Getting started
Telehealth is a way for older adults to manage their health care needs.
Access to care for older adults
Older adults have higher health care needs. Frequent in-person visits may be difficult to manage.
Telehealth has many benefits. Telehealth is a way for older adults to manage their health care needs. This could include chronic conditions, behavioral health care, and dementia.
Telehealth services use electronic information and telecommunication technologies. This technology provides clinical care and health-related education at a distance. The types of technologies available for telehealth appointments, include:
- Synchronous care is a live interaction between a provider and a patient. Visits may also include a caregiver, as appropriate. Examples include video calls, audio only calls, and secure text messaging.
- Asynchronous telehealth is information shared between a provider and patient at different times. This is also called “store and forward”. Examples include messages, images, and lab results.
- Remote patient monitoring involves a device used to monitor certain health conditions.
Tip: View Medicare Telehealth Trends to see how telehealth has evolved.
Older patient onboarding
Before offering telehealth services, consider your patients. You need to think about your older patients’ needs and preferences. Incorporate telehealth-specific questions in your intake. Some examples include:
- What is your preferred telehealth technology? (e.g., audio-video, audio only, or secure text messaging)
- Do you have any sensory limitations? (e.g., cognitive, hearing, visual)
- Are you comfortable with technology? (e.g., online platforms, patient portals)
- Do you expect anyone else in your appointment? (e.g., caregivers, family members, medical interpreters)
- What is your preferred method of receiving health education materials? (e.g., printed handouts, audio clips, videos)
- How would you like us to communicate with you after your visit? (e.g. email, text, patient portal message, phone call)
The patient onboarding process should also take into account different needs. For example, some patients may have limited resources or issues with digital literacy.
Tip: Telehealth can provide an opportunity to view a patient’s home and caregiver interactions. If you suspect elder abuse or neglect, you have a duty to report.
Privacy and security
Some older patients may have concerns about privacy and security. It is important to explain the privacy and security risks of using telehealth.
More information
Health equity in telehealth — Health Resources and Services Administration
HIPAA Rules for telehealth technology – Health Resources and Services Administration
How do I protect my data and privacy? – Health Resources and Services Administration