Home Health Care in California: An Overview

Between 1996 and 2004, the number of home health care agencies providing services in California decreased by 27%, and the average number of clients per agency doubled. During the same period, the use of home health services declined by 19% and the percentage of care paid by Medicare decreased by 14%. The use of home health aides declined by 79%. Stronger federal oversight that began in 1998 was also cited as a probable cause of the industry consolidation.

On behalf of the California Health Care Foundation, a non-profit organization devoted providing information about health care in California, the researchers analyzed demographic and utilization data from the California Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development related to home health and hospice utilization from 1996 through 2004.

They found that the 50% of people using home health care services were over the age of 70 and that 21% of home care consumers needed help due to skin problems, 20% needed help due to heart problems. About 21% of home health care consumers were under the age of 51.