Innocent Onwubiko of Successful Aging is a home healthcare entrepreneur. In the following article, Innocent Onwubiko discusses industry trends in the home health market.

While home care continues to experience staffing issues, demand for home care is only increasing thanks to an aging baby boomer population. With historically low earning rates in the home healthcare industry and the burnout that frequently comes with delivering adequate care to senior citizens, the difficulty of locating dedicated and long-term employees is rising in tandem with the demand.

Innocent Onwubiko of Successful Aging looks at three home healthcare market trends that are bound to take the industry by storm sometime in the near future, which might need to be seriously considered by agencies to stay ahead of the curve and remain competitive.

1. Increased Care Worker Shortages

Innocent Onwubiko of Successful Aging reports that the home care industry is experiencing a dramatic shortage of available licensed professionals willing to dedicate substantial time to caring for the elderly. Per the BLS, the average hourly pay for a home care worker lies around the $14 range, which is becoming problematic thanks to the soaring living costs in the United States.

The world is only two years removed from a deadly pandemic, which also happened to impact the elderly the hardest. Urgent recruitment is needed to address the absence of trained home care professionals. These shortages were further fueled by the increasing risk of being in contact with the most susceptible patients while conversely re-stating the importance of having a home care worker.

Innocent Onwubiko of Successful Aging says that there’s been talk of a raise in the minimum wage for quite some time now, but progress is slow in these areas. Medical professionals may not feel like the home healthcare business is worth diving head-first into, despite its importance, until talk becomes action.

2. Technology Slowly Automating Caregiving Duties

Technological advancements in artificial intelligence and device-based applications are seemingly taking over every industry. At some point, these innovations will also reach the home healthcare market. While the idea of robots entirely taking the place of warm, friendly caregivers is unlikely, advancements may be implemented to positive ends explains Innocent Onwubiko of Successful Aging.

Technological assistance can give caregivers aid in several tasks and make their jobs easier, such as in:

• Capturing vital signs
• Providing medication reminders
• Issuing alerts for abnormalities
• Remote monitoring

The latter of these has become a popular option in the age of COVID-19 and allows doctors and physicians to keep tabs on more patients than ever before.
Furthermore, Innocent Onwubiko of Successful Aging says that the elderly frequently endure loneliness and solitude, especially if they, unfortunately, become widows or widowers. However, technology is providing more options to communicate and connect with their loved ones and the world around them as adoption among the elderly increases.

These new options are anticipated to boost involvement through video calls with friends and relatives as well as mental stimulation via entertainment and many forms of audio and video content. Consistent engagement with other human beings is of special importance for the elderly.

3. Rising Demand for Companionship Services

Companionship is essential for the well-being of seniors, as many live alone after their spouses or soulmates die. Innocent Onwubiko of Successful Aging says that seniors may lack transportation and have restricted movement, hearing, and vision, making it challenging to interact with others. Additionally, COVID-19 has merely exacerbated the loneliness pandemic that existed before its introduction.

Companion care, in its most basic form, is home care that provides non-medical assistance to elderly individuals or persons with impairments. Innocent Onwubiko explains that there is usually no assistance with washing, clothing, or medication management. The goal is to give companionship, moral support, and camaraderie, all of which are desperately required by most seniors.

Millions of older people go for weeks or even months without contact with a friend or loved one. Whatever the cause of social isolation at all ages, it’s all too easy to feel alone and vulnerable, which may lead to depression and a significant loss of well-being.

Innocent Onwubiko of Successful Aging says that the latest home healthcare trends indicate that organizations will increase companionship services, and clients and families will seek out providers that incorporate companionship and personal comfort into their care.

Closing Thoughts

From caretaker shortages to companionship services, these are some of the most prominent trends that might shape what the home healthcare industry looks like in the near future. With an emphasis on technological advancement and ensuring seniors don’t go lonely, agencies must stay up-to-date to provide effective, accessible care.