March 20, 2025  – A new survey of home-based care industry professionals has revealed that staffing shortages remain the most significant challenge for providers in 2025. According to “The Home-Based Care Outlook 2025 Survey Report,” released by Home HealthCare News, 55% of respondents identified staffing as their top concern. 

The demand for home health care services continues to outpace the supply of qualified professionals. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 21% increase in job growth for home health and personal care aides by 2033. Additionally, the National Center for Health Workforce Analysis anticipates that demand for direct care workers will rise by 42% to 48% between 2020 and 2035. These trends underscore the pressing need for effective recruitment and retention strategies within the home-based care sector.​

While staffing concerns persist and will for the near future, the survey also explored industry growth strategies. The majority of respondents at 65%, indicated that organic growth is their preferred path forward this year. Only 19% plan to pursue joint ventures or partnerships, while fewer still are considering mergers and acquisitions or opening new locations. Additionally, 52% of respondents said they intend to maintain their current service offerings rather than expanding into new care types.

Another concern facing survey respondents are changing payment dynamics. Over a third, stated that changing payment dynamics worry them, with half of respondents stating that Medicare Advantage is negatively impacting their margins. 

The survey, conducted by Home Health Care News, gathered responses from 103 professionals in the home-based care industry. Among those surveyed, 75% held executive-level positions, providing insight into decision-making priorities across the sector.