The changing landscape of senior healthcare

The likelihood of multimorbidity—living with multiple chronic conditions—grows with age. This means that multimorbidity will increasingly become the norm with an aging U.S. population. The potential consequences of this are significant: chronic disease is a leading cause of illness, disability and death in the United States,¹ placing a large burden on the healthcare system.

More incidences of multimorbidity will increase demand for preventive care strategies and a whole-person approach to care that addresses seniors’ physical, social and emotional needs.

Humana’s value-based care model adopts a whole-person approach that prioritizes preventive, proactive care. The value-based care approach prioritizes quality of care over number of services provided.

An expanding senior population that prefers to age in place will lead to increased demand for high-quality home health services, including smart home technologies that promote independent living.

Along with the mainstream incorporation of telehealth and virtual services, a holistic home healthcare approach relies on robust, multidisciplinary care teams that include aides, nutritionists, nurses, social workers, therapists, pharmacists and more. An integrated approach enables comprehensive care management, which supports aging in place.

Humana’s home healthcare program covers a range of areas, including primary care needs, behavioral health, complex care and disease management. Through Humana’s Personal Home Care Services benefit, eligible members have access to a home health aide or professional caregiver who can help with meal preparation in the home. Some Humana plans also include Medical Nutrition Therapy, which helps members manage their chronic health conditions through dietary and lifestyle changes.