HealthKeeperz
(Photo : HealthKeeperz)

It's an understatement to say that COVID-19 had an incredible impact on the health care space. From hospitals to hospices, every part of the industry felt the effects of the pandemic, and many areas are still recovering from supply chain disruptions. However, the pandemic has also acted as a catalyst for change and innovation, particularly in the home health care sector. The team at HealthKeeperz explains how supply chain issues challenged health care, and how home health is charting a path forward. 

COVID-19 Shifted Home Health Care

While home health solutions were beginning to pick up steam before the pandemic, it was in 2020 that they began to take off. As more people looked to avoid hospitals and doctors' offices, telehealth and home health options rose in popularity. According to William A. Dombi, president of the National Association for Home Care & Hospice, "Home care continues to march forward with strong policy-based and political support as the preferred focus for health care innovations. All told, the state of home care is very positive, but not without challenges." People with a variety of diverse health needs quickly realized that they could receive quality health care in the comfort of their homes - and many haven't looked back. 

But home health care, like so many industries, struggled with the turmoil presented by the unprecedented: a global crisis that disrupted so much for so many. Navigating disrupted supply chains proved a difficult task in the uncertain days of the COVID disaster.

How the Home Health Care Industry Adapted

Supply Chain Challenges

One of the most significant economic impacts of the pandemic were the myriad supply chain slowdowns and interruptions caused by halted production. No industry was safe, including health care. With an influx in demand for medical devices, personal protective equipment, and more, supplies rapidly dwindled. At one point, the concern was so great that three leading medical supply chain trade associations sent a letter to the White House Supply Chain Disruption Task Force "asking that they prioritize medical equipment and supplies in the national supply chain and transportation system."

And while many of those supply chains have started the recovery process, shortages still have the potential to affect patients. For example, an individual requiring a wheelchair or other mobility device can become immobilized if equipment can't be delivered to their home.

How HealthKeeperz Adapted

HealthKeeperz wasn't immune to constraints created by the pandemic. Founded more than 50 years ago by pharmacist Howard Brooks, HealthKeeperz states on its website, "Through the ensuing decades, Howard Brooks and the leadership team grew HealthKeeperz into a true integrated health system, providing an array of home-based health services, equipment, and products to give the company's patients higher quality of life, dignity, and the clinical excellence they deserve." 

And thanks to its innovative team, the company continued that quality of service throughout the pandemic and became experts in adaptation. By focusing on ensuring patient satisfaction and success, HealthKeeperz was able to weather the storm and come out much stronger. Now, its home medical equipment services help individuals across southeastern North Carolina maintain their independence and comfortable lifestyle by delivering life-changing medical devices and apparatuses. 

In fact, its home health services have thrived during the pandemic. HealthKeeperz's home health team works directly with physicians to curate personalized care services centered around patients' specific needs and goals - something sorely needed at the best of times and even more so in times of strife. 

Challenges of Bringing the Hospital Home

While HealthKeeperz has been able to navigate the challenges associated with the pandemic successfully, there are still several obstacles facing the future of the home health space. 

Supply Chain Risks

Of course, one of the biggest obstacles impacting home health is supply chain shortages. Transparency plays a huge factor in building resilient supply chains. To accurately predict and meet demand, systems and infrastructure need to be able to capture demand signals transparently. Health care experts note that information sharing shifted into hyperdrive during the darkest days of COVID-19, and that actually improved supply chain issues across the board. Getting these demand signals and the logistics behind them right is key to not only delivering quality medical equipment and other supplies, but delivering them at competitive prices to patients. 

Recognition by Payers

Another issue affecting the future of home health concerns payers. According to collectivemedical.com, payers "are organizations - such as health plan providers, Medicare, and Medicaid - that set service rates, collect payments, process claims, and pay provider claims.

"Payers are usually not the same as providers. Providers are usually the ones offering the services, like hospitals or clinics. However, there are some instances where a payer and provider are the same entity. An example of this is Veterans Affairs, where patients can receive care at the facility while having care covered by the facility (or being referred to other specialists)."

Payers who don't recognize home health as a natural extension of the kind of care provided at a hospital or doctor's office make it harder for patients to get affordable care.

The good news is that more health systems are acting as both provider and payer to lower costs and provide all-around better patient experiences.

Why Home Health Care Is Becoming the Go-To Option

Affordability

It's no secret that going to the hospital or choosing to move to a nursing home is expensive. Home health options like HealthKeeperz are providing the same level of care at a fraction of the price. For example, in 2020, the annual median cost of home care services was only about half the yearly cost of a typical nursing home.

Comfort

Even the best hospitals and medical facilities can still feel cold and clinical. With home health services as a new option, many people are choosing to receive the care they need in the comfort and familiarity of their own homes. 

Quality of Care

One of the biggest reasons home health is booming is because services like HealthKeeperz are able to offer the same level of quality, professional care that can be found in a typical hospital or hospice setting. Patients of all risk levels and medical backgrounds can benefit from home health interventions, and the at-home patient experience is only continuing to evolve and improve. 

The Future of Home Health Care

Despite the impacts of COVID-19, the future of home health is very bright. At-home services are reimagining what quality care can look like, and as more patients explore alternative options, the sector will only grow. New research shows that by 2025, up to $265 billion of care services for Medicare Fee-for-Service and Medicare Advantage beneficiaries could transition to the home without reducing quality or accessibility. As supply chains continue to recover, greater transparency, smarter logistical planning, and new technologies will help provide the foundation for that growth.