Age Tech

Chronic disease management: Best virtual healthcare options 

Middle-age is when most adults are diagnosed with a chronic health disorder such as hardening of the arteries and diabetes (Type-2). Once a chronic disease has been diagnosed, it requires lifelong management so symptoms do not worsen. Healthcare check-ups to see whether medication prescribed to manage the disorder is actually working are common. For senior-aged people and other adults with disabling symptoms, virtual healthcare offers a way to have physician check-ups, request prescription re-fills, and obtain answers to questions without having to visit a doctor’s office.  

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 37% of adults used virtual healthcare in the form of telemedicine in 2021. Virtual healthcare options differ tremendously, and some are easier for senior-aged adults to use than others. A Forbes magazine article in 2021 described six of the best virtual healthcare options available at that time. Topping its list was Teladoc, which is an “on-demand” service that connects a caller to a healthcare clinician and is covered by various health insurance plans (including some Medicare Advantage plans). Meanwhile, advances in Artificial Intelligence (AI) are enabling the design of apps focused even more specifically on supporting adults living with chronic health diseases. 

Four types of telehealth available on apps for patient care

There are four different types of telehealth that are available either separately or in combination with each other (per the Center for Connected Health Policy). These are most often called:  

• Live video (which uses teleconferencing software, and enables “real-time” interaction between a patient and healthcare provider). 
• Store-and-forward (which involves electronic transmission of medical information such as documents, digital images, and pre-recorded videos). 
• Remote patient monitoring (which involves personal health and data collection that is transmitted to a healthcare provider for use in providing care and support to that patient). 
• Mobile health (which are basically healthcare and public health “best practices” and education supported by mobile technological devices such as Smart Phones). 

For people with chronic health disorders, the utilization of all four types may be advisable in order to prevent the necessity of frequent “in-person” healthcare visits. In particular, receiving daily reminders to take medication (or to remember an upcoming “in-person” or virtual appointment with a clinician) can be beneficial for elderly people with cognitive impairments. In this way, receiving virtual healthcare can potentially enable a person with mild dementia to remain in the home environment for more years, rather than be relocated to a nursing home. 

Encryption, virtual telehealth services, and videoconferencing

A medical research article in 2022 in Clinical Liver Disease noted that healthcare providers need to comply with the federal law called HIPAA that is focused on protecting patient privacy. For this reason, it specifies that platforms such as TikTok, Facebook Live, and Twitch are not acceptable for telehealth interactions. While Zoom (which is frequently used for social group events and business meetings) is among the most popular videoconferencing platforms, it lacks the encryption required for HIPAA compliance. In contrast, some platforms such as Doxy.me are HIPAA-compliant.  

Health insurance and virtual healthcare

Consequent to the Covid-19 pandemic, more health insurance companies than ever are covering the cost of virtual healthcare visits. Medicare coverage for telehealth was flexible during the declared federal Covid-19 public health emergency ending on May 11, 2023 (but with an extension of many Medicare telehealth coverage provisions through December 31, 2024). Moreover, an increasing number of Medicare Advantage plans are offering broader coverage for telehealth, including covering the cost of certain digital devices. Meanwhile, mental health therapists are typically paid 20-30% less for virtual therapy sessions as compared to “in-person” sessions, which is a likely reason that many health insurance companies are now covering the cost of virtual therapy sessions. 

Low-income senior-aged people are far more likely to be affected by chronic health disorders than their higher-income counterparts (per a medical research article in Healthcare). Yet, Medicaid plans (that are state-administered) do not cover virtual healthcare as extensively as Medicare or private health insurance plans. Therefore, low-income seniors may not be able to afford the “out-of-pocket” costs in the form of co-pays for virtual healthcare that is required of them. 

Mental health and substance abuse treatment: How virtual healthcare can save lives

Federal law (the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 [MHPAEA]) basically specifies that group health plans and health insurance issuers that provide mental health or substance use disorder benefits cannot limit these benefits to an extent greater than the limits on the medical/surgical benefits. It is well-recognized that adults with chronic health disorders are more likely to experience mental health disorders (such as clinical depression and anxiety) than adults without chronic health disorders.  

Early intervention for a mental health disorder can prevent development of dependency upon a substance (such as alcohol) for self-medication. Since a mental health disorder and/or substance abuse problem is linked to decreased self-management of chronic health disorders, access to virtual mental health therapy and substance abuse treatment for adults with chronic disorders may lessen the likelihood of worsened overall health status. Thus, this type of virtual care may be life-saving. 

