Center of Excellence for Telehealth and Aging

Two members of our Collaborative for Telehealth and Aging, Dr. Laurie Archbald-Pannone and Dr. Kathy Wibberly, recently published research co-authored with collaborators from the Virginia Infection Mitigation, Prevention and Control Through Technology initiative. The article introduces the “Four I” Framework—Initiate, Integrate, Incentivize, and Inspire—to help congregate care communities (CCC) implement telehealth workflows and optimize care for residents. Providers seeking to strengthen telehealth services in CCC, PACE programs, and other care settings can benefit from the roadmap and insights provided. Read the article here: https://lnkd.in/gbXHm2Sa

A recent study published in JAMA explores the evolving landscape of digital health technology (DHT) adoption among U.S. adults aged 50 to 80. As health care increasingly integrates digital solutions, this research examines who is using these technologies, the factors influencing adoption, and the existing gaps. Key findings reveal that most older adults use DHTs and that digital engagement in health care varies across demographic groups. Read the study here: https://lnkd.in/eMCrM7V3

?? New Findings on Telehealth & Mental Health Care ?? ? We’ve partnered with the Health Care Cost Institute to analyze how telehealth continues to transform mental health care for individuals with employer-sponsored insurance. Our latest issue brief uncovers key insights from 2019-2022, showing that: ? ?? About 2 in 5 mental health services were delivered through telehealth in 2022. ?? Therapy services made up almost 80% of telehealth mental health claims. ?? Geographic disparities remain, with the highest telehealth use in the northeast and west coast. These findings highlight the continued importance of telehealth in expanding access to mental health care. Dive into the full brief to learn more: https://lnkd.in/gct9cTS4 ? #MentalHealth #Telehealth #HealthPolicy #WestHealth #HealthCareCosts #HCCI

We're excited to share the latest article, co-authored by members of the Collaborative for Telehealth and Aging, Bruce Leff, Christine Ritchie, Kristin Rising, Kendell Cannon, MD, Liane Wardlow, has been published in Frontiers in Medicine! The article addresses critical barriers to telehealth adoption for older adults, including limited technology access, digital literacy challenges, and age-related biases, and highlights practical solutions to advance equitable telehealth use. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/gXnUJAn9

This month's featured resource is the case study?"Bridging Behavioral Health Needs and the Digital Divide Through Tele-Behavioral Health and Digital Coaching for Older Adults," which highlights how the Senior Care Action Network (SCAN): ? Implemented behavioral telehealth programs that serve clients ages 55 and older, primarily from underrepresented communities, who have multiple chronic conditions and face financial challenges and housing instability.? ? Collaborated with local senior centers, community organizations, healthcare providers and social service organizations to identify older adults who would benefit from behavioral health services.? ? Provided in-home and virtual technology training and coaching sessions to equip older adults and caregivers with essential digital health literacy skills.? ? Offered virtual counseling services for clients and caregivers facilitated by licensed therapists. ? Helped clients access virtual appointments, support group meetings and educational workshops. ? Served more than 900 older adults in 2023, with clients reporting a 50% to 55% improvement in depression and anxiety symptoms and a reduction in feelings of isolation.? ? Increased technology engagement by 68% in clients who received tech support and coaching. Read the case study at the link below. ?? https://lnkd.in/gpBacZGc #telehealth #olderadults #telemedicine #virtualcare #virtualhealthcare #healthcare #healthtech #technology #aging #agingwell #equityinaging

??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