Study Reveals Socioeconomic Disparities In Home Health Care Quality

Home Health Care News December 10, 2024
Audrie Martin

Residents in neighborhoods with lower socioeconomic status were more likely to use lower-quality home health agencies, according to a recent study by researchers at the University of Georgia, Athens.

Using data from the Outcome and Assessment Information Set (OASIS), Area Deprivation Index and Patient Care Star Ratings, researchers examined 1,657,133 Medicare beneficiaries who received home care in 2019.

They discovered that patients living in the least disadvantaged neighborhoods were 11% more likely to use low-quality home health agencies, while those in the most disadvantaged neighborhoods were 15% more likely to do the same. The researchers also observed that individuals receiving low-quality care in socioeconomically disadvantaged neighborhoods face additional challenges in remaining in their homes and communities.

The findings...

Today's Sponsors

Today's Sponsor