The healthcare landscape is undergoing a significant transformation, with a growing demand for home-based care taking center stage. This shift, while not entirely new, has been rapidly accelerated by the global pandemic and evolving patient preferences.
Luna In-Home Physical Therapy is a prime example of how healthcare providers are adapting to meet these changing needs, offering more accessible, personalized, and affordable care for both chronic and acutely ill populations.
This post is part three of our special multi-part blog series on how COVID-19 impacted nearly every aspect of the healthcare industry. In previous installments, we explored telehealth's rapid expansion and the subsequent plateau in its adoption. In this
post, we’ll delve into how the pandemic has catalyzed the growth of at-home healthcare services, focusing on the innovative approaches taken by providers like Luna.
How the Pandemic Shifted Care to the Home
Before the pandemic, around five million people in 2019 were receiving care at home. As COVID-19 spread, patients increasingly avoided public places, leading to a surge in at-home care. By the end of 2020, 11% of COVID-19 patients discharged from hospitals
were transitioning into home-based care. This shift introduced new populations to at-home care, encompassing a broad spectrum of health conditions and age groups. By 2023, approximately 12 million Americans were receiving home healthcare services,
a number that continues to grow.
Why At-Home Care is Gaining Popularity
At-home care was already gaining traction before the pandemic, particularly among older adults, individuals with disabilities, and those managing chronic conditions. The reasons for its popularity are numerous, and the benefits are clear:
At-home care eliminates the need for transportation and reduces the time spent traveling to appointments, making it particularly beneficial for those with mobility issues or chronic conditions.
The in-home experience is inherently more personal, allowing healthcare providers to give their undivided attention to the patient, tailoring care plans to individual needs.
Receiving care at home reduces the risk of exposure to infections, which has been a significant concern during the pandemic.
In-home visits provide healthcare professionals with insights into a patient’s daily environment, which can lead to more accurate diagnoses and better-tailored treatment plans.
Luna: The Leader in In-Person, In-Home Physical Therapy
Luna is at the forefront of this home care revolution, offering physical therapy services directly in patients’ homes. By bringing care to the patient, Luna is making physical therapy more accessible to those who might struggle with traditional clinic
visits. This approach not only enhances patient comfort and convenience but also leads to better health outcomes.
Luna’s model is particularly effective for patients recovering from surgery, managing chronic pain, or dealing with mobility issues. The ability to receive physical therapy at home means fewer missed appointments, more consistent care, and a greater likelihood
of achieving rehabilitation goals.
The Broader Impact on Healthcare
The rise of providers like Luna is indicative of a broader shift in healthcare delivery. As more patients and providers embrace home-based care, we’re seeing changes in benefit design, reimbursement models, and network strategies. The Centers for Medicare
& Medicaid Services (CMS) have expanded the capabilities of at-home providers, and health plans are evolving to support this growing sector.
The Future of At-Home Care
The momentum behind at-home care is undeniable, and its benefits are clear. For health systems looking to partner in this space with Luna, there are key strategies to consider:
Combining technology like remote monitoring with in-home services can create a seamless care experience, allowing for health status touchpoint, specialist consultations, and ongoing care management.
High-quality home care requires well-trained caregivers. Luna has invested in training programs that ensure our PTs are proficient in medical procedures, clinical care pathways and compassionate communication.
Tailoring services to specific patient groups, such as those with chronic conditions or post-surgical needs, can differentiate providers and enhance patient outcomes.
At-home care is here to stay, and as the market continues to evolve, providers must adapt to meet the growing demand. Luna in-home, in-person physical therapy is leading the way, demonstrating how innovative care delivery can improve accessibility, affordability,
and patient outcomes.