4 Strategies for Healthcare Providers to Make Virtual Care Practical for Seniors

Telemedicine and virtual care are no longer optional for healthcare practices. Covid-19 catapulted virtual care from an ancillary service to a staple of modern healthcare and has shown to be a positive addition for all parties involved.

Technological advancements seem to evolve daily, but little has been done to ensure the digital inclusion of the elderly, further isolating a population with minimal digital skills, to begin with. Finally, mounting financial burdens like the surging costs of long-term care, housing and assisted living situations, and medical expenditures make it hard for people to afford smart devices or the internet.

Focus on simplicity. Make installation and set up as easy as possible. Avoid plug-ins, downloads, and logins if at all possible. Consider patients that might have auditory or visual impairments and how they will interact with your virtual care technology.