Home Health and Telehealth: A Pandemic Pivot

The pandemic changed how home health agencies (HHAs) operated. Before COVID-19, telehealth was not widely used. It was more of an option than a necessity. The pandemic forced a shift. HHAs had to adapt quickly. They had to find ways to keep patients safe and cared for without putting them at risk. The pandemic sped up the use of telehealth. It became a lifeline for many. Patients could get care from home. This was crucial when hospitals were overwhelmed. Telehealth allowed HHAs to keep providing services. It was a matter of survival. They had to keep going, even when face-to-face visits were risky. After the pandemic, telehealth did not disappear. It became a permanent part of home health care. HHAs saw the benefits. It was convenient for patients. It also helped HHAs manage their workload. Telehealth was here to stay. It was no longer just a backup plan. It was a key part of home health care. The pandemic showed how flexible HHAs could be. They had to think on their feet. They had to find new ways to do their jobs. Telehealth was one of those ways. It was a tool that helped them through a tough time. It also showed them a new way to do things. A way that could work even after the pandemic. There were challenges, of course. Not all patients were comfortable with telehealth. Some did not have the right tools. Others struggled with technology. HHAs had to find ways to help. They had to make sure no one was left behind. It was not easy, but it was important. The pandemic showed that telehealth could work. It also showed that there was still work to do. Making telehealth work for everyone was a big task. But it was a task worth taking on. It showed that telehealth could be a game-changer. It could help HHAs reach more patients. It could make care more accessible. It could change the way home health care worked.