Learn how always better care approaches are reshaping home health and hospice services, with insights on value-based models, patient outcomes, and industry trends for families and providers.
Table of Contents
- What Is Always Better Care in Home Health?
- The Shift to Value-Based Home Health and Hospice
- Key Trends Shaping Home-Based Care Delivery
- How to Choose a Home Health or Hospice Provider
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Comparison of Care Approaches
- Practical Tips for Families and Caregivers
- Final Thoughts on Always Better Care
Quick Stats: Home Health and Hospice
- Medicare spent roughly $17.9 billion on home health services in 2023 (MedPAC, 2024)[1]
- The global home healthcare market is forecast to reach $666.9 billion by 2032, growing at an 8.2% CAGR (Precedence Research, 2024)[5]
- By 2040, the U.S. population aged 65 and older is projected to reach 80.8 million (U.S. Census Bureau, 2024)[7]
- About 7.3 million people in the United States receive home- and community-based services through Medicaid each year (KFF, 2024)[9]
What Is Always Better Care in Home Health?
Always better care represents a commitment to continuously improving the quality, coordination, and personalization of services delivered to patients in their homes. In the context of home health and hospice, this approach means moving beyond episodic, task-oriented visits toward a holistic model that integrates skilled nursing, physical and occupational therapy, medical social work, and family caregiver support into a unified care plan.
The core idea is that patients recover faster and maintain a higher quality of life when they receive care in familiar surroundings, surrounded by family and community. As care increasingly moves into the home, providers are focusing on delivering better outcomes at a lower cost by surrounding patients and families with the right level of support exactly when they need it, according to Keith Myers, Chairman and CEO of LHC Group (parent company of Always Better Care Las Vegas)[q1].
This philosophy demands a high degree of coordination. A patient discharged from the hospital after a hip replacement, for example, might need a nurse to monitor the surgical wound, a physical therapist to guide rehabilitation, and a home health aide to assist with daily activities. An always better care approach ensures these professionals communicate with each other and with the patient’s primary care physician, reducing the risk of complications and readmissions. It is about coordinating nursing, therapy, social work, and family caregivers around a shared plan that helps people stay safely where they want to be, as described by Dr. Steven H. Landers, President and CEO of Visiting Nurse Association Health Group[q3].
The Role of Technology in Coordinated Home Care
Technology plays a growing role in enabling always better care. Electronic health records, telehealth platforms, and remote patient monitoring tools allow clinicians to track vital signs, medication adherence, and symptoms between visits. This data helps providers identify problems early and adjust care plans in real-time. For instance, a nurse monitoring a heart failure patient’s daily weight readings through a connected scale can intervene before fluid buildup leads to an emergency room visit. Such tools are central to building a stronger, more person-centered system of care, as noted by Carole Johnson, Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration[q2].
The Shift to Value-Based Home Health and Hospice
The traditional fee-for-service payment model, which reimburses providers for each individual visit or procedure, often incentivizes volume over quality. In contrast, value-based care models tie reimbursement to patient outcomes, satisfaction, and cost efficiency. This shift is a major driver behind the always better care philosophy. Providers are rewarded for keeping patients healthy and out of the hospital, which aligns perfectly with the goals of home health and hospice.
Value-based models are pushing providers to think much more holistically about patients, and some of the most promising results are coming from home health and hospice teams that redesign care around the home environment, according to Dr. Kate Goodrich, Chief Medical Officer at Humana[q4]. Medicare has been a key force in this transition through programs like the Home Health Value-Based Purchasing (HHVBP) model, which adjusts payments to agencies based on performance metrics such as improvement in mobility, management of oral medications, and rates of acute care hospitalization.
This shift has significant implications for how agencies operate. They must invest in care coordination infrastructure, data analytics, and staff training to succeed under value-based contracts. For patients and families, it often means more proactive communication, a dedicated care coordinator, and a care plan that addresses not just the medical diagnosis but also social determinants of health like food insecurity, housing instability, and access to transportation. If we want better care for older adults with complex needs, we have to strengthen home health and hospice capacity and integrate these services more tightly with primary care and hospital discharge planning, argues Dr. David Grabowski, Professor of Health Care Policy at Harvard Medical School[q5].
