#United States #Dallas #healthcare #Compliance #Homecare Homebase

Home-Based Care in 2026: Demand Isn’t the Issue; Operations Are

Homecare HomebaseSM (HCHB), a prominent provider of software and administrative services for home-based care, has released a new report titled "The State of Home-Based Care in 2026: Operational Strategies for Margin, Capacity, and Compliance." This comprehensive publication sheds light on the intricacies facing home-based care providers as they navigate their operational landscapes in the coming years.

Key Findings of the Report

The report emphasizes that while the demand for home-based care services is projected to rise, the primary concern lies with operational efficiency rather than demand itself. Agency leaders and executives are urged to focus on practical, data-driven approaches that can help them adapt to the pressures of an evolving healthcare landscape shaped by Medicare Advantage policies and workforce challenges.

Operational Excellence as a Strategy

HCHB’s report details how achieving operational excellence has emerged as a crucial factor for financial resilience and growth. The landscape of home-based care is becoming increasingly complex, requiring agencies to adopt effective strategies across various dimensions including intake, scheduling, care delivery, documentation, billing, and analytics. By doing so, agencies can enhance their service delivery without incurring additional administrative burdens.

Addressing Compliance and Regulatory Changes

Furthermore, the report examines compliance issues that agencies face and presents operational strategies that can aid in meeting regulatory demands. The transition to the Hospice Outcomes and Patient Evaluation (HOPE) measures has led to notable successes in compliance adherence across several agencies. HCHB provides actionable insights to help agencies align with these new compliance requirements.

Harnessing Technology for Better Care

Innovation plays a significant role in the future of home-based care, and HCHB is committed to integrating advanced AI and automation solutions. These technologies are designed to streamline workflows and enhance clinical decision-making, thereby allowing agencies to improve patient access to care. This emphasis on technology can contribute to a more efficient operational model, ensuring both the quality of care and financial viability.

Insights for the Future

Hannah Pearson, Chief Revenue Officer at HCHB, expressed the goal of this report, stating, "Our goal with this report is to help leaders move from awareness to action. By connecting regulatory realities with real-world operational strategies, we hope to give agencies the confidence to make informed decisions as they plan for 2026 and beyond."

Conclusion

In summary, the Homecare Homebase report provides a vital framework for home health agencies to understand the operational challenges ahead. As the healthcare environment continues to evolve, executives are encouraged to leverage the insights and strategies outlined in the report to foster organizational resilience and maintain high-quality patient care.

For further details, the complete report is available at hchb.com/2026industryreport.

Homecare Homebase, founded in 1999, has been leading the field in providing cloud-based operational solutions tailored to the needs of home care agencies. As a part of Hearst Health, HCHB continues to drive transformative change in healthcare delivery.

Acknowledgments

The report not only serves as a guiding document for agency leaders but also as an essential resource for those tasked with navigating the intricacies of home-based care in an increasingly demanding regulatory and operational environment.