A virtual telehealth provider will dramatically expand its reach within senior care thanks to a recent merger.
Avel eCare acquired virtual provider Fident Health, the companies announced recently. Combined, the two services will serve more than 220 senior care facilities around the country, Avel stated. The company did not indicate whether those settings would be senior living or skilled nursing or both.
In addition to expanding its senior care services, the move allows Avel to bring its telehealth services to more underserved regions through the country, Avel CEO Doug Dustin said in a statement.
“Providers across the country are experiencing staffing shortages and burnout among clinicians, which ultimately impacts patient care,” Dustin said. “Fident Health is uniquely positioned to address those needs with its highly experienced team of virtual clinicians. Together, we can expand telemedicine support as we work to address health equity and ensure quality care is accessible to all.”
For their part, Fident Health was “proud to join forces” with Avel and add their clinician team to Avel’s ranks, Fident Health CEO Denise Brown, MD, stated.
Avel had acquired Nightwatch, a telemedicine pharmacy provider for nursing homes, earlier this year.
Avel’s senior care offering promises 24/7 coverage via both telehealth and on-site assessments and behavioral health support.
Although telehealth options for older adults has been a mainstay since the pandemic, concerns remain from both residents/patients and clinicians about the possibility of losing in-person interactions. Older adults, much more so than younger cohorts, are uncertain about the benefits of virtual care, studies this year have shown.
Avel has tried to assuage this concern by noting on their website that their services are not intended to supplant a facility’s or organization’s existing care teams.
“We do not want to come in and replace a primary care physician, facility medical director or nurses,” Senior Care Services Manager Josh Hofmeyer said in a video on Avel’s senior care website. “We are there to help collaborate, support and fill in those access gaps and work as a team to make sure residents get the care they need.”
