In Conversation with Matt Hansen to Bring His Insights on the Home Care Scene in Utah

Utah’s home care scene is poised for growth. With a rapidly aging population and a lower average cost than national nursing home rates, in-home care is an attractive option for Utahns.

The state has a strong presence of non-profit home care providers offering services beyond medical care – companionship and daily living assistance.

However, challenges exist. Workforce shortages plague the industry, and rising costs may strain affordability for some families. The future likely holds an increase in technological solutions like telehealth and remote monitoring to enhance care and potentially reduce costs.

Further, Utah may see a rise in private-pay home care options catering to a growing population who want to age in place. Utah’s home care scene offers a mix of established providers and growing demand, but navigating workforce shortages and affordability will be crucial for its success.

To shed some light on the same, we interviewed an industry expert to bring his perspective on the home care scene in Utah.

Let us now delve into what he has to say about the home care scene in Utah.

Question 1. What motivated your decision to start your career in the home care industry?

I am a Doctor of Physical Therapy and began my career in pediatrics. I had the opportunity to follow some clients home to perform home safety and home adaption evaluations and realized that I was seeing the ‘X’ factor in healthcare.

By being in the home, I saw the social determinants impacting someone’s health. Over time, I began doing more home health and seeing clients of all ages.

Question 2. What are the challenges facing home care providers in Utah (and potentially Colorado)?

Reimbursement and staffing are probably the biggest challenges for medical and non-medical home care. Many providers participating in non-medical home care Medicaid programs in Utah do so at a financial loss.

Home health rates are better but still below the cost of care. Private-duty rates have had to increase significantly over the last several years to try and keep up with inflation, making it more difficult to recruit clients and resulting in fewer service hours.

Though staffing has improved since the COVID-19 pandemic, it can still be difficult to recruit and retain caregivers.

Question 3. Beyond telehealth, what other technologies are significantly impacting the home care industry in Utah?

Remote patient monitoring (RPM) is related to telehealth but can be much more when done right. Client engagement and staff communication apps are also very impactful in care coordination.

Regardless of what your thoughts are on Electronic Visit Verification (EVV), it has had an impact on the industry. Finally, artificial intelligence (AI) is beginning to impact documentation times, particularly in home health and the administration of OASIS assessments.

Question 4. What are your biggest goals for the Homecare and Hospice Association of Utah in the next few years?

We continue to experience a lot of merger and acquisition (M&A) activity in the industry and will likely continue to experience consolidation over the foreseeable future. One of our highest priorities is to help ensure that the industry’s integrity is sustained during all the activity.

We also want to ensure the services are not overshadowed by other industry segments. The goals of our advocacy team include increasing Medicaid rates, supporting the passing of the Preserving Home Health Act, and helping establish a hospice program in the state correctional facilities.

Our education committee goals include completing a series of family caregiver training modules, establishing a more robust learning management center library for members, and creating new home health and hospice multi-day certification-prep workshops.

Question 5. What advice would you give to someone considering a career in home care?

Take time to speak to those who work in home care. Better yet, ask if you can job shadow them and inquire about volunteer opportunities. Ask others about the good, the bad, and the ugly of home care.

I LOVE home care because I thrive in a changing work environment, meeting new people, and being independent. Someone working in home care will also experience adventures and fun stories.

However, if you feel that you need more direct supervision, do not enjoy driving, or can get squeamish in environments that might not be to your cleaning standards, it might not be the right career for you (at least yet).

Unfortunately, documentation is something that you have to deal with no matter where you go.

Question 6. How can the community better support home care providers in Utah?

By supporting improved reimbursement rates and legislation that supports care in the home. We also love it when the community asks questions about what we do.

Unfortunately, many people have no idea what home care services are and the value they provide until they or a family member needs them.

The more the community can learn about home care ahead of time, the more prepared they will be and the earlier our providers can begin to make a difference.

Conclusion

Utah’s aging population is driving demand for in-home care, a more affordable option than nursing homes. However, workforce shortages and affordability threaten to limit its growth.

The state boasts established non-profit providers offering companionship and daily living assistance besides medical care. Technology like telehealth and remote monitoring may improve care and potentially reduce costs.

Matt Hansen sheds light on the industry’s challenges and opportunities. Workforce shortages and low reimbursement rates are the key concerns.

Technology like remote patient monitoring and communication apps are making an impact. Artificial intelligence is even streamlining documentation.

And if you are considering a career in home care, talk to people in the field and learn about the rewards and challenges. Lastly, the community can help by supporting better funding and educating themselves about home care options.