Dementia Trends Could Shrink Home Health Workforce, Flournoy Health Systems CEO Warns

Demand for home care is expected to accelerate as the number of Americans living with dementia continues to grow, but industry leaders warn the caregiver workforce may struggle to keep pace. According to Flournoy Health Systems CEO Aaron Albright, rising dementia prevalence will require more specialized training, longer care hours and greater workforce capacity at a time when the industry is already facing staffing shortages. The article notes that the home health workforce declined by more than 3.4% during the first year of the pandemic, and an additional 800,000 workers could leave the profession by 2027, intensifying pressure on providers.

These trends point to increasing demand for home healthcare services while highlighting the need for stronger recruitment, retention and caregiver training. This creates opportunities for home health agencies, senior living providers, healthcare systems, workforce development organizations and technology companies that can help expand access to care and improve operational efficiency.