North America Still Leads Home Health Care Growth

The demand for in-home care services is increasing. The ‘Baby Boomer’ generation of adults has long been defined as men and women born shortly after the end of World War II and through the mid-1960s.

This is a period of time that witnessed an explosive growth in population, especially as soldiers returned from battle and couples aimed to build families. Today, this Baby Boomer generation is retiring and driving up the percentage of elderly in comparison to other age groups, not just in America, but around the world.

They are also placing more pressure on certain services, like in-home care support. As more people retire, more will likely require some level of support. Compared to nursing home care and assisted living, far and away the preferred option for many of these seniors is to ‘age in place,’ or remain home for as long as possible.

While home care is in greater demand the world over, North America leads the way as far as demand and market share.

According to the Global Home Health Care and Residential Nursing Care Services Market Briefing 2018 – https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180131006117/en/Global-Healthcare-Services-Market-Briefing-2018-- :

“Integrated care services are being offered by an increasing number of companies and providers. Some of the major home health service providers, such as Kindred Healthcare, are providing home integrated care services which are being adopted by patients.

North America was the largest region in the home health care and residential nursing care services market in 2017, accounting for around 41% market share. Western Europe was the second largest region accounting for around 31% market share. South America was the smallest region accounting for around 0.7% market share.”

With such a strong market share for these services, there are many organizations -both private and public- that are seeking to elevate the quality and access to care and other support services these aging seniors may require. Innovation and technology are often leading the way and it is not only streamlining some processes, it’s also helping to improve quality of care and support, especially for those who need some level of direct medical attention, such as those who were recently hospitalized.

It’s not a badge of honor for North America to hold this distinction, but it does indicate as the industry continues to expand due to strong demand, there are going to be more and more opportunities for innovative thinkers, compassionate individuals who want to make a difference in the lives of those who rely on these services, and entrepreneurs who seek out solutions that will improve comfort, safety, and care for those in need at home.

Valerie VanBooven, RN BSN, is Editor in Chief of www.HomeCareDaily.com