5 Tips for Helping Aging Adults Use Telehealth Services

We all want to keep our loved ones healthy, especially in times like these when visiting a hospital or doctor may be risky or just simply impractical. 

Telehealth is quickly becoming a leading solution for aging adults to access the healthcare services they need in the comfort of their own home. Telehealth technology allows individuals to connect with medical providers virtually, providing quick diagnoses, treatments, and solutions without leaving the safety of their home. 

With an increasing need to keep seniors safe from high-risk environments like doctor's offices or hospitals due to pandemics such as COVID-19, telehealth has emerged as an invaluable resource that helps elderly people maintain good health while avoiding unnecessary exposure risks. 

However, for aging adults, accessing telehealth services can be a challenge due to lack of technical skills or difficulty handling devices. As caregivers, it's important to ensure that they can navigate these services with ease.

Telehealth allows patients to remotely connect with medical professionals, leading to a more convenient and efficient healthcare experience. However, many seniors may feel intimidated by the use of technology and may be hesitant to try telehealth services. 

Below, we will provide five helpful tips for seniors to comfortably use telehealth services.

1. Simplify the Technology - and Make Sure They Have the Right Gear

One of the biggest challenges for seniors when it comes to telehealth is the use of complicated technology. Many seniors may have trouble adjusting to the various features and controls of telehealth platforms. To help seniors feel more comfortable with telehealth technology, it is essential to simplify its usage. 

A stable and fast internet connection is crucial for a hassle-free telehealth experience. Slow internet speeds or network connectivity issues can disrupt and delay the process for aging adults. For this reason, it's important to ensure that they have access to a reliable and stable internet connection, either through a Wi-Fi network or a wired connection.

As a caregiver, it's important to choose devices that are senior-friendly for telehealth. Tablets and smartphones with big screens and simple interfaces are good picks. Devices with voice-activated virtual assistants like Siri or Alexa that can be easily controlled with voice commands are also great for aging adults who may have trouble with small buttons or typing.

One easy way to make things even simpler to use is by using larger fonts and simpler navigation options that are easy to follow. Also, incorporating tutorials and video demonstrations can help in making the process simpler for seniors.

2. Offer Assistance

Sometimes it is easy to forget how intimidating technology can be, especially for seniors. That’s why it is crucial to provide assistance when seniors use telehealth services. A caregiver, a family member, or a friend can be there to help seniors set up devices or navigate through the telehealth site. 

By making the telehealth experience a group activity, seniors would feel more comfortable with the process.

3. Make it Part of the Routine

Another way to help seniors feel more comfortable with telehealth technology is to incorporate it into their everyday routine. As telehealth technology is becoming more common in the medical industry, it is essential to have seniors feel comfortable and confident using it. 

Making appointments during regular times and on a weekly/bi-weekly schedule, for instance, can help seniors understand that telehealth is not intimidating and, indeed, helps them take better care of their health.

4. Talk to the Doc

It is essential to have a good rapport with the doctor. This allows for open communication and can help seniors feel more comfortable during telehealth visits. Make sure to encourage seniors to voice any concerns or questions they may have during the appointment. 

Seniors would feel more at ease when they learn that telehealth consultations can be just as effective and personalized as in-person visits.

5. Ask Lots of Questions

Lastly, it's important to be available for your loved ones and encourage open communication. Listen to their concerns and questions and offer support where needed. Ask as many questions as possible of the doctor, and be sure to encourage your senior to do the same. 

This helps them understand how their virtual appointment works and what to expect during their appointment. Remember, there is no such thing as a silly question.

Encourage them to share their experiences with you and help them make informed decisions about their health. Seniors may feel more comfortable with telehealth if they have family or friends to discuss their experiences with.

Final Thoughts

Telehealth services are a great way to receive medical attention from the comfort of one's own home, especially for aging adults who may not want to visit a medical facility during a pandemic. 

As caregivers, it's our job to provide support and guidance to ensure aging adults can use these services. 

By following these 5 tips, you can help ease the process and make telehealth a success for seniors. With our support and the use of modern communication tools, we can all make sure our loved ones stay healthy and informed.