Why Home-Based Care Matters More Than Ever

by Jamie Daugherty, Executive Director

Healthcare in the United States is changing, and one of the most important shifts happening today is the movement of care out of institutions and into the home.

For those of us working in home health, hospice, and home care, this isn’t a new idea. We have long understood that patients often recover better, maintain independence longer, and experience higher quality of life when care is delivered where they are most comfortable—at home.

But what is changing is that the broader healthcare system is finally beginning to recognize the essential role home-based care plays.

The Value of Care at Home

Home-based care is uniquely positioned to meet several of the biggest challenges facing healthcare today.

First, it supports patient choice. Most people overwhelmingly prefer to receive care at home whenever possible, particularly as they age or face serious illness.

Second, it improves outcomes. Research has consistently shown that home-based services can reduce hospitalizations, lower readmission rates, and help patients maintain independence longer.

Third, it helps control costs. As healthcare spending continues to rise, policymakers and payers are increasingly looking for models that deliver high-quality care in more cost-effective ways. Home-based care is a key part of that solution.

A System Under Pressure

Demand for home-based services is growing rapidly.

The U.S. population over age 65 is projected to grow from about 58 million today to more than 80 million by 2040. At the same time, hospitals and long-term care facilities across the country are facing workforce shortages and financial pressures.

These realities make home-based care not just an alternative—but an essential component of a sustainable healthcare system.

However, growth in demand does not automatically translate into growth in capacity.

Home health agencies, hospice providers, and home care organizations are navigating complex regulatory requirements, workforce shortages, reimbursement pressures, and increasing administrative burdens. Without thoughtful policy and strong collaboration across the healthcare system, access to care at home can become limited.

Why Advocacy Matters

This is where advocacy becomes critical.

The Oregon Association for Home Care exists to ensure that the voices of home-based care providers are heard. Policies developed at both the state and federal levels directly affect whether agencies can recruit staff, expand services, and ultimately care for the patients who depend on them.

Advocacy does not mean simply asking for more resources. It means helping policymakers understand how home-based care works, what patients and families need, and how thoughtful policies can strengthen the entire healthcare system.

Looking Ahead

In the coming months, this weekly blog will explore issues that affect home health, hospice, and home care providers across Oregon and beyond. Topics will include workforce challenges, regulatory changes, reimbursement trends, and the role of home-based care in the future of healthcare.

My goal is simple: to provide context, clarity, and insight into the issues shaping our field.

For those of us working in home-based care, the work we do every day matters deeply to the patients and families we serve. As our healthcare system continues to evolve, it is essential that our perspective remains part of the conversation.

Because the future of healthcare will increasingly happen where patients most want to be—at home.