02/03/2025
Looking to start your own home healthcare business?
The home healthcare sector is one of the fastest-growing healthcare industries in the United States.
In 2019, there were approximately 1.4 million people employed in home health care services in the US.
Home health workers — comprising nurses, therapists, and personal care aides — provide a range of medical and daily living services to nearly 12 million people.
Most of whom are elderly and many chronically ill, disabled, bedridden, or struggling with Alzheimer’s disease and other cognitive issues.
Fueled by over 73 million baby boomers – almost 25% of the U.S. population – there’s never been a better time to start a home healthcare business.
In this guide, we’ll explore what services home healthcare agencies provide and why demand is soaring, and then share 14 steps you need to follow to start a successful home healthcare agency.
What Services Do Home Health Care Businesses Provide?
The term “home health care” refers to medical treatment or assistive care for patients who don’t require hospitalization or facility care but do need additional support to live safely at home. Medical professionals or professional caregivers visit individual’s homes to provide some sort of help or care.
While home care can involve medical treatment from medical professionals, most health care is assisting individuals with daily activities‌ ‌such‌ as‌ ‌bathing,‌ ‌dressing,‌ ‌and‌ ‌eating.
Medical vs. non-medical home care business
Medical home care is provided by medical professionals and includes wound care and general nursing services, such as monitoring blood pressure and mental state.
This type of care is typically needed by senior citizens and those recently discharged from hospital.
Non-medical home care is provided by professional caregivers or other (licensed or unlicensed) non-medical personnel and is based around essential day-to-day assistance.
For example, home care aides will prepare meals, clean the house, help change or dress an individual, or drive them to or from doctors' appointments. They might also play cards or board games to keep seniors cognitively engaged.
Demand for Private Caregiver Services is Growing
The private caregiver services sector is one of the fastest-growing healthcare industries in the United States.
Demand is driven by over 73 million baby boomers, representing around 25% of the U.S. population.
Aging baby boomers are placing more demands on the healthcare market to provide home care. As life expectancy increases, seniors who need long-term care prefer to stay in their homes, which means additional private caregivers will be required.
However, aging boomers are not the only reason the nation's population is getting older. Longer lives — in part due to better health care — and record low birth rates among young women are also significant factors.
According to a survey of US adults, around 18% indicated that an in-home care service provider would be most likely to provide long-term care if needed.
Here are five more reasons to believe demand for private caregiver services in the U.S. will continue to grow:
Around 12 million people receive some form of home health care, compared to about 2 million who live in nursing homes or assisted living facilities.
(Source: Forbes)
Most of those receiving home care in the U.S. are over 65 years old, with approximately 97% requiring assistance with bathing and 91% requiring assistance transferring in and out of bed.
(Source: Statista)
90% of seniors plan to remain in their homes as they age.
(Source: AARP)
More than 10,000 baby boomers turn 65 every day, and by 2030, 61 million baby boomers will be aged 66 to 84.
(Source: Census)
Home health care revenue in the U.S. has grown to $97 billion.
