What are telehealth considerations for older adults?
Understand how to use telehealth to receive the care you need in a safe and convenient way.
What are the benefits of telehealth for older adults?
Telehealth has many benefits. Telehealth is a way to help you manage health care needs without having to leave your home. This could include cancer, chronic conditions, and behavioral health care. Telehealth can also make it easier to choose from a wider range of health care services and specialists.
How can I use telehealth?
Telehealth uses technology to help you and your caregiver connect to health care services, education, and online resources.
Video appointments. You can talk to and see a health care provider, just like a regular visit.
Phone calls. You may be able to speak with your provider by using the phone.
Secure emails or texting. You can send and get secure emails or text messages. You can also share images or test results with your provider.
Remote patient monitoring. You can use technology to keep track of your health information, like blood sugar, blood pressure, or heart rate. You can then share this information with your provider.
Did you know?
Lifeline is a government program that can help you pay for a computer or phone and internet or cellular access.
How can I help protect my privacy?
You may have concerns about privacy and security risks when using telehealth. Telehealth visits are just as private as meeting with your provider in-person. It is important to take steps to keep your telehealth visits private and to safely share your health information. You can also limit your risk by following these tips.
What if it is difficult for me to see or hear?
Vision and hearing loss may make some telehealth tools difficult to use. Screen readers, touch screens, automatic transcription, and closed captioning can help you better connect with your provider. Talk to your provider to understand your options.
Tip: Learn more about telehealth for individuals with communication disabilities in this tip sheet (PDF).
More information:
How do I protect my data and privacy? — Health Resources and Services Administration
What are different types of telehealth? — Health Resources and Services Administration
What do I need to use telehealth? — Health Resources and Services Administration
What should I know before my telehealth visit? — Health Resources and Services Administration
Telehealth: What is it, how to prepare, is it covered? — National Institute on Aging
Telehealth: Improving dementia care — National Institute on Aging