What Providers Can Learn from Telemedicine in Long-Term Care

As telemedicine continues to reshape healthcare delivery, its application in long-term care (LTC) is revealing critical lessons for providers serving vulnerable populations. According to Dr. Brian Carpenter, successful telehealth in LTC requires tailored approaches that address the unique clinical, operational, and technological needs of older adults.

Adapting Telehealth for a Diverse Patient Population

Unlike younger populations, older adults exhibit wide variability in digital literacy, making telehealth adoption less predictable. Platforms designed for LTC must therefore prioritize simplicity, accessibility, and adaptability.

“Telehealth must be designed with the realities of LTC in mind,” said Carpenter. Systems that are overly complex risk limiting engagement, while intuitive solutions supported by clear guidance can significantly improve participation among both residents and staff.

Sound Physicians, which delivers virtual care across hundreds of skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and home health markets, has seen firsthand how streamlined, user-friendly platforms drive higher adoption rates.

Integrating Telehealth into Facility Workflows

In long-term care settings, telehealth typically involves a third participant—a telepresenter, often a nurse—who facilitates the visit. This model introduces additional workflow considerations, requiring technology to integrate seamlessly with existing systems such as electronic health records (EHRs).

Aligning telehealth tools with day-to-day clinical operations reduces administrative burden and improves efficiency. The shift from bulky, cart-based systems to lightweight tablets has also made telehealth more accessible and less intimidating for residents.

Overcoming Scaling Challenges

Scaling telehealth across diverse LTC networks presents several challenges, particularly around stakeholder alignment. While leadership may recognize the strategic value of telehealth, successful implementation depends on engagement from frontline staff and facility-based clinicians.

Clear communication is essential to ensure that telehealth is viewed as a complementary tool rather than a replacement for in-person care. Additionally, many facilities operate under tight staffing constraints and must balance telehealth adoption with other priorities such as EHR upgrades or infrastructure changes.

Careful planning and phased implementation can help mitigate these challenges and support long-term success.

Building the Right Infrastructure

A strong technological foundation is critical to delivering effective virtual care. Reliable broadband connectivity and consistent Wi-Fi coverage are essential for high-quality video consultations.

In areas where connectivity remains limited—particularly rural communities—telephone-based care can provide temporary support but does not fully replicate the benefits of video-enabled telehealth.

Improving Outcomes Through Proactive Care

Telehealth in LTC is often focused on stabilization and treatment in place, rather than reactive care. When integrated effectively with facility staff, virtual care can help reduce unnecessary hospital transfers and improve overall patient outcomes.

Remote patient monitoring further enhances this approach by enabling continuous clinical oversight between routine assessments—an important capability in environments facing persistent staffing shortages.

Key Takeaways for Providers

• Design telehealth solutions that are simple, intuitive, and accessible for older adults
• Integrate platforms seamlessly into existing clinical workflows
• Ensure alignment across leadership and frontline staff
• Invest in reliable infrastructure to support consistent care delivery
• Use telehealth proactively to improve outcomes and reduce hospitalizations

As healthcare systems continue to evolve, telemedicine in long-term care offers a clear roadmap for delivering more patient-centered, efficient, and scalable care—especially for populations with complex needs.