More than 12 million Americans receive home care each year, with that number projected to climb as our population grows older and people are discharged from hospitals quicker and sicker. So what exactly is home care and who does it serve?

Home care is specialized health and social services provided to individuals where they live, keeping them safe and independent in the comfort of their own homes. Recipients often include older Americans, children and adults of any age who are disabled or recuperating from injury, and the chronically or terminally ill. Services can meet a broad scope of needs such as ongoing medical, nursing, social or therapeutic treatments, and assistance with essential daily activities like bathing, toileting, and eating.

Despite the fact that many people in government and regulatory positions agree that home health care is a cost-effective, patient-preferred solution, it continues to be prioritized below institutional care. Not investing in home care will decrease the supply of qualified workers, increase turnover, and compromise the quality of home care services.

That’s why we created the Hearts for Home care program. The more voices in support of home care, the better we can protect the industry and the millions of US residents in need of this care. If politicians, media, and key decisionmakers aren’t aware of the challenges facing home care today–and the essential benefit it provides to our most vulnerable populations—they won’t be part of the solution.

But when organizations like H4HC advocate for those who can’t advocate for themselves, change for the better can happen: new laws are drafted and policies are amended to strengthen support of these important services. Advocacy raises awareness and gets things done, which is why these activities are so essential.

There’s a trio of important issues H4HC is battling today. These include:

• Low reimbursement rates
• Caregiver recruitment and retention
• Care access for our loved ones

We invite you to be a Heart for Home Care today, and join us in the fight to give home care the attention and support it deserves. Join today to help us make a better tomorrow.