Are Virtual or Telehealth Home Care Visits Available During COVID-19?
Yes—many home care and home health agencies now offer virtual and telehealth visits, a practice that greatly expanded during the COVID-19 pandemic. These visits allow seniors to receive essential medical, nursing, or therapy support, as well as care management and social interaction, while minimizing exposure risk. Here’s how telehealth works for seniors, what services are available, and how families can make the most of this safe, convenient care option.
What Are Virtual or Telehealth Home Care Visits?
- Virtual visits use video conferencing tools (like Zoom or Facetime), secure telemedicine platforms, or even simple phone calls to connect seniors, families, and healthcare providers.
- Home care agencies may provide tablets or help set up technology so seniors can join visits easily from home.
Types of Services Provided Via Telehealth
- Remote nursing assessments, medication management, and monitoring for symptoms or side effects
- Virtual physical, occupational, or speech therapy sessions, including demonstrations and coaching
- Care plan reviews, follow-ups, and family meetings with nurses, therapists, or care coordinators
- Remote wellness checks and emotional support to reduce isolation
- Education for families and seniors about COVID-19, infection prevention, and chronic disease management
Benefits of Telehealth Visits
- Reduces the need for in-person contact, lowering the risk of COVID-19 transmission
- Keeps seniors engaged with their care team between physical visits
- Increases access to specialists and family participation, regardless of distance
- Enables quick intervention if new symptoms or problems arise
How to Arrange a Telehealth Visit
- Contact your home care or home health agency and ask about virtual care options
- Ensure your loved one has access to a phone, tablet, or computer with internet
- Agencies may assist with setup and provide training or technical support
Insurance and Cost
- During the public health emergency, Medicare and many private insurers expanded coverage for telehealth visits. Confirm your coverage with the agency or your insurer.
Limitations of Virtual Care
- Some services—like wound care, injections, or personal hygiene—still require in-person visits. Telehealth works best for monitoring, education, therapy exercises, and care management.
Privacy and Security
- Agencies use secure, HIPAA-compliant platforms to protect health information during virtual visits.
For more information on telehealth and to access in-home COVID-19 testing, visit our COVID-19 PCR Diagnostic Testing page.
