Palliative Care a ‘Natural Fit’ for Home Health Agencies

Currently, a limited number of home health agencies provide palliative care services, but there exists considerable potential for greater integration of these services within this setting. Palliative care primarily falls under the purview of hospices and health systems, with a mere 7% of community-based palliative care programs managed by home health organizations, in stark contrast to the 50% governed by hospices. To advance the expansion of palliative care within home health settings, several challenges need to be addressed. These include navigating complex reimbursement pathways, ensuring adequate staffing levels and training, dispelling misconceptions surrounding palliative care, and achieving consistency in care models and practices. Overcoming these obstacles is imperative to harness the full potential of palliative care in the context of home health, ultimately enhancing the quality of care provided to patients in need.