Partner with Ōmcare

With the Ōmcare Home Health Hub’s open API integration, you can run your telehealth services directly on the Hub – eliminating the need for disparate solutions that account for hardware. Partner with us to reach more people and ensure better health.

by Ōmcare

34% of consumers are digitally inclined: Implications for the healthcare industry  

An analysis of healthcare-focused survey data revealed that 34% of the entire US adult population is now digitally inclined, and interest among the senior-aged is surging. While preventing infection with Covid-19 prompted many Medicare-aged adults to schedule telehealth physician visits, there are other reasons that adults aged 65+ are more willing than before the pandemic to utilize technology-based healthcare services. From reminders to take medications to disease-specific health education – and individual wellness checks to answering patient questions – the use of wearable devices and digital healthcare platforms by the elderly is significantly growing.  

Due to the potential for improved overall health status, senior care facilities and Medicare providers (including Medicare Advantage providers) are focusing more attention and resources on this trend. As of 2021, at least one in five nationwide healthcare leaders reported that their organization/practice offers remote patient monitoring. Described below are some of the different digital approaches to improving senior health status that are being embraced by senior caregiving facilities and clinicians, as well as by more healthcare payers. Diverse ways that digital healthcare delivery approaches can reduce costs are also discussed. 

Digital health education as a chronic disease management tool

The American Diabetes Association notes that 29.2% of all adults aged 65+ in the US have diabetes. Even more have a condition termed pre-diabetes that – with lifestyle changes – may be controlled such that progression to full-blown diabetes (Type 2) does not occur. Since obesity is highly linked to developing diabetes, digital wearables can calculate both the total calories consumed in the food eaten and the reduction in weekly caloric intake needed to lose a targeted amount of weight (in pounds).   

While Fitbit and similar fitness trackers can aid in enabling a plan for weight management or loss, other types of digital wearables are more focused on aiding people diagnosed with prediabetes or diabetes to understand their daily glucose (blood sugar) intake from the foods eaten – so can promote both weight loss and lowered glucose intake. Moreover, they can include a “chat” feature to answer questions about caloric and glucose content in a specified amount of a desired food item, so that the individual can decide whether to consume it or not. 

Other chronic disorders such as heart disease and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) can also require major lifestyle changes. By utilizing a wearable that offers digital health education, the afflicted person can learn how to better manage a newly-diagnosed condition or acquire informative reminders if a medical provider’s instructions are forgotten. 

Medication management: How digital platforms and digital wearables are useful

Many senior-aged people take more than one prescribed medication each day. Two of the most common are cholesterol-lowering medication and antihypertensives (that control blood pressure). More than four in every 10 elderly people take at least five prescription drugs per day – which is a three-fold increase as compared to 20 years ago. Although this has enabled many to live “better” and enjoy a far longer lifespan, it can also be confusing for these people to keep track of all of their daily medication. Therefore, more intensive medication management by the individual (or that person’s personal caregivers and medical providers) is needed to reduce medication intake mistakes.  

For adults aged 65+ residing in assisted living facilities as well as alone, recognizing negative effects from skipping a medication or accidentally taking more than the prescribed dose can be problematic. Meanwhile, elderly people with early dementia (such as early Alzheimer’s Disease) can tremendously benefit by a digital device that provides real-time reminders of which prescribed drug to take and when to take it.  

Furthermore, patients with a history of nonadherence to their medication can benefit from a digital call from a member of the healthcare team (or even a nurse care coordinator from that person’s insurance plan) to ensure that the needed medication are being utilized. (This is particularly useful for a senior-aged person with a past history of stroke prescribed a daily blood-thinning drug to prevent another stroke, but who forgets to take the drug due to forgetfulness resulting from the stroke.) 

Wellness and safety checks to relieve stress on caregivers

Around 28% of community-dwelling senior-aged adults live alone, and that number sharply increases after age 75. According to Harvard University’s Joint Center for Housing Studies, the number of people aged 80+ who are living alone is set to soar to an estimated 10.1 million by 2038. “Slip and fall” accidents are the most frequent causes of bone fractures and death in adults aged 65+, and over 800,000 are hospitalized annually due to a fall-caused injury. One of the most common reasons is waking in the middle of the night to use the bathroom, and then losing balance due to suddenly standing up from a lying-down position with resulting light-headedness. 

Utilizing a wearable digital device to dial for assistance in the event of an emergency is just one way that an elderly person who has fallen can obtain immediate aid. Another is a periodic call from someone (to ensure that the elderly person does not need immediate aid) in the form of a wellness and/or safety “check”. Through the capacity for periodic contact from a paid caregiver, family member, designated friend, or healthcare provider, prevention of a worsened healthcare outcome for the senior-aged person can be enabled. Likewise, it can also alleviate the anxiety and fear on the part of loved ones as to the health status and/or safety of that senior-aged person. 

