Kusserow Pitches Caregiver-Centered Model as 'Next' Home Health
In remarks from HHCN's FUTURE conference, Careforth CEO and Elara Caring chairman Paul Kusserow argues the home health industry must shift from a visit-based clinical model to one blending skilled care, trained family caregivers, technology and value-based risk arrangements. Kusserow, former Amedisys CEO, says chronic disease and an aging population make recurring hospitalizations unsustainable for health plans and government payers, pushing providers to take on higher-acuity, disease-specific care in the home. He cites Careforth's approach of identifying and paying family caregivers of Medicaid waiver recipients ($50/day for 24/7 care) alongside training, technology and clinical backup as a model for sustainable caregiving. Kusserow frames data collection and community-based support as essential to scaling value-based, longer-term home care.