The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that home health care is within the top-10 fastest-growing occupations in the United States. As recently as 2014, the BLS indicates there were 913,500 employed home care workers in the country. The demand for these types of aides is expected to increase.
The Importance of Home Health Care Workers
Currently, there are roughly 47.8 million adults over the age of 65 in the United States. By 2050, this number is expected to increase to 88 million. Given that many senior citizens prefer to live independently as long as possible, home health workers provide important services that enable them to do so.
The risk of falling occurs with many individuals over the age of 65, and the incidence of this can increase with age. Recent figures show that approximately 33% of individuals over 65 fall every year. Many of these falls may occur due to losing balance, experiencing vertigo, and other health issues. They may also occur when climbing in-and-out of the shower and when engaged in other daily activities where having assistance would be recommended.
It is also not uncommon for the elderly to sustain burns. This can occur when attempting to prepare meals, adjust water temperature, or while engaged in other activities involving a heat source, such as ironing.
Home Health Care Workers and Transportation Categories
In order to perform their jobs, home health care workers will usually be required to engage in some level of travel. As a result, there are 3 basic job transportation categories:
- Driving to clients’ homes
- Driving on behalf of clients
- Driving clients
In addition to employees traveling to see clients, additional travel will vary depending on the clients’ needs.
Injury Rates and Home Health Care Workers
The BLS reports that home health care workers sustain approximately 50% more injuries than hospital workers. There are several common occupational hazards, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
- Violence
- Latex allergies
- Musculoskeletal disorders
- Driving-related injuries
- Needle sticks and sharps injuries
- Exposure to unsafe conditions
These unsafe conditions, per the CDC, include, but aren’t limited to being exposed to contaminated water, hostile pets, and unsanitary homes.
Types of Home Healthcare Business Insurance
Home health care business insurance is required to provide for and protect these businesses, their employees, and their clients. Consequently, there are different types of insurance coverage that are necessary to have within this industry:
- General and Professional Liability Insurance
- Non-Owned Automobile Liability Insurance
- Commercial Crime Coverage, or Bonding
- Content and Building Insurance
- Workers Compensation Insurance
It’s important to note that the primary financial costs associated with home health care agency claims are due to car accidents.
If you own or manage a home health care agency, it’s important to be aware of the different types of home health care business insurance that is required. In addition to home health care liability insurance and home health care Workers Compensation Insurance, you may be interested in learning more details about additional types of home health business insurance.
When you contact your provider, you will be able to find out more information about the level of coverage that is needed. Furthermore, your home health care business insurance provider will also be able to provide you with specific details that are relevant to your business.