A few years ago, seeing a doctor through a computer screen sounded like something from The Jetsons. Today, telehealth is an important part of healthcare for millions of older adults. Still, many families wonder: Is telehealth right for my parent?
As telehealth continues to improve access to care, knowing when it is—and is not—the right choice is essential for making informed healthcare decisions.
What Is Telehealth?
Telehealth allows people to connect with healthcare providers online using a computer, tablet, or smartphone. It is most often used for routine care and follow-up appointments.
For caregivers, telehealth can reduce travel time, eliminate transportation challenges, and make it easier for family members to participate in appointments—even if they live in another city or state.
Telehealth complements traditional in-person care by also including:
- Video visits
- Telephone appointments
- Remote patient monitoring
- Secure messaging with providers
The Benefits of Telehealth for Older Adults
Telehealth can be an excellent option for:
- Routine follow-up appointments
- Medication reviews
- Managing chronic conditions
- Discussing laboratory or test results
- Mental health and counseling services
- Minor illnesses or non-urgent concerns
- Caregiver participation from another location
Easier Access to Healthcare and Reduced Caregiver Stress
Many families appreciate that telehealth allows them to ask questions from the comfort of home while reducing the stress and fatigue that can come with traveling to appointments. This is especially true for those that are completely immobile (bed-bound) or live a good distance from healthcare providers.
Better Management of Chronic Conditions
Another benefit of Telehealth is being able to monitor chronic conditions, such as:
- Diabetes
- Hypertension
- Heart disease
- Arthritis
- Medication management
Greater Family Involvement
A major advantage of telehealth is that adult children who live elsewhere can join appointments virtually; maintaining consistency within the caregiver circle.
Improved Continuity of Care
Routine follow-ups are easier to schedule, which helps reduce missed appointments. Vitals can be checked more often, and medications can be managed more accurately.
When Telehealth Is the Best Choice
Some suggested topics:
- Medication reviews
- Chronic disease management
- Follow-up appointments
- Mental health visits
- Nutrition counseling
- Sleep concerns
- Reviewing test results
- Caregiver consultations
When an In-Person Visit Is Better
Telehealth has limitations, sometimes an in-person visit is a better choice.
Examples include:
- Chest pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Stroke symptoms
- Significant injuries
- Severe infections
- Falls with possible fractures or head bumps
- Wounds needing treatment
- Any condition requiring a hands-on physical examination
Choosing in-person care when appropriate is part of good decision-making when caring for an older adult.
Tips for a Successful Telehealth Appointment
Here are some practical guidlines:
Before the visit:
- Test technology
- Prepare medications or list of medications
- Write down symptoms
- Make a list of questions
During the visit:
- Let your parent answer first
- Speak clearly
- Take notes
- Ask for clarification
- Record visit to aide in notetaking
After the visit:
- Review instructions
- Schedule follow-up care
- Update medication lists
- Share information and recording with family caregivers
Download the Telehealth Preparation Checklist to use as a guide.
Common Concerns Families Have
Many adult children have concerns when it comes to technology and their parent, such as:
“My parent isn’t comfortable with technology.”- offer to be with them when signing on, or hire a care manager, or caregiver to assist them.
“What if the internet doesn’t work?”- be sure to check internet the day before, and create a back up plan just in case.
“Will the doctor miss something?”- it is possible the doctor will miss something, share those concerns in the call and remember that you can always message them.
“Can Medicare cover telehealth?” – as with everything with Medicare in each state, there is no one answer. Here is a great website to assist you.
Technology Is a Tool—Not a Replacement
Telehealth doesn’t replace the reassuring presence of a trusted physician, the comfort of a family member sitting beside a loved one, or the value of a thorough physical examination. Instead, it expands access to care and provides another way to stay connected to healthcare when appropriate. It can provide supplemental care when multiple appointments are needed but are not always available.
Final Thoughts
Telehealth is one of the most significant advances in modern healthcare, especially for older adults who face transportation or mobility challenges. Used wisely, it improves access, strengthens communication, and allows caregivers to be more involved in the healthcare journey.
Like any tool, its value lies in knowing when—and how—to use it.
Download Our Free Telehealth Preparation Checklist
Prepare for every virtual appointment with confidence using our printable checklist designed specifically for older adults and family caregivers.
