Health at Home

In 2016, nearly 2.3 million Medicare beneficiaries we discharged from the hospital with home health referrals, yet only 54% ever utilized home health services1. For the patients who do not use such services, after returning home, they often feel fine until their condition deteriorates, resulting in readmission, institutionalization, or even death. Several factors contribute to the underutilization of home health, such as incorrect or incomplete data, lack of patient education on the difference between non-medical and home health care services, or the distrust of an unfamiliar person in their home.  Despite patients failing to receive home healthcare, it significantly reduces readmissions [...]

In 2020, the number of individuals over 60 surpassed the number of children under five for the first time in history[1]as lifespans increase to over 70 in many countries. In the US, people live longer, with an average life expectancy of 77.8 years in 2020[2]predicted to increase to 85.6 by 2060[3]. As of 2020, 56 million US people were ages 65 or older, expected to increase to 84 million people by 2040[4]. Chronic conditions are already prevalent in the US, with more than 85% of seniors over 65 having at least one chronic condition[5]. At the same time, nearly half of [...]

By July 2020, 80% of healthcare providers had conducted telehealth visits[1], yet the majority of patients seen were under the age of 65[2]. Much of this is likely because, unlike the 65+ population, younger individuals are typically more technologically adept and able to navigate the devices and applications needed for a telehealth visit. The elderly population, while they stand to benefit significantly from telehealth (they are more susceptible to COVID-19, and 85.6% have at least one chronic condition[3]), they need additional support from healthcare providers to effectively make use of telehealth technology. Trends suggest that older populations are becoming more familiar [...]

When the pandemic began, many healthcare providers made the switch from in-person care to telehealth to reduce disease exposure. This was not a problem for many patients, especially when they had the means to facilitate virtual visits. Other patient demographics, like seniors, may be underrepresented by telehealth visits, however. It is startling to consider that half of people older than 65 living alone do not have the financial ability to cover essentials, let alone new devices or internet access needed for a telehealth visit[1]. Plus, more than one in three households lead by senior citizens lacked access to a computer, and [...]