Knowing that a family member, loved one or friend has a chronic long term illness can be a worry, particularly if that individual lives alone. How do you know that they are taking the best care of their health? How can you be sure that they are taking the doctor’s advice about their diet and lifestyle? Are they keeping their appointments with their local practice nurse for blood pressure tests?

The fact is we don’t always know the answers to these questions. Relying on expert information is often one of the major factors that influence our ability to care. When should we intervene and on what basis is the GP or nurse providing advice, medication and attention generally.

Telehealth solutions have become a very practical and positive way of helping to monitor the progress of patients who are either alone or house-bound. By providing them with telehealth services such as doc@HOME, patients can undertake simple routine tests, the results of which are then analysed remotely by a doctor or nurse.

The standard of care is exactly the same if not better, because the doctor or nurse can spend their time caring for the patient rather than undertaking the tests. Of course, telehealth solutions aren’t suitable for everyone, however a large percentage of patients are perfectly able – and indeed very happy – to perform routine tests themselves.

If you are actively involved in helping the patient – for example, visiting them and/or taking them to the hospital for check-ups – it can free up your time to either spend more time with them or get on with aspects of your life that you sometimes need. Some carers spend a disproportionate amount of their time caring for others and that can have a negative impact on everyone involved.