Medicare Spending and Market Consolidation
Medicare spent roughly $17.9 billion on home health services in 2023, reflecting sustained demand for home-based care options (MedPAC, 2024)[1]. At the same time, the number of Medicare-certified home health agencies fell to 11,400 in 2023, down 1.2% from 2022, as the market consolidates around larger providers and multi-location organizations (MedPAC, 2024)[3]. This consolidation can be a positive trend if it leads to greater investment in quality improvement and care coordination, but it also raises concerns about access in rural areas.
Key Trends Shaping Home-Based Care Delivery
Several demographic and economic trends are reshaping the landscape of home health and hospice, making the always better care model more relevant than ever. The most significant is the aging of the U.S. population. By 2040, the number of Americans aged 65 and older is projected to reach 80.8 million, almost double the 2020 figure (U.S. Census Bureau, 2024)[7]. This surge will drive a corresponding increase in demand for long-term services and supports. Roughly 70% of adults who survive to age 65 will need some form of long-term services and supports, such as home health or personal care, during their remaining years (HHS ASPE, 2024)[8].
Another key trend is the growth of Medicaid home- and community-based services (HCBS). About 7.3 million people in the U.S. receive HCBS through Medicaid each year, many relying on home health and personal care providers (KFF, 2024)[9]. State Medicaid programs are increasingly looking to managed care organizations to administer these benefits, which can lead to more coordinated care but also introduces new administrative requirements for providers. Meanwhile, hospice care continues to expand, with providers serving about 1.7 million Medicare beneficiaries in 2023 (MedPAC, 2024)[10].
The Global Market Context
The global home healthcare market is forecast to reach $666.9 billion in value by 2032, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 8.2% from 2024 to 2032 (Precedence Research, 2024)[5]. North America accounted for more than 40% of global home healthcare market revenue in 2023, underscoring the scale of U.S. providers in delivering in-home services (Precedence Research, 2024)[6]. This growth is driven by technological innovation, consumer preference for aging in place, and policy support for value-based care. For a deeper dive into the evolving policy landscape, you can explore the Medicare home health regulations 2025 guide available on this site.
How to Choose a Home Health or Hospice Provider
Selecting the right provider is a critical decision that directly impacts patient outcomes and family experience. When evaluating agencies, families should look beyond basic Medicare certification and examine quality metrics, staffing models, and the scope of services offered. An always better care provider will be transparent about its performance on measures such as patient satisfaction, hospitalization rates, and improvement in pain management and functional status.
Key questions to ask include: Does the agency offer a dedicated care coordinator? How do they ensure communication between the home health team and the patient’s primary care physician? What is their process for handling emergencies or after-hours concerns? Do they provide training and support for family caregivers? For hospice care specifically, families should inquire about the availability of bereavement support, volunteer services, and music or art therapy, which are hallmarks of a comprehensive program.
It is also important to verify that the provider is Medicare-certified and state-licensed. Checking online resources, such as Medicare’s Home Health Compare tool, can provide objective data on agency performance. Additionally, reading reviews and talking to other families who have used the service can offer valuable insights. For a comprehensive list of what to look for, the Medicare Care Compare website is an excellent external resource for comparing providers side-by-side.
Important Questions About Always Better Care
What does “always better care” mean for home health patients?
For home health patients, always better care means a commitment to continuous improvement in the quality, safety, and personalization of services. It involves a team-based approach where nurses, therapists, social workers, and aides work together under a coordinated care plan. The goal is to achieve better clinical outcomes, such as reduced hospital readmissions and improved functional status, while also enhancing the patient’s overall experience and quality of life at home.
How is hospice care different from home health care?
Home health care is focused on helping patients recover from an illness, injury, or surgery, or manage a chronic condition. It is typically provided under a physician’s plan of care and can include skilled nursing, physical therapy, and occupational therapy. Hospice care, on the other hand, is for patients with a terminal illness who are no longer seeking curative treatment. Its focus is on comfort, pain management, and emotional and spiritual support for both the patient and their family. Both can be delivered at home and are central to an always better care philosophy, but they serve very different stages of a patient’s journey.
What are the eligibility requirements for Medicare home health coverage?
