The rise of home-based care solutions for post-acute care

In the wake of the global pandemic, the health care industry has witnessed a seismic shift, particularly regarding post-acute care. Amid surging demand for home health care, a rising caregiver shortage, and inflationary impacts on the ability to retail and attract clinicians, home health organization leaders and HR administrators are looking to home-based care solutions as a new hope for the industry, driven by patient preference and the evolving landscape of health care models. This trend, driven by value-based care (VBC), patient-centeredness, and an aging population, heralds a powerful alliance between home health agencies, providers, and payers, emphasizing collaboration, integration, and addressing gaps in patient care.

Adapting to the demands of home-based care

The growth of home-based care is undeniable, and it extends far beyond routine care. While studies like McKinsey’s Consumer Health Insights survey show a surging interest in home health services (16% of respondents aged 65 and older opting for this post-pandemic), the trend extends far beyond basic care. Home health agencies are evolving to handle increasingly complex cases, managing higher acuity patients with positive outcomes and lower re-hospitalization rates. This opens doors to offering significantly more advanced services to a broader range of patients, signifying a willingness to tackle challenging cases and demonstrating the potential for extending in-home care services to populations traditionally thought to require hospitalization.

As we navigate the changing landscape of post-acute care, several crucial questions come to the forefront:

1. Evolving role of caregivers: How is the role of caregivers evolving in the home-based setting? The answer lies in understanding the multifaceted demands placed on caregivers in this dynamic environment, from emotional support to advanced medical care.

2. Emerging high-tech solutions: What high-tech solutions are emerging to address the challenges of home-based care? Telehealth, remote patient monitoring, and predictive analytics help agencies better utilize their staff and focus on the right patient care at the right time.

3. Measuring impact on patient outcomes: How can we measure the impact of home-based care on patient outcomes and quality of life? Implementing robust measurement tools and outcome metrics is crucial in assessing the effectiveness of home-based care models and ensuring continuous improvement.

The traditional care models have often grappled with the dynamic demands of home-based care. Caregivers at the forefront of this change require comprehensive support to navigate a broad spectrum of patient populations and deliver high-quality care. As a result of recognizing this imperative need, innovative platforms have emerged, with features such as scheduling and communication tools, real-time patient monitoring, and personalized data management.

Empowering caregivers with technology

Integrating technology into home-based care streamlines processes and enhances the overall caregiving experience. Home-based care solutions have the power to redefine the role of caregivers and give rise to innovative platforms that empower them to meet the diverse needs of patients, ranging from aging-in-place activities to complex medical interventions.

Scheduling and communication tools ensure efficient coordination among care teams, enabling a seamless flow of information critical to patient wellbeing and allowing for real-time patient monitoring. This proactive approach allows caregivers to address issues promptly, reducing the need for hospital readmissions and guaranteeing continuous, personalized care.

But technology’s role extends beyond internal care team coordination. Effective patient engagement is another crucial aspect. Modern tools go beyond basic scheduling: they send visit notifications, reminders via text, and offer patient portals that empower patients and their families. These portals not only inform, but also facilitate care by enabling communication between patients, caregivers, and providers, creating a truly connected care ecosystem.

When adopting new technology solutions, they must align with regulatory requirements, encompassing security measures like encryption and authentication and adherence to data privacy regulations such as HIPAA. Configurable systems play a pivotal role in empowering exceptional patient care. HR and benefits professionals should seek highly customizable systems that allow health care providers to tailor workflows while adhering to compliance standards. Optimized technology solutions enhance operations, contribute to cost savings, and reduce stress. Essential considerations include:

• Scalability: Does the technology handle increasing user volume and data without performance degradation? Will it require costly upgrades or replacements as your agency expands?

• Compliance: Does the solution help you comply with relevant health care regulations? Does the vendor actively stay updated on regulatory changes and adapt the software accordingly?

• Interoperability: Can the solution easily connect with existing health care systems and software? Does it support data exchange and communication with other providers?

• Access to data: Does the technology offer built-in analytics or integration tools for key metrics? Can you track performance indicators, identify trends, and optimize workflows?

• Operational efficiency: Can the technology support cost savings? Can you decrease operational staffing without impacting patient outcomes and satisfaction?

A collaborative effort: PCPs meet home health providers

Looking ahead, the potential for all parties involved in the evolution of home health care is vast. Major payers recognize the integrated approach’s potential, with some employing physicians within their network of home health providers. This opens doors for specialized care, such as palliative services, delivered directly in the home.

This goes beyond convenience; it’s about closing gaps in care that lead to complications, readmissions, and higher costs. With a home health care nurse on the ground, a patient’s primary care physician (PCP) can monitor medication adherence, conduct checkups, and arrange transportation to appointments. PCPs retain control, overseeing the entire care plan, while home health caregivers become their eyes and ears in the home.

This partnership benefits everyone involved. PCPs avoid expanding their already stretched staff, while home health agencies gain access to the expertise and guidance of a physician. The primary beneficiaries are the patients, who receive high-quality care in the comfort of their homes, reduce stress, and enhance overall wellbeing.

Related: Value-based benefit design using the 4 Ps 

This transition aims to provide effective, cost-conscious care where patients need it most. Lower readmission rates, strengthened patient relationships and improved access to care in underserved areas are among the many benefits. The alliance between PCPs and home health agencies leverages their unique strengths, revolutionizing patient care from the confines of their living rooms.

Investing in the future

The rise of home-based care presents a unique opportunity for collaboration among health care providers, technology companies, and payers. By investing in infrastructure, training, and innovative technologies, we can usher in a future where home-based care becomes the standard of excellence. This investment is in the technological aspect and in empowering caregivers, ensuring they have the skills and resources to thrive in this evolving landscape.

Gary Voydanoff, SVP of Sales at Homecare Homebase