit
Using the Internet for various activities is just one of the issues aging adults must navigate in today’s modern world. Seniors can face a variety of challenges as they age, many of which can be mitigated with the help of professional in-home caregivers who provide high-quality homecare. Edmonton families trust Home Care Assistance to help their elderly loved ones age in place safely and comfortably. Reach out to us at Home Care Assistance if you need compassionate professional home care for your loved one. Call one of our friendly Care Managers today at (780) 490-7337.