We often assume the older generation and new technology do not go hand in hand, but now they have to. A surprising number of seniors are adopting technology into their everyday lives, especially when it comes to healthcare. Let’s make sure we are utilizing this to our advantage and not leaving them behind. Here are three ways to keep reaching senior patients with today’s technology.
Don’t forget about the caregiver
For elderly patients, a caregiver will be a crucial part of their technology use. It is essential that to reach your senior patients, you engage their caregivers as well. Any software that doesn’t account for the caregiver’s role may create future problems instead of solutions, so be sure to keep this in mind.
Overcome barriers.
While there will definitely be obstacles when it comes to older patients and technology, the obstacles that pop up are never impossible. When these issues come up, embrace them and utilize them to make your practice stronger. Be sure to make your digital tools more appealing to patients and keep them easy to navigate.
Keep it simple.
When giving seniors the ability to monitor their health, you are giving them more control and independence in their lives. Providing patient engagement and education materials through email or other means will allow for improved self-care for senior patients. However, if the means to do this isn’t easy, it will be pointless because these tools won’t be utilized. Find ways to make your medical practices technology simple and easy to use. Get feedback from your patients so you know what keep, or what to try and make better.
As the senior population continues to grow, the demand for technology that assists healthcare for this population will also grow. Enhancing your patient engagement options to include digital and internet-based offerings will allow you to more effectively serve the older generation in your practice.
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