Industry Insights

Stay informed with the latest insights and practical tips to help navigate the home healthcare industry. Our curated information provides valuable guidance for both families and caregivers to make well-informed decisions and ensure quality care.

Industry Insights

• Increasing Demand for Home Care Among Younger Populations with Chronic Conditions
  Recent studies indicate a significant rise in chronic conditions among younger adults. In 2019, 53.8% of adults aged 18–34 years reported having at least one chronic condition, with 22.3% having multiple conditions. This trend underscores the growing need for home care services among younger populations.
  
  

  Reference: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021, September 1). Chronic diseases in America. https://www.cdc.gov/chronicdisease/resources/infographic/chronic-diseases.htm

• High Turnover Rates Among Home Health Aides Emphasize the Importance of Choosing a Reliable Agency
  The home health care sector faces substantial challenges with high turnover rates among home health aides. Turnover rates range from 35% to 90%, depending on the healthcare setting, highlighting the importance of selecting a dependable agency to ensure continuity and quality of care.
  
  

  Reference: National Center for Biotechnology Information. (2021, October 1). Home health aide turnover rates: A systematic review. PubMed Central. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10187549/

• Implementation of GPS Technology in Michigan to Ensure Scheduled Caregiver Services
  In Michigan, agencies are adopting GPS technology to monitor caregiver visits, ensuring services are delivered as scheduled. This innovation enhances accountability and provides clients with assurance regarding their care routines.
  
  

  Reference: Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. (2020, June 15). Innovations in home health care: GPS tracking for caregiver visits. https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/0,5885,7-339-71547_71548_71549-52856–,00.html

Helpful Tips

1. How to Choose the Right Caregiver for Your Loved One
   Selecting an appropriate caregiver involves assessing their experience, skills, and compatibility with your loved one’s needs. Inquiring about their caregiving background and specific competencies can provide valuable insights.
   
   

   Reference: National Institute on Aging. (2020, November 10). Hiring a home care worker. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/hiring-home-care-worker

2. Questions to Ask During Consultations
   During caregiver interviews, consider asking:
   
   
   • What specific caregiving experience do you have?
   • How do you handle emergency situations?
   • Are you comfortable assisting with [specific needs]

   These questions can help gauge the caregiver’s suitability for your loved one.

   Reference:
   AgingCare. (2021, March 22). Questions to ask home care agencies. https://www.agingcare.com/articles/questions-to-ask-homecare-agencies-198471.htm

3. Simple Checklists for Managing Chronic Conditions
   Effectively managing chronic conditions can be facilitated by:
   
   • Maintaining an updated list of all medications and their dosages.
   • Scheduling regular medical appointments and adhering to follow-ups.
   • Monitoring symptoms daily and noting any changes.

   Utilizing such checklists ensures comprehensive care and timely interventions.

   Reference:
   Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021, August 15). Managing chronic diseases: A checklist for patients. https://www.cdc.gov/chronicdisease/resources/publications/aag/chronic.htm

Families can make well-informed decisions to enhance their loved one’s care experiences by staying informed about industry developments and employing practical strategies.