Increased Stay Lengths and Limited Staff Hurts Senior Care Facilities

Staffing challenges are negatively impacting the patient discharge process.

By HFT Staff


CarePort, powered by WellSky, has released its Evolution of Care report. The COVID-19 pandemic has fundamentally changed the way care is delivered in the United States. The need for greater coordination across care settings is critical as higher-acuity patients are discharged from hospitals. CarePort data shows that in aggregate, the average patient discharged to skilled nursing facilities (SNF) and home health care is more acute than in 2019, resulting in an 11 percent increase in average comorbidity score. Common comorbidities include congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hypertension, neurological disorders, diabetes, and obesity, among other conditions. 

Staffing challenges are negatively impacting the patient discharge process. CarePort found a 33 percent increase in referrals sent per patient to home health but a 15 percent reduction in home health acceptance. Once a home health placement is secured, timeliness of start of care – a critical measurement to ensuring optimal patient outcomes – is often delayed. In studying CarePort data, the risk of a hospital readmission rises 3 percent each day a patient is not seen by a home health provider post-discharge. 

As a result of these staffing limitations, patients might be required to prolong their time in the hospital. The average hospital length of stay for patients has increased by 10 percent since 2019, with an 8 percent increase for home health referrals. 

“The industry must continue to solve for current challenges and usher in a new era of healthcare – one that is connected, collaborative, and focused on achieving the best possible outcomes,” says Lissy Hu, CEO and founder of CarePort, powered by WellSky. “Care coordination will play an important role by making providers aware of the availability and quality of services so patient needs can be met in a timely manner, without adding additional administrative burdens.” 



June 10, 2022


Topic Area: Maintenance and Operations


Recent Posts

How Backup Power Needs Vary Across Healthcare Settings

Manufacturers discuss how evolving codes, technologies and care settings shape healthcare backup power strategies.


Flexible Design Strategies Help OhioHealth Maximize Clinical Space

Doing more with less was key to the renovated facility’s design.


New Bass Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Diseases Opens

The new space not only offers more exam rooms but also features 15 private infusion bays to allow privacy for all patients and their caregivers during treatment.


Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Daytona Beach Opens

Hospital amenities include all private patient rooms, a spacious therapy gym featuring advanced rehabilitation technologies, an activities of daily living suite and more.


What Healthcare Facilities Can Learn from a $49 Million Window Failure

A major window system failure at the University of Iowa’s Children’s Hospital sparked a costly replacement project – and a $49.4 million arbitration win.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.