Telehealth services can be an excellent way for seniors to speak to doctors while remaining comfortably at home. This new way of providing medical services allows doctors to examine individuals remotely and write necessary prescriptions. However, it can feel a little intimidating and confusing for seniors who aren’t proficient with modern technology. Here are a few ways you can help your aging parent use telemedicine services to manage his or her healthcare.
Talk to the Doctor about Telehealth Options
The first thing you and your parent need to do is figure out what online service the doctor uses for telehealth calls. Some clinics may use a dedicated telemedicine app such as MyChart or a standard video call service such as Skype or Zoom. Finding out this information beforehand allows you to set up the right app or program on your parent’s device.
Set Up a Comfortable Place for the Video Call
During the telehealth appointment, you want your parent to be able to focus on connecting with the doctor. Create a quiet area where your loved one can sit down, and place his or her device on a sturdy stand nearby. Check the camera to make sure your parent has enough light and is easily visible. If your loved one has vision problems, ensure the screen is close enough to see the doctor.
Vision and hearing issues can make it challenging for seniors to live at home independently. Whether you need respite from your caregiving duties or your aging loved one needs Live-in Care, Oklahoma City, OK, Lifestar Home Care 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.
Guide Your Parent through the Telemedicine Call Options
Before the visit, pull up the program to show your parent how it works. Try doing a test call so you can point out things like the mute button, zoom options, the disconnect button, and other important controls. This can provide a sense of confidence and help your parent better navigate the program during the actual appointment.
Read Appointment Information Carefully
When your parent first makes a telehealth appointment, the doctor should send an information packet via email or mail. This information can tell you how to sign in for the appointment, what medical supplies you should have on hand during the appointment, and other important data. If the doctor hasn’t provided any details on how the telehealth appointment will work, you can call the office to ask questions. You’ll need to confirm when the appointment will take place, what steps need to be taken to log in, and what to expect during the visit.
For family caregivers who find it challenging to balance their loved ones’ care needs with their own personal obligations and self-care needs, home care can be the ideal solution. If you’re the primary caregiver for a senior family member and are looking for professional homecare, Lifestar Home Care 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.
Make Time to Be There During the Call
For most seniors, it can be reassuring to have more technologically proficient family members there with them during the calls. Try to set up the appointment for a time when you can sit with your parent and help him or her connect for the telehealth visit. You can take notes during the call, remind your loved one about anything important to bring up with the doctor, and handle the technological side of things.
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 Service in Home Care. Oklahoma City families trust Lifestar Home Care to help their elderly loved ones age in place safely and comfortably. Reach out to one of our Care Managers today to schedule a free in-home consultation.