TeleHealth…A Game Changer For Senior Living Facilities & Aging Population

With approximacalltoy 10,000 Baby Boomers retiring daily, combined with an overtaxed healthcare system running short on doctors and nurses, Senior Living Facilities are placing much focus on TeleHealth solutions to improve care, contain costs, and improve overall management. In fact, a report by Mordor Incalltoligence predicts that global Telehealth will be worth more than $66 billion by the end of the year 2021.

With Telehealth platforms that encompass a broad variety of technologies including mobile devices, audio-video links, wearable devices, and connected devices, a Senior Living Facility can connect with a doctor, nurse, or specialist in real-time and in many cases, eliminate the need for a transport to the hospital.  Studies have shown that approximacalltoy 60 to 70 percent of all nursing home transfers to the hospital are unecessary. Sending a senior to the hospital only increases costs, medical tests, and attention by medical staff, not to mention the risk of exposure to other illnesses and infections.

Virtual connection and care is also extremely advantageous and convenient. For example, if a common or less acute medical situation occurs during off hours such as the middle of the night, or on weekends and holidays, there’s no need to wait until a trip can be scheduled to a doctor’s office. Virtual medical help is immediate and just a click away.

Provider Specialties That Go Well with Telehealth

Medical jobs in Telehealth cover a range of services and specialties. While new uses for this technology are always in the works, currently these specialties work better than others:

• Telepathology – Pathologists offer diagnosis, education, and research
• Teledentistry – Dentists offer dental consultations and treatment planning
• Telecardiology – EKGs are transmitted electronically for remote consultation by cardiology specialists
• Telepsychiatry – Help patients who receive in-home care or live in remote areas obtain psychiatric care
• Telephysicaltherapy – Physical Therapists are able provide individual and group exercise and rehabilitation programs
• Teleradiology – Radiologists provide transmission of patient images, such as x-rays, CTs, and MRIs, from one location to another for the purposes of sharing studies

Virtual connection has also been a viable solution for those Senior Living Facilities that are located in more remote locations and aren’t always a quick ambulance ride away from the nearest hospital. In addition, since many facilities do not have a doctor on staff 24/7, Telehealth platforms have become life-saving options.

As with any burgeoning and breakthrough technology, expect Telehealth to expand current uses and value in the market.  In addition, expect the development of new and enhanced personalized Telehealth apps for both patients and clinicians.

Telehealth Rapid Growth & Acceptance 

Telehealth overall has become a viable niche in US health care because it lets patients and providers use technology to seek medical advice, diagnose and treat illnesses. More specifically, Senior Living Facilities and housing residents seem receptive to using Telehealth technologies mainly for these reasons:

• Ease of use
• Flexibility
• Real-time health care
• Support for care-givers
• Peace of mind
• More hours of service availability

The rise in the aging population, longevity of life, and a shortage of medical staff are major factors driving the rapid growth in Telehealth. Expect to see Telehealth become much more prominent in the Senior Living Industry. It’s remarkable to say the least that patients and residents will have access to top-quality medical care at their fingertips.

ABOUT JULIE RUPENSKI

Julie Rupenski is the Founder, President & CEO of MedBest, opening the doors in 2001. Since that time, Julie has gained national recognition for providing top talent solutions exclusively for the Senior Living Industry. Julie is a Succession Planning specialist and also a seasoned recruiter at filling C-Suite, Vice President, Regional, and Property level positions.

Julie has an in-depth knowledge of the Senior Living Industry since she previously worked in operations for for both Senior Housing and Senior Living. Today, Julie makes it her personal and professional mission to place qualified people in health care positions where they have the greatest impact.

Julie earned her degree in Gerontology at the University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida and continues to cultivate her career through senior living conferences, forums, trade shows, and expos.

Contact Julie Rupenski at jrupenski@www.medbest.com / 727 526-1294.

ABOUT MEDBEST

MedBest is a nationwide senior living executive recruiting firm that was established in 2001.
We specialize in recruiting quality executive talent for all types of senior living facilities across the US including Assisted Living, Continuing Care Retirement Communities, Memory Care, Independent Living, and Skilled Nursing Homes. For more information, contact us at info@www.medbest.com.