While it’s always important to have open lines of communication when it comes to healthcare, it’s even more essential in aging populations. In fact, recent studies show that nearly 60% of seniors—those aged 55 years or older—have concerns about their healthcare going forward.

One way to bridge this gap is with patient engagement technologies like patient texting. Concerned populations can reach out to care providers at the touch of a button, creating deeper trust, eliminating barriers to access, and overall better experiences for both parties.

Why use patient engagement technology?

Senior populations historically have the most health problems and the highest costs—patients above the age 55 years account for 13% of the population, but 34% of all healthcare costs in the U.S stem from this population. 

This is causing anxieties in this demographic, and seniors are increasingly requesting more care and better access to that care. Not only do they want more care, but they aren’t seeming to be able to get it—even during visits, seniors are expressing that they are insufficient and lacking in information about their conditions, treatment, and more. 

Patient engagement strategies can help with all of these issues, and U.S. senior citizens want them. Engaging with patients via technology can help this population connect with their care providers about everything from minor check-ins to necessary follow-ups to a bigger operation.

And the majority of seniors want these services—21% of seniors surveyed expressed wanting on-demand access to doctors via telehealth, and 24% expressed wanting notifications for remote patient monitoring. 

How patient texting can help

Patient texting through top digital messaging services brings together senior patients and care providers via accessible technology—text messaging. 

This digital channel provides vital communication with this vulnerable population and can be used to talk to providers in real-time, manage their medical records and information, or even send images to their doctors.

71% of seniors want to age in place—meaning in their own homes and not in assisted living facilities—and have the tools to support that. Patient texting provides this digital and accessible communication via a device they already have, know, and use, without barriers like downloading another app or logging into a portal. 

Early feedback working with a handful of health systems and ambulatory surgery centers, has had surprisingly high opt-in rates for patients aged 55 and older. Kipsu has seen over 95% of patients elect to communicate via texting.

In an ever-evolving industry, it’s important to stay adaptable and keep the care of patients in mind. Learn more about how patient texting can revolutionize senior care or schedule a conversation with Kipsu today.