Why is Home Health Care an issue in rural areas?
Hospitals stays are decreasing, thus increasing the number of patients who need skilled services in their home. Unfortunately, rural caregivers are often at a disadvantage due to being isolated from social support, resources, financial assistance, training, respite options, community programs, and information on caregiving. In many rural areas, low population is combined with a lack of health services, poverty, underserved areas and geographic isolation. The need for home health care in Rural America continues to grow, but lack of financial support has hampered the ability of many rural counties to meet the needs of their residents. Home Health Care can provide some health services to those in need. Despite this, home health services face their own issues in rural areas. Keeping fully staffed in rural areas, with qualified nurses and therapists, can be a problem. Keeping the critical mass of patients to support having a home health agency, particularly a visiting nurse association, can
