Understanding how long people typically need home care services can help families and agencies better prepare for care needs. Recent data from leading healthcare organizations provides valuable insights into care duration patterns.
Key Findings from National Data
Medicare Home Health Episodes
According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), typical Medicare-certified home health episodes last about 45 days. These episodes often focus on specific recovery goals or post-acute care needs.
Median vs Average Service Length
The CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics reveals an interesting pattern:
- Median length of service: Duration 123 days
- Average length of service: Duration 315 days
This significant difference between median and average suggests that while many people need shorter-term care, some require much longer periods of support, pulling the average higher.
Long-Term Care Needs
AARP’s research indicates that 70% of people age 65 and older will need some type of long-term care, with needs averaging about three years (1,095 days). This includes various levels of care and support services.
What This Means for Families
These statistics highlight the importance of:
- Planning for both short-term and long-term care possibilities
- Understanding insurance coverage and payment options
- Working with agencies that can adapt to changing care needs
- Having contingency plans for extended care needs
Finding the Right Care Partner
When selecting a home care agency, consider their experience with both short-term and long-term care management. Search HomeCareList.org to find agencies in your area that match your specific care duration needs and can provide the flexibility to adjust as those needs change.
Sources: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (2023), CDC National Center for Health Statistics (2022), AARP Public Policy Institute (2023)
CDC National Center for Health Statistics – Home Health Care: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/home-health-care.htm AARP Home Care Research Report: https://www.aarp.org/ppi/info-2023/home-care-research.html CMS Home Health Quality Reporting Program: https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Quality-Initiatives-Patient-Assessment-Instruments/HomeHealthQualityInits