For today’s seniors, technology is always changing, especially with communications. The telephone and the post office still work, but they are very different. The Internet is the foundation for the growth of the “information age.” Modifying computer hardware and software adds web video conferencing to your communication options.
With healthcare a major force in America, “Internet video conferencing is quickly becoming essential to promoting independence for seniors at home,” says Greg Hartwell, co-founder and CEO of Homecare California. . This technology is common in commercial and social settings, but less so for older people. As a growing communication option, Internet video conferencing promotes instant access, making medical assessments and management convenient.
The American Association of Retired Persons defines four challenges to the well-being of older people. These challenges consist of decreased memory, decreased mobility, decreased skills, and increased isolation. These video visits provide non-medical therapies for seniors’ health challenges.
Home Care California (HCC)
At just 6 years old, HCC is a leading home healthcare provider for seniors in Northern California. Hartwell attributes his success to meeting a growing need for a growing population. A common problem for home health agencies is maintaining an effective balance between patient and staff. These video visits are the forerunners of medical advances, favoring Telehealth and other remote medical services.
Why video conferences over the Internet?
These self-help systems work well for patients who live alone, have adequate memory, have some computer skills, and have family support. HCC’s implementation of Internet video conferencing is just the beginning of a growing acceptance of this technology by home health care agencies.
Benefits for the patient:
1. The self-help system for Internet video conferencing is very simple.
2. Video communication offers good value for the family and the patient.
3. Subscription fees are reasonable.
4. The system allows many other uses (education, stimulation, interaction).
5. The emphasis is on secure, easy and portable setup.
6. Both computer hardware and software and Internet access are provided.
7. Minimal training is needed and provided.
HCC Benefits:
1. The main advantage of video visits is to SUPPLEMENT, not replace, home visits.
2. The components are a desktop unit, embedded software, and Wi-Fi Internet access, so minimal configuration is required.
3. These self-help systems are simple and easy to use, meaning no staff is required.
4. For agencies, a reasonable investment and excellent profitability justify their income-neutral status.
5. The use of Internet video conferencing for unlimited email and family contacts is extremely attractive to both patients and families. This makes the system a unique and powerful marketing tool.
6. These systems are generally leased or subscription based. This business model involves the outsourcing of business processes, so maintenance or technical support costs are minimal.
7. Outsourcing also means that hardware and software are automatically updated, so there are no obsolescence issues.
8. Patient users and their families receive free training on the system.
9. Most importantly, after 3 years of use, the system pays for itself.
For more information on video visits and self-help systems, please contact VVS.
