All of us are affected by the social distancing precautions during the COVID19 epidemic. Unfortunately, older who get decreased outdoor activity may become increasingly more frail with less physical activity and end up hospitalized due to pneumonia, urinary tract infection or heart failure exacerbation. Of course, sedentary activity may increase risk of falls in older adults. See our previous blog post about what to do to stay healthy besides hand-washing and social distancing: https://www.steadystridesmd.com/blog/2020/3/8/coronavirus-quarantine-how-to-stay-healthy-for-older-adults?fbclid=IwAR0OiwWiDXNYmSwXc9ezBDz3IWmHGHuLd2L-3aI33VhlFHMq6K4TfUMXCxA .

In order to help older adults at risk of falls stay safe at home Steady Strides Fall Prevention Medical Institute started offering telemedicine consults for mobility/self care deficits for older adults with chronic medical conditions and/or balance, gait deficits and risk of falls to help prevent hospital admissions and falls. If anyone needs this they can call 443-898-8160 to schedule.

There is evidence that “patients and physicians were highly satisfied with the telemedicine experience… patients highlighting convenience, time, and expense” (Mov Disord Clin Pract. 2018 Dec 13;6(1):65-69). Telemedicine services related with increased patient satisfaction due to “improved outcomes (20%), preferred modality (10%), ease of use (9%), low cost (8%), improved communication (8%) and decreased travel time (7%)“ (BMJ Open. 2017;7(8):e016242.).