The US Home Health Care Industry: Past, Present, and Future

Abstract

The objective of this article is to provide an overview of the general factors that have contributed to the growth in the home health care segment of the US health care industry. These factors are related to the demographic imperative, technology, and government regulations. The demands of the aging population for intermittent care have a significant impact on the demographic imperatives affecting home health care usage. The effect of technology on the increase in longevity and the availability of portable high-technology products have improved the level of care available in the home setting. The increases in state and federal funding for home health care have outpaced other segments of the health care industry, making the integration of home health care into an organization's medical care continuum an important consideration for health care administrators. Finally, a description of home health services and its future implications will be presented.