The Growing Popularity of Home Care Highlights the Importance of Caregivers for the Future

Home care continues to be a major force in America. As the baby boomer generation retires, more aging seniors require healthcare and ongoing support. Growing numbers of Americans prefer to age in place (or receive care at home) as opposed to a facility or institutionalized options.

The only way home care and hospice works is by having valuable, dedicated caregivers offering support and direct care that elderly and disabled adults require. Yet, due to continued reimbursement rate cuts, increased regulations, and rules set forth at the federal level, being able to pay these home care aides what they deserve is a growing challenge.

In order to maintain consistent and quality service for those in need, it’s essential to attract the best, most compassionate men and women to serve an aging population.

As noted by KTVA 11 in Alaska noted in its news blog, Studies show home health care in US continues to grow in popularity and importance, written by Dave Goldman:

“[Nearly] 90% of Americans want to age in place in their own homes and communities. They want to remain in the homes that they’ve lived in and they want to remain surrounded by their friends and families and loved ones,” he [Tom Threlkeld, Director of Communications for the National Association for Home Care and Hospice] said.

The odds are many people will one day be tasked with securing this type of care for themselves or a loved one.

“We have seen usage of home health care and hospice rising quite dramatically in the last few years,” Threlkeld said, adding that the need will continue and provide more jobs in a growing industry.

This form of care isn’t new. It represents a trip back to another time and place.

“It used to be the home was the center of health care,” Threlkeld said.

Mounting challenges continue to press on the home care industry as a whole, yet for thinking, innovative businesses are discovering ways to fill the needs, attract and retain the best workers, and be a light to those who face dark challenges in their future.

Currently, there is no slow down in the demand for in-home care support services. That means there will be plenty of opportunities for those who want to make a difference in the lives of elderly and disabled adults who require some type of short or long-term care at home.

At the same time, though, it’s incumbent upon businesses and caregivers to strive for solutions that will help this industry continue to be a beacon of hope for an aging American population.

Valerie VanBooven, RN BSN, Editor In Chief Of HomeCareDaily.Com, Article link

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