Telehealth

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Telehealth is the use of digital technology — video calls, phone visits, remote monitoring devices, and secure messaging — to deliver health care services without requiring an in-person appointment. For older adults managing chronic conditions or receiving long-term care, it removes barriers like transportation, mobility limitations, and geography.

Telehealth encompasses a broad range of health care services delivered remotely through technology. A doctor's visit conducted over video, a nurse checking in by phone after a hospital discharge, a remote sensor monitoring a patient's blood pressure at home — all fall under the telehealth umbrella. The terms "telehealth" and "telemedicine" are often used interchangeably, though telemedicine typically refers specifically to clinical services provided by a physician.

For older adults, telehealth has become an essential part of modern care delivery. Telehealth is most popular among people 65 and older with long-term disabilities, as well as those who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid. It can improve access to geriatric care for older adults facing transportation, mobility, and health-related barriers to in-person visits

Telehealth and Long-Term Care

Telehealth plays a growing role across the long-term care continuum — from home care to assisted living to skilled nursing facilities. It allows care teams to conduct routine check-ins, monitor chronic conditions, adjust medications, and triage symptoms without requiring a facility visit or hospital transfer. For family caregivers, telehealth also provides a way to consult with providers and stay informed about a loved one's condition from a distance.

Supporting older adults in managing chronic conditions while promoting independence and quality of life increasingly requires approaches that extend beyond institutional care settings, and telehealth has emerged as a promising tool to enhance access, continuity, and patient engagement.