Technology has made it possible for people to connect online through various devices and platforms—for business, personal, and even medical reasons. These virtual visits can save someone time, money, or worry when it is too complicated to have an in-person meeting together.
The term telehealth is also used for virtual visit meaning when it applies only to appointments with doctors or other healthcare providers. One definition for “virtual” is “being on or simulated on a computer or computer network.” When we talk about virtual visits what we mean is that these interactions happen when two people are meeting online, via a computer network.
What Is a Virtual Visit?
A virtual visit though can expand beyond the doctor virtual visits. Homewatch CareGivers Total Care Solutions™ includes Homewatch Connect™, which is a device that can be set up through a television (as well as laptop or smartphone) and allow for secure virtual connection with the preferred friends and family, healthcare providers, and a home care support team for an individual.
Homewatch Connect can be used in a variety of ways for added security, increased communication, and to gather information for enhanced well-being:
- Medication and appointment reminders will pop up on the TV screen (no need to check a calendar)
- Only approved contacts can reach you, so spam calls are non-existent
- Connected sensors can monitor temperature and humidity for any significant changes
- More than one caller can join so calls can be facilitated with a care team
Homewatch Connect includes an easy-to-use big button remote control which makes it simple to learn for people of all ages or conditions, such as those with changes in grip or dexterity due to aging or chronic illnesses like arthritis.
How Do You Do a Virtual Visit?
When you meet with your healthcare provider virtually, you will need to have an account setup in their portal or system. This also requires an email address and linking to this account. It’s important to make sure your personal laptop, tablet, or smartphone has the most current security settings so that the call is completely secure.
Homewatch Connect was designed with privacy and security in mind and only approved contacts can reach you—whether it’s a loved one, member of the home care support team, or healthcare professional. It can make a difference for any of the people to see the person who has a concern—not just talk on the phone or exchange messages through a portal or via email—so they get a better sense of their mood and actually see if they appear well. At Homewatch CareGivers, the supervisor of the care team will set up Homewatch Connect in the home and then establish communication between their office and the individual receiving wellness care, active care, specialized care, or personal care.
While smartphones have features like FaceTime, or people can sign up for Zoom, Google Meet, or similar programs to facilitate online meetups, there can be complications when devices are incompatible, security is questionable, or it’s not easy enough to use.
Virtual Companion Care
Companion Care is also called Wellness Care and this can include light housekeeping, socializing to reduce feelings of loneliness, meal planning and preparation, transportation to appointments and errands.
Studies have found that loneliness can have a negative impact on someone’s physical health. According to the American Medical Association, loneliness has been identified as a public health issue that affects people of all ages. Furthermore, they note that people who experience social isolation can be at higher risk for premature death, with a 29% increased risk of heart disease and stroke.
Although research shows that social media can sometimes increase feelings of disconnection from others, staying connected online with people who cannot pop over for a quick visit has the potential to boost someone’s mood and temporarily alleviate their depression or loneliness.
Homewatch CareGivers and Virtual Care
If you or a loved one could benefit from virtual visits through Homewatch Connect and Homewatch CareGivers Total Care Solutions, reach out today to learn more.
