Benefits Of Geriatric Care Online Counselling

May 06 2024 TalktoAngel 0 comments 360 Views

As people age, they may experience a variety of mental and physical health issues that require specialized care. Geriatric care is a branch of healthcare that focuses on the unique needs of older adults, addressing issues such as chronic disease management, cognitive decline, and end-of-life care. In recent years, senior care has expanded to include online counseling, which offers a range of benefits for both patients and healthcare providers.

In this article, we'll explore the needs and benefits of senior care online counseling, including increased accessibility, improved patient comfort and privacy, and cost-effectiveness.

Geriatric counseling is a specialized form of healthcare that addresses the unique needs of older adults. As people age, they may experience various physical, emotional, and social changes that require specialized care. Geriatric care counseling is designed to help older adults navigate these changes and maintain their health and well-being.

Needs:

1. Cognitive Decline

Cognitive decline is a common issue among older adults, and it can have a significant impact on their quality of life. As people age, they may experience changes in memory, attention, and executive function, which can make it difficult for them to perform everyday tasks and maintain their independence.

Geriatric care counseling can help older adults to better understand and manage cognitive decline. Online Counsellors may use cognitive-behavioral therapy, cognitive remediation, or other techniques to help patients improve their memory, attention, and problem-solving skills. Additionally, online counselors may work with patients and their families to develop strategies for managing the challenges associated with cognitive decline, such as organizing their living space, keeping track of medication schedules, and staying socially engaged.

2. Chronic Disease Management

Older adults are more likely to experience chronic diseases, such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease. These conditions can have a significant impact on an older adult's quality of life, and they require specialized care to manage effectively.

Geriatric care counseling can help older adults to better manage their chronic health conditions. Online counselors may work with patients to develop healthy lifestyle habits, such as exercise and nutrition, that can help manage chronic conditions. Additionally, online counselors may provide education and support to help patients understand their medications, manage side effects, and adhere to treatment plans.

3. End-of-Life Care

End-of-life care is an important aspect of geriatric care counseling. As people age, they may experience serious illnesses or injuries that require palliative or hospice care. Online Counseling can help patients and their families navigate the emotional and practical challenges associated with end-of-life care.

Geriatric care counselors can provide support and education to patients and their families about end-of-life care options. This may include information about palliative care, hospice care, and advance care planning. Additionally, online counselors may provide emotional support to patients and their families as they navigate this difficult time.

4. Social Isolation

Social isolation is a common issue among older adults, and it can have a significant impact on their health and well-being. Older adults who are socially isolated are at a higher risk of depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline.

Geriatric care counseling can help older adults stay socially engaged and connected to their communities. Counselors may work with patients to identify social activities that they enjoy, such as volunteer work or hobbies, and help them to make connections with others who share their interests. Additionally, counselors may provide support and education to help patients maintain social connections even when they are unable to leave their homes.

Benefits:

1. Increased accessibility

One of the main benefits of geriatric care online counseling is increased accessibility. Many older adults face mobility issues that make it difficult for them to travel to in-person appointments. With online counseling, patients can receive care from the comfort of their own homes, eliminating the need for transportation and reducing the risk of falls or other injuries.

Online counseling also makes it easier for patients who live in rural or remote areas to access geriatric care. In these areas, there may be limited access to healthcare providers with specialized training in geriatric care. Online counseling allows patients to connect with providers from anywhere in the world, ensuring that they receive the best possible care.

2. Improved patient comfort and privacy

For some older adults, attending in-person appointments can be uncomfortable or even embarrassing. Geriatric care often addresses sensitive issues such as incontinence, sexual health, and memory loss, which can be difficult for patients to discuss face-to-face with a healthcare provider.

Online counseling offers a more private and comfortable setting for these discussions. Patients can communicate with their providers from the comfort of their own homes, which can help to reduce feelings of anxiety or embarrassment. Additionally, online counseling sessions can be scheduled at a time that is convenient for the patient, which can help to reduce stress and improve overall comfort.

3. Cost-effectiveness

Geriatric care can be expensive, especially for patients who require frequent appointments or specialized care. Online counseling from the top psychologists in India can help to reduce costs associated with geriatric care, making it more accessible to a wider range of patients.

Online counseling eliminates the need for transportation, which can be a significant cost for older adults who require assistance with mobility. Additionally, online counseling sessions tend to be less expensive than in-person appointments, which can help to reduce overall healthcare costs.

4. Enhanced care coordination

Finally, online counseling can help to improve care coordination for patients who require multiple healthcare providers. Geriatric care often involves a team of healthcare providers, including primary care physicians, specialists, and caregivers. With online counseling, providers can communicate more easily and efficiently, ensuring that patients receive the best possible care.

Online counseling can also help to reduce the burden on caregivers, who may be responsible for coordinating multiple appointments and managing complex care plans. By providing a more streamlined and coordinated approach to care, online counseling can help to improve outcomes for both patients and caregivers.

Conclusion

Geriatric care online counseling offers a range of benefits for older adults who require specialized care. From increased accessibility and improved patient comfort to cost-effectiveness and enhanced care coordination, online counseling can help to improve outcomes for older adults and their caregivers. As technology continues to advance, geriatric care online counseling will likely become an increasingly popular and effective way to provide care for older adults.

Contributed by: Dr (Prof) R K Suri, Clinical Psychologist & Life Coach & Ms. Meghna Mohan, Counselling Psychologist