Benefits of Cost-Effective Health Screenings for Senior Residents

Posted by Donna Mae Scheib on October 26, 2017

Benefits of Cost-Effective Health Screenings for Senior Residents

Routine Health Screenings Often Skipped by Seniors

With 2017 winding down, and 2018 just around the corner, it can be the perfect time to encourage your loved ones to schedule their health screenings. Routine health tests are often the first to be skipped when life gets busy, however these health screenings can be extremely important in identifying any medical issues as early as possible. Seniors may be the worst at keeping up with routine health screenings, often because they believe they cannot afford the cost—even with their portion of Medicare.  

Many Health Screenings are Free or Low Cost to Seniors

Unfortunately, a good number of seniors are unaware that many preventative health screenings can be had at no charge—totally covered by Medicare, Medicare Advantage and some other health plans. Since there are currently more than 60 million seniors covered by these health plans, this is important information to have. Screenings can detect life-threatening conditions, ultimately saving lives. Issues such as heart disease, diabetes and colorectal cancer may all be discovered through preventative health screenings, allowing early treatment, and resulting in a longer life.

Seniors May Skip Health Screenings Due to the Convenience Factor

So what keeps seniors from taking advantage of these low or no-cost health screenings? In many cases, it is largely a convenience issue. Whether a senior citizen is living on their own, in an assisted living community, with children, or in a long-term care facility, it could be difficult for them to conveniently access these services. Those who do not drive anymore may not want to ask another person to take them, while for others, there may be a little fear involved. In some cases, seniors—as well as those of all ages—may not want to have screenings done because they are afraid of finding something wrong.

Using Technology to Help Seniors Improve Their Health

Many health plans and provider organizations are currently leveraging their advanced technological capabilities to identify those who are the most likely to benefit from a health screening. The hope is that technology will also keep participants actively engaged in their own health, long after the screening. While many believe seniors are slow to warm up to technology, in fact, a 2017 Pew Research study found that more than 60 percent of seniors use the Internet on a regular basis, for communication, information and education. This willingness on the part of seniors to use technology can mean this group might be much more willing manage their regular health screenings using technology than in prior years.

In fact, technology can offer care coordination—also known as connected health—to seniors across the nation, maximizing value and efficiency, by using the following tools:

• Identifying which seniors should receive specific health tests
• Connecting those in need of screenings with local providers
• Using screenings to identify trends and risk factors which will determine effective follow-up
• Developing care coordination plans in collaboration with participants’ primary care providers
• Using technological advances, such as patient portals, to keep seniors engaged in their health

Since our 65-and-over population is projected to almost double over the next 30 years, we must enable healthy aging by engaging older adults in preventative health screenings which take into consideration the senior’s age, location and health.

Find a Senior Living Community Near You

Looking for a senior care facility that offers specialized health care services and a supportive environment? Find a senior living community near you on Senior Living Link. Our online assisted living community directory features facilities nationwide that offer an array of services, including routine health screenings, preventative care, and specialized services. Start your search today and contact Senior Living Link to learn more!

Want to stay updated with our blog posts and other resources? Sign up for monthly newsletter >>