The federal Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) in 2020 reported that preventable hospitalizations among adults as of 2017 cost the US $33.7 Billion, and such hospitalizations occur most commonly among senior-aged adults. Therefore, insurance companies and healthcare organizations/facilities alike (as well as the patients themselves) are bearing preventable costs that digitally-initiated wellness and safety checks may curtail. 

Focus on Dementia: The importance of digital wearables to support patient functioning

An estimated 6.5 million adults aged 65+ in the US were living with Alzheimer’s Disease as of 2022. That number is expected to triple by 2050 (and one in three seniors is living with some form of dementia by the final year of life). Since dementia is highly associated with failure to take medication as prescribed, “slip and fall” accidents, and preventable hospitalizations, it is also linked to the overall increased cost-burden on the national healthcare system.  

When Alzheimer’s Disease is diagnosed at an early stage, interventions to promote cognitive functioning (such as engagement in online “brain health” games and programs) can be initiated to help prevent the afflicted individuals from experiencing a more rapid decline in cognitive functioning than otherwise. As noted in an article in Frontiers in Neurology in 2020, lifestyle modifications and enhanced social support may delay the need for nursing home care, while also reducing the patient’s overall healthcare costs resultant from living with dementia. In particular, involvement in visual art-making activities has been shown to improve cognition and relieve anxiety in people with Alzheimer’s Disease (and other forms of dementia), per a medical research article in Cochrane Database Systemic Reviews. 

Physical fitness and health status: Changed insurer attitudes toward fitness wearables

Reducing healthcare costs is a persistent issue for private health insurance companies targeting the senior-age demographic, as well as the US Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Since physical fitness has been linked to both preventing numerous chronic diseases and decreasing the rate of age-related bone loss (osteoporosis), coverage of the cost of fitness trackers has been embraced by an increasing number of health insurers, as described by AARP.  

Meanwhile, a Fierce Healthcare article in 2022 reported that Humana is using wearable fitness tracking devices it distributed to enrollees to track data on their chronic conditions in order to encourage embracement of healthy behaviors. Likewise, United Healthcare in 2023 is rolling out a financial rewards program for its enrollees using provided wearable digital tracking devices who meet their daily exercise goals (or other healthful activity goals). 

By utilizing the data obtained from health-related digital wearables, insurers are better able to predict (and adjust for) upcoming year costs related to preventable chronic disorders. (While Medicare does not specify technological devices or wearables in its coverage language, it does cover “medically necessary” Durable Medical Devices [DMEs) – so it is likely that more digitally-driven DMEs will be covered in future years.) Meanwhile, a Health News article in 2023 suggests that current coverage of digital wearables as an added plan benefit (such as a fitness tracker or personal emergency alert system) are far more likely under Medicare Advantage plans. 

Digital wearables, telehealth, and teleconferencing

Talking to a clinician as needed is a way that patients can stick to action plans for recovery at home following different types of surgeries (and also action plans for addressing early symptoms of disorders that require medical attention). For example, patients that are recovering at home following hip or knee replacement surgery – and are participating in post-surgery Physical Therapy (PT) sessions – may benefit from initiating a video call with their physical therapist to boost the likelihood of daily performance of the prescribed exercise regimen.  

Since mental health can affect overall health and well-being, it is also a way that clinicians can remain abreast of their patients’ mental health status. Especially for patients with cognitive impairments, being able to talk to someone via a digital device can improve compliance with medical (and allied) provider recommendations for maintaining overall health. 

Visit Ōmcare to learn more about our digital solution that provides a one-touch access point to provided services through our digital hub.

by Ōmcare

Benefits of home care for seniors and how age-tech can help

Before advancements in technology, seniors had no choice but to age in a care facility. Now, it’s no longer the only option. In fact, many seniors prefer not to go into a senior care facility, and would rather stay in their own homes. 87% of older Americans want to age in place, and age-tech can empower them to do so.  

What is age-tech?

Age-tech is technology specifically created for seniors. Seniors living at home, or “aging in place,” rely on healthcare technology to decrease the amount of in-person care they need.   

