7 reasons to choose a career in home health

Today, there are more career options than ever before for health care professionals – and that number only continues to grow. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in the next 20 years employment in the health care sector is projected to grow 13%. This will result in about 2 million new jobs. And a large amount of those careers will be in home health care.

Considered one of the fastest growing industries, home health is a great option for an experienced health care professional. Here are 7 reasons you might consider choosing a career in home health.

1. Home health is a fast-growing industry that is in high demand.

The demand for home health care is increasing at an unprecedented rate due to how rapidly the U.S. population is aging. By 2030, all baby boomers will have reached 65 years. Most of them will want to continue aging in the comfort of their homes.

The home health care job market is growing too. The industry is estimated to add an average of 711,700 jobs annually from 2021 to 2031, as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. With such a fast-growing industry, this opens the door for more career opportunities as more care continues to move to the home.

2. A career in home health allows for flexible work schedules and a healthy work-life balance.

A home health clinician typically has more flexibility in their work day than a traditional inpatient position offers.

“Working in home health allows me to be flexible and not miss my children’s school activities, dinners and be there to tuck my children in at night and wake them up in the morning,” Danielle, clinical team leader at Enhabit Home Health & Hospice, said.

With the flexibility a career in home health can offer, you can be there for your loved ones, further your education or simply take some time to recharge and avoid burnout.

3. A career in home health lets you specialize your skills.

Whether you are interested in helping those living in assisted or independent living communities, educating patients about cardiopulmonary diseases or ensuring continuity of care from hospital to home, home health can give you the ability to specialize in whatever area you desire.

With a variety of services and increasing patient demand, you can focus on improving your skills for what you are most passionate about. Specialization will not only give the opportunity to further sharpen your craft, but it will also open yet another avenue for professional growth.  

4. There is a large amount of workplace independence when you work in home health.

During a typical day in home health, you are one-on-one with your patients. This gives you the autonomy to make informed decisions about patient care. You’ll have the freedom to work in whatever way is best for you and your patient. At the same time, it will also challenge you to be a critical thinker and a resourceful planner.

This independence will ultimately help you become a better clinician as you further develop your skills.  

5. But you are still a part of a collaborative home health team.

Although you may work independently while visiting with patients, you are a part of a much larger care team that works together. Whether it’s creating a personalized care plan for each patient or collaborating on a patient’s case, you have team members you can turn to for support or assistance.

With a vast team of clinical experts who are just as passionate about providing quality care as you are, it will ensure better results. And in the end, you will create a stronger support system for you and your patients.

6. Home health careers are rewarding.

When you work in home health, oftentimes you are the reason patients can safely remain in their home. With your help, patients can manage their daily tasks and have peace of mind. Plus, the clinical expertise you provide can also help a patient’s loved ones further understand how they can support the patient.

Many health care professionals typically only see patients at one stage during their health care journey and then never again. However with a career in home health, you have the opportunity to help them through multiple stages. You can assist them during tough times and celebrate their victories.  

It’s possible that you might also serve as a companion or listening ear to patients who may be lonely or loved ones who feel lost. Whichever way you help, the sense of fulfillment you’ll have knowing you are improving someone’s quality of life in the comfort of their own home is unmatched.

“I am honored to be a part of a home health care team where every person is compassionate and fully invested in providing the best patient care possible,” Gracie, a social worker at Enhabit, said. “Each member of our team treats our patients like they would their own family member or loved one.”

7. With a career in home health at Enhabit, you will work for a company that cares for their patients and their employees.

At Enhabit, we understand the value of developing meaningful relationships with not only our patients and their loved ones, but our employees too.

“One of the most important things I love about working at Enhabit is the support,” Riddhish, a physical therapist at Enhabit, said. “Anytime I need help or have a question, my team always supports me. It’s a very close-knit community.”

In addition to supporting employees personally, Enhabit offers frequent opportunities for professional development, always ensuring employees are moving their careers forward. With access to expansive clinical and leadership training, you are encouraged to take your career path anywhere you want to.