The elderly population in America has nearly doubled since 1960, and by 2030, about 1 in 5 Americans will be 65 or older.

That means more elderly patients are going to need mental health care. But the number of geriatric psychiatrists is not growing fast enough to meet that demand. So whether a clinician specializes in geriatrics or not, they are going to see more elderly patients — in assisted living, nursing facilities, emergency departments, and at home.

In this episode of The Telepsychiatry Advantage, Dr. Edward Kaftarian explains why telepsychiatry can help close that gap BUT only if clinicians understand how to make it work for older adults.

Elderly patients may not be digital natives. They may get frustrated with technology faster. They may need simpler questions, a slower pace, more pauses, clearer routines, and a visit that feels easy to follow from the start.

That is the essence of this episode: how clinicians can remove the barriers that make virtual care harder for elderly patients and create a telepsychiatry visit that feels clear, calm, and accessible.

For more information about Orbit Health, visit us at:
https://www.orbithealth.com/

DISCLAIMER: The opinions expressed in the podcast are Dr. Kaftarian's personal opinions regarding best practices and are not intended to establish or represent the standard of care. It remains the responsibility of each listener to ensure compliance with all applicable standards of care, laws, regulations, and professional requirements.