53% of older Americans would prefer a mix of medical staff and healthcare technology to manage their medical needs. The healthcare age-tech that can help seniors age in place includes: 

• Medication adherence: These devices help seniors accurately take their medication, in the right dose, at the right time. It includes automatic pill dispensers, medication reminders, and adherence monitoring. 
• Remote patient monitoring: These devices track the vitals of patients, helping their healthcare providers manage their chronic conditions. 
• Emergency alert systems: If a senior is in a medical emergency—for example, if they have a heart attack—emergency alert systems can notify healthcare providers, sending help without the patient even calling 911.  
• Telehealth: Remote messaging systems, video chats, and calls with providers allow seniors to receive medical care in the comfort of their own home. 

Although only 8% of seniors currently have a health and safety device, 70% of seniors made a tech purchase in the past year. Seniors keep reaching for their devices, and AARP says they’re ready for more. There is great potential for seniors to be using healthcare technology to age in place, and home care can help seniors live a higher-quality life. 

Benefits of senior home care with age-tech

Retain their independence

Seniors have spent their entire lives building a home they love, working for themselves, and making choices. When they move into a senior care facility, it can feel like their autonomy has been stripped away from them. They no longer feel that same sense of independence they’ve had throughout their entire life. 

“Many seniors know they need help,” says Mary Sue Patchett, Vice President of Brookdale Senior Living. “But they don’t want to ask for it because they’re afraid of losing their independence.”  

To help seniors retain their independence, home care is key. It allows seniors to live their lives in their own homes, and technology allows them to experience their time without a stay-at-home caregiver constantly looming over their shoulder.   

Far less expensive

Another aspect of independence is financial independence. Unfortunately, 65% of adults said they aren’t saving money to pay for senior living, and senior care facility costs aren’t affordable. The average monthly cost for a semi-private room in a senior care facility is $7,900. Similarly, full-time at-home care is also extremely expensive, with a median of $4,500 per month. 

Along with pricey assisted living and caregiving prices, healthcare expenses are also on the rise. Costs for inpatient care have risen by 195% over the last 20 years, while prices for outpatient services grew by 200%.  

Assisted living facilities, in-home caregiving services, and healthcare are all extremely expensive, and seniors only have a finite amount of retirement savings. However, age-tech can lower the cost. By using age-tech, seniors require less in-person care, without a reduction in quality. 

Overall less fear

When seniors can’t afford to hire help, caregivers in the family usually have to step up to assist them. Family members of seniors spend an average of 24 hours a week providing unpaid care, and this increases when there’s no extra help. In fact, many caregivers need to reduce their hours or quit their jobs to help care for their elderly loved ones. 

Unfortunately, seniors aren’t blind to the impact of their need for care. In fact, Pachett says another reason seniors don’t ask for help is because they’re afraid of “becoming a burden to their children.” She continues, “Instead, they suffer silently and often in isolation.”  

Since age-tech reduces the amount of in-person care seniors need, it can help them feel like less of a burden. This increases the likelihood that they’ll seek care for any medical ailments they’re facing, without worrying about the impact it’ll have on their loved ones.   

Delivering high-quality care with age-tech  

Age-tech helps seniors maintain their independence, save on finances, and drop the fear that they’re a burden. Most importantly, age-tech provides high-quality care that drives positive health outcomes.   

If you’re looking for a healthcare solution for seniors, look no further than the Ōmcare Home Health Hub®. It was specifically designed for elderly patients to help them age in place by providing:  

• Medication deliveries: We’ll deliver medication directly to your doorstep.
• Pre-packaged medicine: Up to 30 days of medication comes in easy-to-open pouches, and it is programmed to dispense on time, in exactly the right amount.
• Medication reminders: You’ll get reminders when it’s time to take medication.
• Regular check-ins: You can regularly check in with healthcare providers via video chat, calls, or text messaging.
• Cost effectiveness: After a one-time fee, the Ōmcare Home Health Hub® is only $9.99 per month.

Reach out to Ōmcare today to learn more.

by Ōmcare

The importance of connection: Why social messaging systems elevate healthcare platforms

High blood pressure. Obesity. Heart disease. Anxiety. Depression. A weak immune system. Cognitive decline. Alzheimer's disease… Even death.   

Those are the conditions that affect lonely seniors at higher rates than those who have meaningful relationships.  

Dr. Steve Cole, Ph.D. says, “Loneliness acts as a fertilizer for other diseases.” He continues, “The biology of loneliness can accelerate the buildup of plaque in arteries, help cancer cells grow and spread, and promote inflammation in the brain leading to Alzheimer’s disease.” 

