2021 is considered by many to be a pivotal year in many areas, especially for home care. Here we offer some trends on how the Spitex market, structures and offerings will evolve. We also discuss their role as the cement of new collaborative models.
2021, Franchises, a growing model
In times of crisis, many people turn to a career that prioritizes personal satisfaction and a sense of positive contribution to their community. The senior population is constantly growing and a significant portion of them are developing chronic diseases. Home care organizations meet these criteria and have a bright future ahead of them.
But with ever-changing legal constraints, a complex work environment and many operational challenges (including coronavirus), these home care organizations will need experienced mentors. This is where franchise models are ahead of the curve compared to other players.
Franchising is a marketing advantage and it is also a support to the operational efficiency of Spitex. Many home care franchise companies have seen strong growth in their business. The growth in home care franchising is not only coming from new players entering the market, there will also be more conversions of independent organizations into franchises, primarily to meet operational challenges.
This is not to say that all independent home care organizations are at risk. If they can successfully manage all the disruptions associated with the current crisis, independent home care providers will likely see their businesses grow exponentially.
2021, the demand for care services will explode
Spitex will launch new service lines in 2021, including care management offerings and more. But companion service has never been more important.
Even before the coronavirus, older adults were increasingly facing loneliness. A large proportion of older people are now disconnected from the world around them. A large proportion of seniors are socially isolated, with the problem often exacerbated by transportation barriers, hearing loss and other challenges.
The current pandemic increases the risk of loneliness and social isolation, the latter being associated with a massive increase in the risk of dementia, representing a real public health crisis.
In light of this, home care organizations will significantly increase their support services and expand their offerings in this area. Clients, their families and loved ones will look for organizations that excel in support.
2021, home care as the glue for new collaborative models.
All healthcare stakeholders agree that managing complex patients at home is becoming an imperative, especially in times of crisis when hospitals are overloaded.
Innovative home health companies are developing targeted HAH (Hospital at Home) programs that bring high-intensity services to the home.
Home health experts are considering partnering with existing home care organizations.
The same is true for home care, which forms partnerships with home health players or seeks expert help in launching its own HAH-type service lines. Thus, successful hospital-at-home models are often tied to home care support.
As new types of home delivery concepts emerge, home care organizations will be seen as the cement that holds these collaborative models together.
