5 Reasons for Older Americans To Try Telemedicine

Telemedicine can both protect and empower the elderly. While many people think that older Americans are uncomfortable with technology, more and more older people are getting the hang of smartphones and tablets. Despite some of the obstacles technology poses for them, there are many good reasons for elderly Americans to consider making the transition from brick-and-mortar medicine to telemedicine:

1. More Time With The Doctor
   

No one likes to feel rushed, but it can be especially taxing for a 75-year-old person who has plenty of ailments to bring to the doctor’s attention, but only gets a chance to get one or two out before being rushed back out the door. This can be downright dangerous for the elderly, as health problems can be more serious if they aren’t addressed and may to unnecessary discomfort or a troublesome trip to the emergency room. Not to mention, many elderly citizens suffer chronic pain, so it can be difficult to get ready and go out, wait around a doctor’s office only to be rushed. Here at DocChat, there is no time cap on consultations. You can speak with the doctor for as long as you need to, and there is unlimited follow up for a week.

2. Less Risk Of Germ Exposure
   

Thousands of people contract infections, viruses, colds, and other harmful illnesses from clinics and hospitals, leaving the doctor’s office sicker than when they entered. This can be especially dangerous for older people, as many fit under the immunocompromised category of the population that is at higher risk of contracting illness. They also may not be able to easily surmount colds or infections, so the less exposure to harmful germs, the better. Yet another reason it could be to an older American’s advantage to receive their healthcare from the comfort and safety of their home.

3. Better Follow-up And Condition Management
   

Telemedicine has proven to be an excellent method of helping people manage their chronic conditions. Diseases like arthritis, COPD, asthma, psoriasis, or even stroke and heart attack aftercare can be well managed via telemedicine. A digital platform enables the patient to connect with a doctor at the precise moment their condition is flaring up so the doctor can see via photos and video just how the condition has progressed. Just think of how many times your condition has flared up, but you couldn’t get in to see the doctor at that exact moment? DocChat is there anytime, day or night, year round to help with chronic condition management.

4. Less Risk Of Falls Or Accidents
   

Traveling to appointments can be troublesome for anyone, let alone if you are elderly and suffering a mobility-restricting condition such as arthritis. It can be quite a hassle to get ready, arrange transport, wait around a clinic (possibly while you are in pain or discomfort), then make the trek to the pharmacy and back home again. You may be risking a bad fall, especially if weather conditions aren’t ideal. If you can access most of your care from the safety of your home, a doctor’s appointment wouldn’t have to result in two days of subsequent recovery!

5. Convenience
   

DocChat can send any necessary prescriptions to your local pharmacy, even arranging delivery. This is yet another convenience of utilizing telemedicine for the majority of your healthcare if you are an older American. Not only will you be avoiding germy clinics, wait times, travel, rushed appointments and the risk of falling, but you can even get your medication delivered! So visit DocChat today to register and start your first telemedicine consult with one of our board certified, highly qualified DocChat physicians.