Center of Excellence for Telehealth and Aging (CE4TA)

??Honoring and Supporting Family Caregivers November is National #FamilyCaregiversMonth. Caregivers are essential to the health and well-being of older adults. They also play a crucial role in the adoption of telehealth tools, and they can benefit from telehealth services. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 37.1 million people in the United States (14%) provide unpaid eldercare to loved ones living in their household, another household or an assisted living facility. The majority of unpaid caregivers (61%) are employed, and 4.5 million are part of the “sandwich generation,” meaning they care for an older adult and children under 18. Family caregiving can be mentally, physically and financially taxing and comes with complex responsibilities. Reports from AARP and United Hospital Fund found that caregivers not only assist family members with activities of daily living but also provide certain types of medical care that is typically handled by a healthcare professional, such as operating medical devices or performing wound care. As an organization that aims to advance telehealth best practices for older adults, we believe telehealth resources can support both older adults and relieve some of the burden on family caregivers. Virtual visits can be scheduled when caregivers can attend so they can stay up to date on their loved one’s medical care, even if they live far away, are at work or are caring for children in their household. Telehealth appointments can allow faster access to their loved one’s healthcare team, giving caregivers timely feedback on medications, medical devices, symptom management and other concerns. Telehealth appointments can also reduce the time and travel burden associated with in-person visits. This month and throughout the year, we celebrate and honor the incredible work family caregivers do each day to support the older adults in their lives. Our goal is to amplify telehealth best practices and tools that support them and their loved ones so everyone involved can live healthy, meaningful lives. Thank you, caregivers, for all you do. National Council on Aging#FamilyCaregiversMonth #NFCM #NFCMonth #CaregivingAroundTheClock #caregiving #telehealth #olderadults #telemedicine #virtualcare #healthcare #healthtech #aging #agingwell

Join us tomorrow from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM ET to learn about best practices for equitable care for older adults with hearing loss. Register for the webinar: https://lnkd.in/gUUBRmSq

Join us on November 20th from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM ET to learn about best practices for equitable care for older adults with hearing loss. Register for the webinar: https://lnkd.in/gUUBRmSq

Join us on November 6th from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM ET to learn about successful approaches to delivering telehealth services to older adults in post-acute and long-term care settings. Register for the webinar: https://lnkd.in/g3SUGg9U

Approximately 20% of older adults are affected by behavioral health conditions that affect their emotions, behaviors, relationships and quality of life. They also often face challenges in accessing high-quality behavioral healthcare, such as transportation, provider access and financial barriers. In our new guide, Implementing Age-Inclusive Telebehavioral Health, you’ll learn best practices to support older adults’ behavioral health needs, including the: ? Principles and Guidelines for Telehealth and Aging ? Collaborative Care Model (CoCM) ? Tele-Psychotherapy Model? ? Medication Management Model ?? Download the guide: https://lnkd.in/gPxzitZw

Join us on Wednesday, November 6th from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM ET to learn about successful approaches to delivering telehealth services to older adults in post-acute and long-term care settings. Register for the webinar: https://lnkd.in/g3SUGg9U

???TELEMENTAL HEALTH FOR OLDER ADULTS ? As people age, they may experience significant life events, such as the loss of a loved one, a serious illness or financial concerns. The social isolation and anxiety related to the COVID-19 pandemic have also taken a toll. This year, researchers reported an increase in mental health diagnoses, particularly among people age 65 and older. Telemental health — also called telebehavioral health — can play a role in supporting equitable access to mental health services for older adults, especially those with transportation and physical health challenges that limit their ability to attend in-person appointments. Claire Boozer Cruse, MPH, a member of the Collaborative for Telehealth and Aging (C4TA), Director of Complex Care Programs, Policy and Research at ATI Advisory, and the author of The Current State of and Emerging Trends in Clinical Training for Telemental Health, says that mental health clinicians should consider the specific needs an older adult patient may have in a virtual visit. “One of the issues I think needs more exploration is how ageism, especially ageist beliefs around older adults' ability to use and interest in technology, may be limiting the use of telemental health among older adults,” she says. That’s where the need for quality telemental health training comes in. While the majority of mental health practitioners (96%) offer virtual services to patients, most haven’t pursued additional training or certification for practicing in a virtual setting. “There are notable differences in how you practice in a virtual setting and also important requirements, such as licensure across state lines, that clinicians need to consider,” says Cruse. “When I spoke to experts who have led research in this space, as well as credentialing organizations and leaders, I discovered many clinicians had not seriously considered these important issues before launching into telemental health. Many felt that their clinical training sufficed.” In the report, she highlighted the skillsets and knowledge base clinicians need to practice high-quality telemental healthcare. Read the report here: https://lnkd.in/g6tJXg_Q The University of Washington Harborview Behavioral Health Institute offers a free monthly training series as a resource for clinicians who desire more education in this area. C4TA members Dr. Christine Ritchie and Dr. Bruce Leff will co-lead a webinar today on, Principles and Guidelines for Delivering Telebehavioral Health to Homebound Older Adults with Cognitive Disorders. The webinar is open to anyone who provides services to individuals with mental health or substance use issues. Learn more and register for the webinar here: https://lnkd.in/gEyHKVaW

Join us tomorrow from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM ET?to learn about strategies to optimize telehealth services for older adults with complex care needs. Register for the webinar: https://lnkd.in/gJc2PdHW

Join us today as we recognize Ageism Awareness Day with the American Society on Aging. #AgeismAwarenessDay gives us the opportunity to reflect on and spread awareness about age-related prejudice, discrimination and stereotypes. Ageism can have a profound impact on the health and well-being of our communities. One common ageism-related misconception about older adults is that they are unable or unwilling to use technology, particularly for telehealth. “Older adults absolutely can use technology,” says Dr. Kathy Wibberly, a member of the Collaborative for Telehealth and Aging. “Sometimes, we need to use plain language and instruction. It can be hard for them to grasp what it means to have information ‘in the cloud,’ but there are other ways to talk about it that they can understand from a generational standpoint. However, they’re not always given the opportunity.” At the Center of Excellence for Telehealth and Aging, we believe in meeting older adults where they are and equipping them with the telehealth tools they need for a positive healthcare experience. Learn more about how your organization can promote positive telehealth experiences for older adults by checking out our principles and guidelines at the link below. ?? ? https://lnkd.in/gs_7AY2u #AgeismAwarenessDay #TalkAboutAgeism #telehealth#telemedicine #virtualcare #virtualhealthcare #healthtech

Join us on Tuesday, October?15th, from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM ET?to learn about strategies to optimize telehealth services for older adults with complex care needs. Register for the webinar: https://lnkd.in/gJc2PdHW