Category: Home Health Care

Immigration Crackdowns Disrupt the Caregiving Industry. Families Pay the Price.

Families, nursing facilities, and home health agencies rely on foreign-born workers to fill health care jobs that are demanding and do not attract enough American citizens. The Trump administration’s anti-immigration policies threaten to cut a key source of labor for the industry, which was already predicting a surge in demand.

Resources Are Expanding for Older Adults on Their Own

Aging alone, without a spouse, a partner, or children, requires careful planning. New programs for this growing population offer much-needed help.

Homebound Seniors Living Alone Often Slip Through Health System’s Cracks

There is a large population of older adults with physical problems that prevent them from leaving home. Many have significant medical and practical needs that go unmet.

Watchdog Calls for Tighter Scrutiny of Medicare Advantage Home Visits

Medicare officials defend the use of home visits that often spot medical conditions that are never treated.

KFF Health News’ ‘What the Health?’: The Campaign’s Final Days

It’s the final days of the 2024 campaign, and Republicans are suddenly talking again about making changes to the Affordable Care Act if former President Donald Trump wins. Meanwhile, new reporting uncovers more maternal deaths under state abortion bans — and a case in which a Nevada woman was jailed after a miscarriage. Lauren Weber of The Washington Post, Shefali Luthra of The 19th, and Jessie Hellmann of CQ Roll Call join KFF Health News’ Emmarie Huetteman to discuss these stories and more. Also this week, KFF Health News’ Julie Rovner interviews Irving Washington, a senior vice president at KFF and the executive director of its Health Misinformation and Trust Initiative.

Desperate Families Search for Affordable Home Care

Facing a severe shortage of aides and high costs, people trying to keep aging loved ones at home often cobble together a patchwork of family and friends to help.

What to Know About Home Care Services

Finding an aide to help an older person stay at home safely takes work. Here’s a guide.

Facing Financial Ruin as Costs Soar for Elder Care

The United States has no coherent system of long-term care, leading many to struggle to stay independent or rely on a patchwork of solutions.

Medicare Advantage Plans Send Pals to Seniors’ Homes for Companionship — And Profits

Many Medicare Advantage plans send caregivers to the homes of seniors periodically to help with housework and provide companionship. But the workers may also prod seniors into activities that boost the plans’ Medicare ratings and federal reimbursements.

Pandemic-Fueled Shortages of Home Health Workers Strand Patients Without Necessary Care

Home health and hospice agencies are experiencing extreme worker shortages, which means they can’t provide services to all the patients seeking care.