The statistics: How loneliness affects elderly patients

If you’re the type of person who likes to see the numbers, we get it—so are we. Here are the statistics from the Center for Diseases Control and Prevention (CDC). Loneliness in elderly patients is associated with increases the risk of: 

• Dementia by 50% 
• Heart disease by 29% 
• Stroke by 32% 
• Hospitalization by 68%  
• Emergency visits by 57%  

And the most shocking statistic: loneliness increases the risk of death by four times.  

Overall, the CDC says that the health effects of loneliness rival those of smoking, obesity, and physical inactivity. It’s known as the “loneliness epidemic.” Lisa Marsh Ryerson, president of the AARP Foundation, says, “This is a very real public health crisis.” 

Connection is essential to keep seniors healthy—both mentally and physically.  

What is loneliness?

Chances are: most of us have felt lonely before. Emphasis on felt. Because that’s exactly what it is: a feeling. The CDC explains that loneliness is the feeling of being alone.  

Loneliness and social isolation are not one and the same. A person could be surrounded by people, yet still, feel alone. Another person could be socially isolated, yet not feel lonely.  

"Loneliness is the discrepancy between what you want from your relationships and what you actually have,” says Stephanie Cacioppo, director of the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine’s Brain Dynamics Laboratory.  

The goal is to help seniors avoid the distressing feeling of loneliness—even if they’re physically alone. 

A deep dive into elderly loneliness

When it comes to experiencing loneliness, seniors are the most at-risk members of society.  

The CDC notes, “Older adults are at increased risk for loneliness and social isolation, because they are more likely to face factors such as living alone, the loss of family or friends, chronic illness, and hearing loss.” Here are some more risk factors for loneliness in elderly patients: 

• Retirement 
• Loss of mobility  
• Lack of transportation  

40% of Medicare enrollees feel more lonely since November 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the isolation epidemic. 

Does technology build connections?

50% of older, educated Americans say the internet has been essential in helping them adjust during the pandemic. But it’s not as simple as just connecting seniors to the internet.   

“The solution is not just to say we are going to give everyone an iPad,” says Laura Trejo, general manager of the Los Angeles Department of Aging. “What are they going to do with it?” Instead, here are some of the best ways to use technology to combat elderly loneliness:  

• Engaging online courses 
• Virtual senior fitness classes 
• Online community services 
• Zoom or phone calls  
• Classes to teach seniors how to use technology 
• And finally…healthcare technology is an amazing area to help seniors ward off loneliness.  

Healthcare interventions are key

Loneliness leads to health problems, but the opposite is also true: health problems lead to loneliness. For example, 1 in 3 seniors have hearing loss, which leads to them feeling lonely. 

Another risk factor for loneliness is having a chronic illness. Psychology Today writes, “Symptoms and treatment often require withdrawal from the world.”  

Due to the interconnectedness of health conditions and loneliness, healthcare interventions are key. Medical professionals can help patients manage the underlying health problem that’s causing loneliness. Ultimately, this intervention will lead to less health issues down the line. 

What we’re saying is: Healthcare interventions are extremely important to help seniors ward off loneliness.  

The American Society on Aging writes, “Loneliness and isolation should be assessed and treated in the same way as other issues concerning health—through screening and appropriate intervention.” Here are how healthcare interventions can help lonely seniors: 

• Periodic assessments for loneliness 
• Inform seniors of the adverse health effects of loneliness 
• Make efforts to connect seniors with social care 
• Determine and treat the underlying health issues that are causing loneliness 
• Recommend therapy 

And finally, take the time to build a relationship with your patients. 

Be a friend to your patients

Another way healthcare professionals can help is by fostering a connection with elderly patients. In fact, you might be one of the only relationships your patient has left. Taking a few extra minutes to show empathy can make all the difference in your patient’s life.   

When you’re communicating via a healthcare platform—for example, video chatting or messaging—you’ll want to be more verbal. During in-office visits, patients can read your body language. That’s not true when you’re providing healthcare virtually. Here are our tips for being a virtual “friend” to your patients:   

• Let your patients know you’re listening. 
• Be curious about your patient. Ask questions to understand your patient—including questions that aren’t necessarily about medicine. 
• Acknowledge the patient and their feelings.  
• Show support.  
• Share extra resources. 
• Treat the patient how you would want a family member to be treated.  
• Ask for feedback. 

Even if you’re communicating virtually, showing empathy leads to better health outcomes for patients.  

Social messaging elevates healthcare platforms

Connection is key to helping seniors avoid long-term health problems and needless suffering. That’s why we built a healthcare app that allows patients and providers to build meaningful relationships. And the Ōmcare Home Health Hub® was born. It’s a customizable telehealth portal.   

