HCAOA Highlights 6 Key Policy Priorities for the Home Care Industry

Home Health Care News / By Joyce Famakinwa
 
Policy and regulations for home care haven’t kept pace with the growing demand for services and the overall increased visibility of the sector.
 
For policymakers looking to address industry challenges and ultimately increase access to home care, there are six policy priorities that should be considered, a new report released Wednesday by the Home Care Association of America (HCAOA) suggests.
 
“With the growth of the Medicare population projected to double from 40 to 80 million adults by 2040, addressing the shortfalls in care for older Americans must begin now,” Vicki Hoak, CEO of HCAOA, said in a statement.
 
Indeed, there are demographic shifts in the U.S. that point to the increasing need for more senior care services. Roughly 81 million people in the U.S. will be 65 years older by 2040, compared with 77 million under the age of 18.
 
Plus, an individual turning 65 today has nearly a 70% likelihood of needing long-term care and support, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
 
In terms of the type of care seniors prefer, services that allow them to age in place for as long as possible are overwhelmingly popular.
 
In order to strengthen the home care sector and, in turn, fulfill the increasing demand for care, HCAOA urges policymakers to prioritize the establishment of an industry-coordinated set of standards at both the federal and state level. 
 
“Without standards on caregiver training, inconsistencies in types, levels and quality of service may hamper the ability of the industry to define itself as a trusted and sought-after service provider,” HCAOA wrote in the report. “This has implications for the safety of home care clients as well.”. . .

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