Getting older certainly means becoming wiser and watching your children and grandchildren grow up, but it also comes with some not-so-pleasant changes. For example, losing the ability to drive. This can be one of the most challenging changes for senior citizens to deal with, as it lessens their independence and signals a significant shift in their day-to-day lives. Without the ability to get up and go whenever they want—whether to a doctor’s appointment or visit a friend—seniors are left relying on others for their transportation needs. With more than 8.4 million senior citizens depending on others for their transportation (a number that will be 4-5 times what it is today by the year 2030, according to the Administration on Aging), there is a wide range of services popping up to help seniors. From ridesharing apps and volunteer transportation programs to at-home healthcare services, these options lessen caregivers’ burden on transporting their loved ones around and ensure seniors can regain a little bit of their independence and socialization.
Why At-Home Home Medical Care Makes Sense for Seniors
As we age, it’s common for our medical needs to increase. Whether that means more doctor’s appointments to keep up with one’s overall health or receiving regular treatment for a chronic condition, many seniors frequently rely on their caregivers to transport them to and from appointments. This can be a difficult task for busy families, which is why at-home medical care can make things a bit easier.
There are two primary versions of at-home medical care:
A home health nurse who has an ongoing relationship with a senior and provides primary medical care, such as administering medications, taking vitals, and regularly assessing the senior’s health condition
Home health care that provides acute medical care to seniors on an as-needed basis, such as when they have a flare-up of a chronic health condition or are dealing with a sudden, non-emergency illness or injury that requires prompt care
Either of these options provides a helping hand to seniors and their families as they navigate health challenges and the basic logistics of transportation. For example, instead of a senior finding someone to take them to their doctor’s office or an urgent care facility, the medical provider comes directly to them and provides the medical attention they need right at home. Not only does this address transportation issues, but it is also a much more convenient solution for seniors who may be under the weather and not up for taking a trip and sitting in a waiting room to receive the care they need.
DispatchHealth’s At-Home Medical Care Service
DispatchHealth provides at-home medical care to seniors who are experiencing non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries. After requesting a visit with us, we’ll send a team directly to your home, and they will arrive within just a few hours. Every medical team includes a physician assistant or nurse practitioner and a DispatchHealth Medical Technician (DHMT). In addition, a physician trained in emergency medicine is also available by phone throughout the visit to assist our medical teams, should that need arise.
Our medical teams can provide care for a long list of medical conditions, from joint pain and COPD exacerbations to the flu, fever, upper respiratory infections, and severe cough. They come prepared with fully equipped medical kits that have many of the same tools found in an emergency room, able to provide a wide range of testing and treatment to help you feel better. When they’re finished, they will call in any prescriptions, handle billing with your insurance company (if applicable), and provide a detailed clinical summary to your primary care physician for seamless continuity of care.
Medical Treatment From the Comfort of Home
At-home medical care has become an increasingly popular option among seniors, especially those with reduced mobility, chronic conditions, or who can no longer drive themselves to appointments. DispatchHealth is here to help ensure you can receive the top-notch medical care you need exactly when you need it—and without leaving home. You won’t need to worry about coordinating a ride to your doctor’s office or an urgent care facility the next time you need same-day medical attention for a health condition. Simply request a visit with DispatchHealth, and we’ll take care of you promptly. You can request a visit by using our website, calling us on the phone, or using our app.
For life-threatening and time-sensitive injuries and illnesses, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. DispatchHealth shouldn’t be used in a life-threatening emergency and doesn’t replace a primary care provider.
Sources
DispatchHealth relies only on authoritative sources, including medical associations, research institutions, and peer-reviewed medical studies.
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