Here are a few things you can do with Ōmcare:  

• Connect with patients in real-time via video or chat 
• Provide face-to-face care 
• Help patients feel less lonely and manage their conditions 
• Provide medication management (prescribe medications, provide accurate pre-slit packages of multi-dose medication at the right time, and track adherence)

Reach out to Ōmcare today to learn more.  

by Ōmcare

Do elderly patients want to use healthcare technology?

As we’re considering alternatives to at-home healthcare for elderly patients, medical technology is what we turn to. Age-tech is not only more cost-effective, but it also allows older patients to maintain their autonomy and independence as they age.  

But when it comes to older patients, there’s a stigma that they don’t want to—or can’t—use technology. These are the questions we’re investigating today: Do older patients want to use healthcare technology? What barriers make healthcare technology challenging for the older generation, and how can we overcome them?   

Most elderly patients are using technology in their daily lives

Younger generations have grown up with technology, which makes it less complicated to pick up and learn quickly. But what about older generations who haven’t had the benefit of learning how to use technology from a young age? 

Although we typically imagine elderly patients struggling to use technology, 61% of people 65 and older own a smartphone. Even more—75% of elderly patients—are internet users. And finally, 56% of seniors send text messages daily. While there’s a common stereotype that elderly patients are unable to use technology, the vast majority of them are already using it in their daily lives.  

But what about medical technology specifically? Here are the statistics: 

• 40% of elderly patients want to use technology for medication management. 
• 21% of older patients want to use telehealth to video conference with their doctors. 
• 53% want their health to be managed by a mix of technology and healthcare staff. 
• 66% of older patients say they’re comfortable sharing their health data with their providers via technology. 
• 3 in 4 older Americans want to age in their homes with the help of technology. 

Not only are the majority of seniors comfortable using technology, but they’re ready to use it to manage their health. Yet even still, some seniors are being left behind in the new digital age.   

A deep dive into the digital divide

When it comes to developing digital skills, seniors are closing the generational gap and catching up to their younger counterparts. However, there’s still a digital divide among seniors. This gap in technology usage is mainly due to polarizing attitudes toward technology.  

Seniors are categorized into these five groups to help us understand their different attitudes towards age-tech. 

Here are the two senior groups that are least likely to use technology:  

• Old traditionalists: This makes up 20% of the elderly population. These elderly patients typically don’t have children, are isolated, and have fewer devices than the average senior.  
• Striving pensioners: These seniors make up 26% of the elderly population, and they’re likely to live alone, have health or financial problems, and have few devices. However, they’re likely to watch TV more often than other seniors.

The next senior group is likely to use technology on an average level: 

• Sociable grandparents: These seniors make up 25% of the elderly population. They’re likely to be married and socialize often. They don’t often feel lonely in comparison to other seniors. 

Here are the last two senior groups. These two are only about 3 in 10 of all seniors. They’re likely to use the internet and technology more than the average senior:  

• Mature life connoisseurs: 13% of the elderly population, these seniors are typically married, highly educated, and have steady finances. They’re likely to be more active and social than other seniors.  
• Aging techies: Making up 16% of the senior population, these elderly patients show a high level of excitement for technology. They’re often well-educated, active, make good money, and socialize often.  

Clearly, there is a large gap in technology usage among seniors themselves. So how can we go about bridging the gap so that more seniors use medical technology? 

How to drive higher age-tech usage in elderly patients 

Among the two groups of elderly patients that are less likely to use technology, we can see some common themes:  

• They are less likely to have family and friends that can help them navigate new technologies.  
• They’re more likely to face physical challenges, such as hearing loss, that makes using technology harder. 
• They often don’t have exposable income, meaning they can’t constantly buy new technologies. 

Here are our recommendations to help these seniors access medical technologies: 

• Provide detailed instructions on how to use age-tech. For example, create easy-to-understand instructions to help.  
• If physical constraints, such as hearing loss or visual impairments, are affecting a senior’s use of age-tech, provide them with alternative options to help them overcome that barrier. For example, for patients with hearing loss, a healthcare messaging system may be better than a virtual appointment or phone call. 
• Help patients understand their financial assistance options. 

Finally, if you’re creating your own healthcare app, focus on making user experience accessible for all. This involves asking elderly patients about their preferences and abilities during research and development phases.  

