How a Matrix telehealth assessment can help you manage chronic health conditions

senior couple laughing on a couch for a story on how Matrix telehealth visits help with chronic care management

This yearly telehealth appointment can help spot and treat diseases that are common in older adults. It’s a nice complement to your annual wellness visit.

More than 9 in 10 older adults have at least one chronic health condition, such as diabetes or kidney disease, according to the National Council on Aging. And 8 in 10 have two or more.

Visits to your doctor can help you manage these problems, but there is an option for staying on top of your health in between those office visits too. It’s known as a Matrix telehealth assessment.

A Matrix telehealth assessment is a virtual appointment that happens in the comfort of your own home. It lasts between 45 to 60 minutes and takes place over a video call with a Matrix clinician, who is often a nurse practitioner. These visits are an important way for seniors to check in more frequently to see how they’re doing.

The five health conditions below are among the most common ones that older adults face. Matrix clinicians explain how a telehealth assessment can help you manage your symptoms and empower you to live a happier and longer life.

1. Diabetes

Nearly 1 in 3 U.S. adults ages 65 and older have diabetes. And just because it’s common, it doesn’t mean it’s not dangerous. Treating this chronic condition as soon as possible is the best way to keep it from turning into a serious problem. Untreated diabetes can lead to issues like kidney failure, heart disease, and vision loss.

“One of the conditions that works really well with telehealth visits is diabetes,” says Pamela Eliason, FNP-BC. She is a board-certified family nurse practitioner and a team lead for Matrix Medical Network in Summerville, South Carolina.

Managing the condition requires lifestyle changes, which can feel like a lot to manage on your own. That’s why a telehealth assessment can be so valuable. You can discuss how to successfully make healthy tweaks, including how to start an exercise routine and eat a healthier diet, and learn about the importance of eating consistently.

Have questions about your health? A Matrix virtual health and wellness assessment is a great time to get answers from a licensed clinician — plus, it’s part of your plan! Call 877-302-3672 877-302-3672 to schedule or book online.

2. Chronic pain

Whether it’s from arthritis, nerve pain from diabetes, or low back pain, chronic pain frequently impacts older adults. And you don’t need to wait for your next PCP appointment to help manage it.

“Our goal is to prevent pain, rather than waiting until it gets so bad that a patient can’t stand it,” Eliason says.

During a telehealth assessment, your clinician can guide you on how to maintain a medication schedule to manage your discomfort. “They can also recommend other ways to help lessen pain, such as stress management, relaxation techniques, stretching and exercise, and using hot and cold therapies”, Eliason says. You can also talk freely about your struggles with pain and how it’s impacting your quality of life. Together, you can find ways to feel better.

3. Depression and loneliness

Telehealth really shines as a way to detect mental health conditions such as depression, social isolation, and anxiety. Older adults are at risk of all those conditions, particularly if they have chronic health or mobility problems.

“An assessment can help us identify folks who are experiencing more of a struggle than we might know,” says Eliason.

Your clinician may ask you some questions to see how often you feel hopeless, sad, or frustrated. If they think you may have depression or anxiety, you can discuss treatments such as therapy, medication, or support groups.

They can also chat with you about how to strengthen your social connections with family and friends, so you can spend less time alone. Plus, they will check to see if you’re correctly taking any mood medications you may have already been prescribed.

4. Chronic kidney disease

Nearly half of all Americans over 70 have chronic kidney disease. If you are one of them, you don’t always need specialized, in-office equipment to receive care for it.

A Matrix telehealth assessment is a great opportunity for a clinician to detect it or help manage your symptoms. They will talk to you about the importance of limiting sodium and eating the right amount of protein. Smoking also increases risk, so they can provide you resources to help you quit. They can also help you come up with doable ways to fit more movement into your day.

Monitoring your blood pressure is also important for kidney disease management. Matrix clinicians can teach you how to use a blood pressure cuff to take a reading at home.

5. Heart disease

Speaking of blood pressure monitoring, conditions that fall under the umbrella of heart disease — high blood pressure, high cholesterol, coronary artery disease, peripheral artery disease, congestive heart failure — can also be addressed during a Matrix home visit, says Eliason.

Some heart problems don’t have noticeable symptoms, so it’s smart to have a clinician do some simple checks during a telehealth visit. They can:

Make sure you’re using a home blood pressure monitor correctly (if you use one) and look over your recent readings.
Discuss healthy eating strategies and share tips to lower your salt intake.
Make sure you’re up to date on getting your cholesterol levels checked or being screened for more serious heart problems.

See our sources:
Chronic diseases in older adults: National Council on Aging
Diabetes in older adults: Endocrine Society
Diabetes symptoms: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Chronic pain: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Chronic illness and mental health: National Institute of Mental Health
Anxiety and depression in older adults: World Health Organization
Kidney disease: National Kidney Foundation
Prevalence of kidney disease: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention