One in five Americans will reach retirement age by 2030.
This demographic shift impacts all aspects of healthcare but is most evident in home healthcare. Home health aides are in greater demand as people live longer. They visit patients at home, monitor their condition and assist with daily activities.
The low entry barriers of this profession are a major attraction for many people. However, turnover is still a big problem. Home Health Care News reports that, according to the Home Care Benchmarking Study, the median caregiver turnover dropped to 64.3% by 2019 after reaching 82% in 2018. These metrics are a reminder to home health administrators that it is important to hire employees who have a strong commitment to their job and patients.
To find great home health aides, you need to do more than just collect applications. Home health administrators should strive to create an inviting, healthy work environment that sets them apart from their competition. Employers who have a good understanding of the home health industry and are creative in their recruitment and retention efforts will be successful for a long time.
Home Health Care in the Current Landscape
The desire to age at home is increasing as the American population ages. The 2020 Aging in Place in America Report shows that approximately 82% (or the G.I. The G.I.
The home health industry has grown rapidly to meet this demand. Bureau of Labor Statistics figures indicate that currently 3.4 million people work as personal care assistants or home health aides. PHI estimates 2.4 million of those work in private homes.
BLS projects that between 2019 and 2020, home health and personal caregivers will grow at a rate of 1.16 million new jobs. Bureau predicts that these occupations will grow at an astonishing 33.7% between 2019 and 2029, significantly higher than the average national growth rate of all occupations. That’s not all.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), in its projections, shows that home health care spending will rise from $108.9 Billion in 2019 to 201.3 Billion in 2028. This highlights the fact that the industry is growing to keep up with the current trends and demographic changes.
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What to Look for When Choosing a Home Care Aide
Administrators must first determine the qualities and qualifications they are looking for in candidates before they can start thinking about how to hire home health aides.
Communication Skills
A home health aide’s main responsibility is to communicate effectively with patients and loved ones. Home health aides need to be able communicate effectively and compassionately about daily routines, changes to a patient’s condition, and any adjustments to their care plan.
Empathy
Relationships between patients and caregivers are very important. Caregiving is challenging. But empathy allows home health professionals develop stronger, more trusting relationships with patients, and help them in the best way they can.
Patience
Home health aides need to be patient, but it’s especially important. They often face a variety of challenges on the job, including helping patients with cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer’s or dementia, and dealing with those who may be upset about an outsider being in their home. These challenges are what home health aides face, and they must stay calm and focused to provide their patients the support they require.
High Physical Functioning
Home health aides assist patients in basic daily activities, such as bathing and dressing, along with the medical duties. Physical strength is required for home health aides to be able to carry out these duties.
Expertise and Credentials
Administrators should ensure that candidates have the certifications in home health required by their respective state. Candidates with additional training and expertise will be able to meet the minimum requirements.
Experience
Experience in a medical or caregiving setting can be a good indicator of the candidate’s abilities to handle the challenges and make decisions that they will face as a Home Health Aide.