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The need for home care is increasing significantly. Meanwhile, providers face a persistent staffing problem. That’s why, to succeed in the future, many supplier executives believe the gap must be closed with the right technology solutions.
“We know that most adults want to age in place, which is the right place because it has been shown to be better for overall health and well-being and more cost-effective than an institutionalized setting,” said Tim O ‘, president of Help at Home. Rourke told Home Health Care News. “Meeting the care needs of Medicaid-eligible/dually eligible individuals now and beyond 2025 will provide opportunities for the home care and health care industry to improve care services supported by emerging technologies and innovations in terms of care. »
Help at Home, based in Chicago, provides home and community-based services (HCBS) in more than 200 locations in 11 states.
When done correctly, integrating technology into home care transforms the way caregivers deliver care, making processes more efficient and responsive. From streamlining tasks to improving decision-making, technological advancements have a chance to shape the future.
While the human touch can never be replaced, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning are being integrated into home care workflows for predictive analytics, at-risk patient identification, and allocation resources.
“AI and predictive analytics will continue to be a game-changer in home care, aiding in the early detection of potential health issues and enabling more proactive care,” said Todd Houghton, president of Homewatch CareGivers, at HHCN. “Additionally, voice-activated technology could likely improve connected care by making it easier for older adults to communicate and access help.” Finally, wearable devices could become more prevalent, as they can offer real-time health monitoring that could greatly benefit older adults.
Founded in 1980, Colorado-based Homewatch CareGivers provides comprehensive in-home care through a network of 243 franchise locations.
In addition to AI, other efficient and scalable technologies are paving the way for achieving provider goals, such as greater quality and convenient care, growth, cost reduction and employee satisfaction.
“Alternative ways to share data or consult with a provider via telehealth and remote patient monitoring are expected to continue to grow as people demand them,” Mike Johnson, chief researcher for patient innovation, told HHCN. home care at Bayada Home Health Care. “If you consider the time it takes to see your provider, the time it takes to leave work, the cost of parking and gas, the economics (of telehealth) alone are great. “
Bayada provides home health, home care and hospice services in 21 states and five countries.
“These advances could lead to more personalized support, better tailored to the needs of each client,” Houghton said. “Additionally, innovations like virtual reality can help reduce loneliness and isolation among older adults by promoting engagement and social connections. »
Thanks to technological advances and extensive nurse training, patients with the most complex care needs can choose home care services over facility-based care, providers say.
“As technology advances, real-time communication and support will continue to improve,” Dr. Patrick Kneeland, vice president of medical affairs at DispatchHealth, told HHCN. “We already send texts, calls and video chats in real time, day and night. There is also great potential in providing additional care support and assessing caregiver burden at the start of care episodes to prevent any early problems.
Denver-based DispatchHealth provides high-acuity home medical care to people facing serious health problems in 20 states across the United States.
New levels of post-acute care, nursing and therapeutic home care could ease pressure on health systems by providing tracheostomy care, respiratory support, respiratory therapies, catheter and ostomy care, management of feeding tubes, medication administration and more, according to Kneeland. High-acuity home care can significantly improve patient outcomes by preventing hospitalizations and improving quality of life.
“Remote patient monitoring, tracheas and vents at home – you receive the same level of care and fidelity through technology in a person’s home rather than going to the hospital 500 miles away,” a Johnson said. “Regulation and how you pay for it remains the question.”
Transitioning Home Care Through Technology
Upon discharge from hospital, patients generally prefer to return home rather than to remote facilities. However, they need professional counseling, education and monitoring to adhere to their recovery plans.
A recent McKinsey study reported that by 2025, approximately 25% of services for Medicare and Medicare Advantage patients could be provided in the home. This change would improve patient satisfaction while benefiting payers, healthcare organizations and other stakeholders.
“There will be a continued focus on better integration of clinical care with home care services and supports,” Mr O’Rourke said. “Identifying ways to connect home care with health care will help close gaps in care by focusing on social determinants of health (SDoH) and other health-related social needs.” Additionally, communities must prioritize a full range of supports for older adults, such as affordable housing, access to nutrition, pharmacy services, and transportation, to create environments that enable older adults to live a healthier life in their own home.
Christian Rodriguez, CEO of Woundtech, said that by 2025, the home health industry will play a central role in the overall healthcare ecosystem.
“This shift will be driven in part by increased vertical integration among managed care companies and the unique opportunity that delivering care into patients’ homes provides to address SDoH,” he told HHCN. “Companies like Humana, CVS and UnitedHealthcare, among others, are expanding their portfolio of services under one roof. As a result, home health is becoming a key component of success as we consider the healthcare ecosystem and the relevance of levels of care to improve population health outcomes, increase patient satisfaction, and improve unit economics, thereby creating a sustainable healthcare delivery system.
Woundtech, based in Hollywood, Florida, is a home health provider focused on wound care and chronic wound management.
“Value-based care models will become increasingly important to operate in managed care settings,” Rodriguez said. “This approach allows home health providers to partner and go beyond traditional treatments, focusing specifically on prevention, particularly in specialized areas such as wound care. The industry will prioritize these strategic partnerships to address social determinants of health and provide care that improves health outcomes.
Demand continues to rise for technology-focused nurses and home health aides
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the demand for home health aides will increase 22% by 2032, which is significantly higher than the average growth rate for other jobs. Additionally, a 2023 study by Argentum predicts that nursing assistants and home health aides will be among the most sought-after positions, with a total of one million workers needed by 2040.
“Home health aides will need to develop more advanced skills and participate in continuing education to meet the increasing complexity of client needs,” Houghton said. “As technology evolves, caregivers may need to have a deeper understanding of advanced care techniques and the ability to navigate new tools. I also anticipate that continuing education will play an important role in the industry, ensuring that caregivers feel well-equipped to effectively integrate technology into their care delivery.
Additionally, technology-enabled recruiting and onboarding processes will reduce manual tasks, allowing healthcare providers to quickly attract and secure top talent, he said.