Since Telehealth Awareness Week has come to a close, it’s a good time to briefly discuss how older adults can incorporate telehealth into their care—and how family members can help support that process. This can be especially helpful for older adults who have difficulty leaving the house or who are less comfortable with technology. Even when assistance is needed, telehealth can still be a practical and valuable tool. As a non-medical home care agency, we do not facilitate telehealth visits; this is for informational purposes only.
Patient Portals
Many healthcare providers now use patient portals that allow patients to message their doctors, request prescription refills, and review test results. These systems can be helpful for non-urgent questions and follow-ups. While portals may feel overwhelming at first, family caregivers can often assist with logging in, navigating menus, or setting up accessibility features like larger text or speech-to-text tools.
For a clear overview of how telehealth tools work for older adults, the National Institute on Aging’s guide to telehealth explains common options, benefits, and limitations in plain language.
Virtual Visits
Virtual visits may not replace every appointment, but they can be useful for certain check-ins, medication reviews, or follow-up conversations. Video visits can reduce transportation barriers and make it easier for caregivers to participate in appointments when needed. These visits may require a bit more technical support, but once set up, they can be much easier to manage than in-person travel.
If you’re exploring how technology can support aging in place, you may also find our local post on telehealth options for older adults helpful.
It’s always worth asking your healthcare provider what virtual options are available. Exploring those choices ahead of time can make future care more accessible and less stressful.
Written by Brigid Coffey