To qualify for Medicare home health coverage, a patient must meet several conditions: they must be under the care of a doctor who certifies that they need intermittent skilled nursing care, physical therapy, speech-language pathology, or continued occupational therapy; they must be homebound, meaning leaving home requires considerable effort and assistance; and the care must be provided by a Medicare-certified home health agency. Medicare covers these services at no cost to the patient, though durable medical equipment may require a 20% coinsurance.
How can family caregivers support an always better care plan?
Family caregivers are a vital part of the care team. They can support the plan by communicating openly with the home health agency about the patient’s needs and any changes in condition. Many agencies offer caregiver training on tasks like wound care, medication management, and safe transfer techniques. Caregivers should also prioritize their own well-being by seeking respite care and joining support groups. An always better care approach recognizes that supporting the caregiver is essential to sustaining the patient’s care at home.
Comparison of Care Approaches
Understanding the different care models available can help families make informed decisions. The table below compares three common approaches to post-acute and long-term care, highlighting how each aligns with the principles of always better care.
| Care Approach | Primary Focus | Care Setting | Typical Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Health Care | Recovery, rehabilitation, chronic disease management | Patient’s home | Intermittent, weeks to months |
| Hospice Care | Comfort, pain management, emotional support | Home or hospice facility | Months (terminal prognosis of 6 months or less) |
| Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) | Intensive rehabilitation or 24/7 nursing care | Institutional setting | Short-term (post-hospital) or long-term |
Practical Tips for Families and Caregivers
Navigating the home health and hospice system can be complex. Here are actionable tips to help families find and work with an always better care provider.
- Start the conversation early. Do not wait for a crisis. If a loved one has a chronic condition or is showing signs of declining health, begin researching home health and hospice options in your area. Ask their primary care physician for recommendations and check online resources like Medicare’s Care Compare tool.
- Ask about care coordination. When interviewing agencies, specifically ask how they ensure all members of the care team communicate with each other and with the patient’s doctor. A dedicated care coordinator or nurse case manager is a strong indicator of an always better care approach.
- Review quality data. Medicare publishes star ratings and quality measures for home health agencies. Look at metrics like how often patients improve their ability to get in and out of bed, how often they manage their oral medications, and the rate of emergency department visits without hospitalization.
- Understand your rights and responsibilities. As a patient or caregiver, you have the right to be involved in all care decisions and to receive a written plan of care. You also have the responsibility to provide accurate information about the patient’s health and to follow the care plan as closely as possible.
Final Thoughts on Always Better Care
The concept of always better care represents a fundamental shift in how home health and hospice services are designed and delivered. By prioritizing coordination, patient-centered outcomes, and continuous quality improvement, this approach offers a path toward a more effective and compassionate healthcare system. For patients and families facing the challenges of illness, aging, or end-of-life care, understanding these principles can make a profound difference in the quality of the experience. To learn more about finding the right provider and navigating your options, explore the comprehensive guides and resources available on seowebsitetraffic.com.
Useful Resources
- Home Health Care Services. Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC), 2024.
https://www.medpac.gov/document/home-health-care-services-chapter-8-2/ - HHS Awards Funding to Expand Home and Community-Based Services. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2026.
https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/ - Home Health Care Services. Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC), 2024.
https://www.medpac.gov/document/home-health-care-services-chapter-8-2/ - Home Health Care Services. Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC), 2024.
https://www.medpac.gov/document/home-health-care-services-chapter-8-2/ - Home Healthcare Market. Precedence Research, 2024.
https://www.precedenceresearch.com/home-healthcare-market - Home Healthcare Market. Precedence Research, 2024.
https://www.precedenceresearch.com/home-healthcare-market - Demographic Turning Points for the United States. U.S. Census Bureau, 2024.
https://www.census.gov/library/publications/2024/demo/p25-1147.html - Long-Term Services and Supports Need Brief. HHS ASPE, 2024.
https://aspe.hhs.gov/reports/ltss-need-brief-2024 - Key Facts About Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services. Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF), 2024.
https://www.kff.org/medicaid/issue-brief/key-facts-about-medicaid-home-and-community-based-services/ - Hospice Services. Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC), 2024.
https://www.medpac.gov/document/hospice-services-chapter-11-3/
For more about Laughter therapy in patient care, see Laughter Therapy In Patient Care.
