COVID-19 has changed the way we do everything, especially when it comes to doctor visits. Older adults are at higher risk of complications from the coronavirus, so it’s best to avoid unnecessary exposure. But sometimes it is necessary to see the doctor in person. What if you have to go to the hospital? We asked the experts what to expect and how to get the best care now that some restrictions have been lifted.
what to expect
Although COVID-19 guidelines have led to changes in safety restrictions, health care facilities still have a high level of requirements and protections, says Marc Rabinowitz, MD, who specializes in internal medicine in Bucks County, PA.
“The restrictions that have been lifted do not apply to healthcare settings,” says Rabinowitz. Safety protocols such as wearing masks and social distancing are still enforced in medical settings like hospitals and nursing homes.
At your doctor’s office
Medical offices still have safety protocols in place to protect patients and staff from COVID-19.
Here are some things you can expect:
- Masks may be required.
- Doctors and staff are allowed to wear masks and gloves.
- Waiting rooms can have fewer people at a time.
- Visitors may be limited.
- Staff can regularly sanitize and sanitize.
- The office may be set up for social distancing.
Some medical facilities still limit visitors, so your family or caregivers may have to wait outside. But they can still participate in your visits, says Alexis Halpern, MD, a geriatric emergency physician at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center. Your doctor can call or video chat with your family so they are up to date and included in decision making.
At the hospital
“Please don’t stay home because you’re afraid of being exposed to or contracting coronavirus while you’re in the hospital,” Halpern says. Hospitals have protocols in place to prevent you from getting sick.
Many new safety protocols since the start of the pandemic are still in place, along with a few new ones.
This is what you can expect:
- Doctors and staff wear personal protective equipment such as masks, face shields, and gloves.
- Masks may be required.
- Visitors may be limited.
- You may be required to show proof of full vaccination against COVID-19.
- You may be tested for COVID-19.
- You may be screened for temperature and symptoms when you arrive.
Hospitals are just as safe as ever, if not more. Don’t avoid them if you need attention.
Get help right away if you have severe chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness on one side, or if you cannot speak clearly. They are signs of a heart attack or stroke, which require immediate attention.
A rise in telemedicine
Many doctors now use telemedicine, which is also called telehealth. That means instead of going to your doctor’s office, you talk remotely, on your phone, iPad, or computer, on video platforms like Zoom, FaceTime, Skype, and WhatsApp.
Telemedicine is safe and convenient. You can see your doctor or get answers to your questions without leaving your home. Your family can participate, even if they are far away. It is covered by Medicare and commercial insurance. Protocols may vary depending on the state in which you live.
Telemedicine is good for routine visits, checkups, and consultations. You can tell your doctor how you feel or show your doctor the symptoms.
For other things, office visits are best. Your doctor may need to check your blood pressure, listen to your lungs, take blood samples, or do a physical exam.
Your doctor will help you decide which type of visit is best for you.
The future of telemedicine
Telehealth is probably here to stay.
“Even as COVID has subsided, some of my more tech-savvy baby boomer patients still prefer telehealth. I hope this trend continues,” says David J. Maleh, MD, a physician in Wilmington, DE, who specialized in internal medicine.
Telemedicine may not completely replace office visits, but it can become a regular part of your care.
Maleh says many of his patients come in person for regular annual physicals, then use telehealth for follow-up discussions. “It’s the direction we’re headed in, as patients feel more comfortable using telehealth as a convenient option when they may not need to be seen in the office,” she says.
New trends in long-term care
A lot has changed in long-term and skilled nursing facilities, in addition to safety requirements. The pandemic has left a lasting mark on how these centers operate and how easy it is to find care there.
Staff shortages have led many facilities to close or operate at lower capacity. Many healthcare workers have left the workforce since the start of the pandemic. Some are afraid of being exposed to people who may have COVID. Some have turned to private work because they can earn more that way, Maleh says.
More people are now caring for their loved ones at home and hiring home care. Many people have chosen to work remotely, making it easier to care for loved ones.
“Clearly there is an advantage to being at home, since you are not exposed to other people who are sick or who may get sick,” says Rabinowitz. But it can be more difficult to find help. “The shortage of health care personnel has created a dilemma in providing optimal care for the elderly,” he says.
How to get the best care
These resources can help you find care.
- The elderly care locator can help you with local information on housing, support services, health care and insurance.
- Family Caregivers Alliance has information on caregiving, home care, nursing homes, and finances.
- BenefitsCheckUp.org can help you find out if you can get financial help with food and medicine.
- Programs like FamilyWize, GoodRX, and NeedyMeds may offer discounts on prescription drugs to help offset increased costs of care due to the pandemic.
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