The Home Health Care Industry

Anita Porco, President, Nurses Today, Inc.

(co-written with Paula Rodgers)


The home health care segment of the US health care industry has been a great contributing factor to the individual states and local communities which they serve.  The home health care industry has carved a niche that provides special care and service to individuals in very unique and familiar settings.  It is an industry which has seen growth and stability financially over the years, but may not have kept the same pace with technology.

 

The demands of shortened hospital stays, aging seniors and other demographic characteristics has placed home health care in a unique opportunity that should promote growth and success in this new era.  Most recent trends have found that care given in the home tends to promote wellness and helps families optimize care in a familiar setting. The challenges of finding more efficient and effective ways to take care of the sick and elderly have not been matched to those of keeping with the economic times as well as the ever changing technology.  In order to for home health care to continue its trend of success they must be willing and able to find new ways to market their services by using the internet and other technology sources to grow their business and customer base.  One such source is the use of medically sensitive technology devices that provide more efficient and cost effective care of patients. Better use of time management, scheduling and payroll through the use of PDA’s and other tracking devices help home health care providers keep costs low and minimizes scheduling glitches. 

 

As the cost of health care rises, so does the challenge that home health care providers must once again find new ways to brand their services and get the word out to their customers.  Finding ways to market and brand in home health must be done in a responsible but effective way that not only protects the confidentiality of patients and their families, but allows the home health care provider avenues by which to stretch and grow in these ever changing  times.

 

The economy has been on the minds of everyone including the home health care provider who must now seize the day and seek out new and cost effective measures to meet customer demand while exacting change and keeping up with technology in this new era.

 

Home health care providers can be proud of its foundation; past successes that have become a part of the US health care fabric.  It should also be proud of its present state being a strong contributing factor to the care, health and well being of those they serve in the many communities throughout the country.  And must look boldly and optimistically towards the future finding ways through the use of technology to grow, expand and market in a thriving industry that seeks ways to grow as we embark on this new era of change.