Turn to age-tech that was created for seniors

While many age-tech options are created “top-down,” with seniors as an afterthought, the Ōmcare Home Health Hub® was developed specifically to help seniors use it with ease. Seniors want to use healthcare technology, so we’ve made it easier for them to do so. The Ōmcare Home Health Hub connects elderly patients with providers and helps them manage their medications. Reach out to Ōmcare today to learn more.  

by Ōmcare

3 Affordable alternatives to traditional home health care (2022 Update) 

3 in 4 older Americans want to stay in their homes as they age. Yet, home healthcare has become increasingly expensive, and it’s no longer an affordable option for the average patient. In 2022, the median monthly cost for full-time home healthcare is $4,500.  

That’s $54,000 a year.  

Thankfully, there are a host of technological healthcare solutions available for patients who have conditions that need monitoring and treating. Before you decide to hire a nurse to come over daily, let’s explore other, more cost-effective healthcare options. 

Technology’s role in home healthcare

Technology has opened up a world of possibilities for elderly people with disabilities and chronic diseases. Patients are no longer reliant on in-person healthcare to live independent lives.   

“We’re already seeing some really interesting ways technology is being used to help people as they age,” says Ben Jonash, an author of The Future of Aging. Medical technology is allowing patients to age gracefully and in their own homes, even when they have health issues. These technologies represent alternatives for elderly patients to avoid expensive, in-person healthcare. 

3 alternatives to home healthcare

1. Telemedicine

The first alternative to in-person healthcare is telemedicine. This is what it sounds like: a medical professional can provide their services through video chat, rather than in-person. Telemedicine, or telehealth, provides the following benefits: 

• Promotes continuity of care 
• Decreases the cost of care 
• Improves patient self-management and clinical outcomes 
• Reduces exposure to illness 

With telemedicine, patients can still get the care they need, without stepping outside their homes. They’ll still receive access to the same healthcare that they would in-person. And at times, care is even more accessible, easier to get, and quicker.  

2. Mobile Health

When a patient self monitors, then transfers the data to an online healthcare platform, it’s referred to as “mobile health.” Mobile health, similarly to telemedicine, represents another affordable alternative to at-home healthcare. Here are some examples of mobile health: 

• Tracking dietary intake and glucose levels for diabetes management 
• Remote patient monitoring (in these instances, devices do the monitoring for the patients)  
• Point-of-care diagnostics  
• Mobile health applications that connect patients with providers (for example, real-time messaging) 

Another example of mobile health would be when a patient wears an emergency health tracking device. Medical alert systems can alarm doctors and emergency responders when patients can’t do so themselves. 

Mobile health, in many cases, removed the need to have someone in the home, making it an incredible alternative to in-home healthcare.  

3. Medication management

Technology greatly enhances the ability of providers to remotely manage medications, allowing easy access for patients.Online medication management is widely known as “telepharmacy.” These are applications that remind patients of refill schedules and allow them to easily message pharmacists to request refills. 

Using online medication management, patients can have their medicine delivered. Some medication management tools even include automatic pill dispensers and medication reminders. By taking the entire process of managing medicine online, patients are more likely to adhere to their medication schedules, leading to more favorable health outcomes. 

Technology drives better health outcomes

Nowadays, most patients can’t afford to drop thousands of dollars a month on full-time home healthcare. Thankfully, no one has to—with the help of technology. Now that you know the alternatives to home health care, all that’s left to do is find the right solution for you.  

One option that offers telemedicine, mobile health, and medication management is Ōmcare’s Home Health Hub®. It’s a platform that offers patients and providers the ability to form a virtual relationship, checking in regularly, remotely. Patients can also request medication refills and have them mailed directly to their doors.  

Reach out to Ōmcare to get started with telemedicine and online medication management. 

by Ōmcare

Technology's impact on cost utilization

In the United States, healthcare is one of the top expenses for American families. In 2020, Americans spent $4.1 trillion on healthcare (yes, trillion). That means on average, each person in the U.S. spent roughly $12,500. Many physicians are concerned that high healthcare costs are placing a burden on their patients. 

However, to reduce the healthcare cost burden on patients, we need to first cut expenses for healthcare providers. Unfortunately, bad debt caused by uncompensated care continues to increase at health centers across the country. In 2020, 47% of hospitals experienced increased debt due to uncompensated care. 21% of hospitals owe at least $10 million in debt. 

Technology improves efficiency, reducing costs  

Although $1.7 trillion is invested annually in healthcare, the industry is inefficient and burdened with costs. However, technology can help both patients and providers in reducing costs. For example, the right technology allows doctors to detect, treat, and prevent diseases, which reduces the long-term cost of healthcare. 

With rising labor costs, it’s the perfect time for the healthcare sector to embrace using technology to cut healthcare costs – while maintaining a high quality of care. If most providers adopted health technology, the efficiency savings could average over $77 billion per year. 

Don’t be afraid of technology and automation

You might be skeptical of automating tasks, thinking it’ll reduce jobs and staffing. Your administrative staff will still have to manage these technical solutions and address other tasks, but they’ll be much more efficient and productive. Automation and technology are not replacements for staff, but rather, an empowerment tool. 

New health technology helps reduce costs, offers a better patient experience, and encourages innovation.  

How technology reduces the cost of healthcare

1. Lower staffing costs

Labor is one of the biggest operating expenses. Plus, overworking the same employees with tasks that could be automated can lead to medical staff burnout. This reduces the effectiveness of your employees.  

By using technology, hospitals effectively manage their staffing schedules, while decreasing healthcare expenses. Data helps hospitals understand their staffing needs to avoid overworking and over scheduling employees. This can be done by looking at past shifts, plus examining the current patient needs. These apps can carry out real-time labor analysis to predict demands based on:  

• The number of incoming patients 
• The number of open beds 
• Capacity 
• Equipment status 

This innovative labor technology can help hospitals avoid resorting to expensive alternatives, such as temporary hires or paying staff overtime.  

2. Automate administrative tasks

Another key to lowering staffing costs is automating administrative tasks. The healthcare industry spends $2.1 billion on manual tasks for provider data management. These are poorly performed and error-prone. The entire industry could save 33%, or $13.3 billion a year if administrative tasks were automated. 

Administrative tasks waste a lot of time. Doctors end up wasting their time on entering patient notes, rather than actually treating the patients. But why let doctors waste their time, when there is technology available that lets doctors automate these administrative tasks? For example, instead of manually entering test results, there are apps for you to scan the test results and import them automatically.   

Mobile apps can help hospitals and practices save a lot of time. For example, apps can handle prescriptions, testing, appointment setting, answering patient questions, sending medication or appointment reminders, and insurance processes. Plus, technology can provide analytics that lead to better patient care.  

3. Streamline marketing efforts

Another way to reduce staffing costs, while also increasing revenue, is to automate marketing efforts. Hospitals need to invest time and marketing into their business, and automation is the best solution. It helps you:  

• Expand your reach and impressions 
• Gain and nurture leads 
• Acquire more patients 
• Grow faster 

Technology can give you data so you can take advantage of segmented marketing. For example, you can market your diabetes care specifically for diabetic or prediabetic patients. Segmented marketing helps you reach the patients who need your care. 

Plus, technology allows you to automate email campaigns, social media posts, patient referrals, text messages, review generation, and more.  

Marketing technology also provides analytics. These ensure your marketing team knows what’s effective, and what isn’t. When they know what types of content are resonating with your audience, they can keep driving engagement.  

There’s always more to be done for marketing teams. Streamlining marketing efforts helps you generate more revenue while avoiding overworking employees.  

4. Reduce the need for specialists

The overuse of specialists can make care very expensive. However, remote patient monitoring (RPM) tools can reduce costs by eliminating travel costs, hospital room expenses, and specialty fees. It also ensures that specialists are spending their time wisely. 

Using RPM technology, providers can remotely monitor patients in real-time. The system can analyze their healthcare data, and alert doctors in real-time if a patient’s condition grows worrisome. Then, the provider can adjust the patient’s treatment plans.  

When specialists are needed, technology makes it possible for them to utilize virtual appointments.  

5. Offer telehealth

Remote care saves an average of $19-$121 per patient compared to traditional, in-person doctor visits. Plus, throughout the 2020 pandemic, telemedicine was the key advancement that helped doctors stay in touch with patients. Even after the pandemic, 43% of Americans want to continue opting for telehealth. 

Remote care also helps providers save financially. They can offer primary care remotely, reducing unnecessary and expensive emergency room visits. It also saves time for providers. Physicians who use telemedicine reduce visit times by about 20%.  

Telemedicine is proving to be one of the most important healthcare technologies moving forward. It improves healthcare, and lowers the cost for everyone. It’s affordable, and it saves everyone time. 

Embrace technological advances  

In healthcare, the trends are moving us to a place where artificial intelligence will be used more and more to speed up treatment and reduce costs. With an eye for innovation, new ways of delivering care are made possible, which improves the effectiveness of treatments. Durable, user friendly, and cost-effective systems give us another avenue to improve healthcare. The future of this industry is bright. 

Looking for a technological solution to decrease costs? Ōmcare Home Health Hub® is a video-based, remote solution that ​allows patients to get their medicine and speak with their providers, pharmacist, or caregivers in real-time. ​​Reach out to Ōmcare to learn more!  

by Ōmcare