When was the last time your agency assessed its goals for the future? And how are you planning on getting across the finish line? Think of this exercise as a spring cleaning (business edition!). Dust off your big book of ideas and use our analysis as a jump-off point for the next leg of your strategy for growth in home health care.
AxisCare recently published a white paper titled The Future of Home Care: A 2025 Survey of the Home Care Industry & Future Trends. Based on responses from more than 250 leading home care agencies in the United States, here are some of the most significant opportunities for business growth and success right now.
Retaining Current Business and Clients Seen as the Largest Area of Opportunity
When you think of “growth” in a business context, you may picture an ever-expanding client roster or a larger service area. But think of it this way – the opposite of growth is attrition, so an alternative may be sitting right under your nose. Sixty-nine percent of survey respondents said that retaining home care clients represented the largest area of opportunity for their business in 2025, highlighting the need to focus on preservation before allocating resources elsewhere.
The risk of attrition looms large in home care, and the onus is on agencies to implement strategies that make clients feel like they’re in good hands. Ensuring caregivers are trained on the most recent technologies and best practices means clients will always receive the highest standards of care, and leveraging home care technology is the most efficient way to track health trends and create increasingly personalized care plans.
Unlocking Regional Opportunities by Expanding Into New Markets
Expanding your footprint into new geographic markets or targeting underserved populations represents a major growth opportunity for agencies. But that doesn’t mean just any expansion is a good idea; you’ll need to conduct thorough market research before making an investment this large.
In your research, look to identify areas that are home to aging populations, caregiver shortages, or offer limited options for home care services. Once you’ve identified your zones of interest, reach out to local healthcare organizations like hospitals, clinics, and senior centers to create mutually beneficial referral channels.
You should also tailor your services to meet regional needs, whether that means hiring bilingual caregivers, delivering care that respects certain cultural norms, or offering support for specific chronic conditions that are prevalent in the area. Clients who feel that you have understood and considered their unique situation are far more likely to trust you and stay with you for the long term.
Diversifying With New Revenue Streams
Even if you don’t open a new location, there are plenty of other ways to diversify your offering. Just like you would if you were expanding geographically, consider which client needs might not be met by what’s currently available in their area.
Introducing services like outpatient therapy, mental health care, or higher-acuity care like post-surgical support can position agencies as all-in-one care providers. For example, providing physical therapy at clients’ residences can help reduce hospital readmissions while eliminating the need for them to displace themselves while they’re recovering. Virtual options like mental health check-ins can also offer valuable support for clients experiencing isolation or anxiety.
Adding New Payer Sources
Payer source diversification isn’t just a solid growth strategy for agencies: it’s an important pillar of their financial health. Similar to a stock portfolio, relying on a single source of revenue leaves you vulnerable to major losses if that source becomes less reliable, for example, if tough economic times limit the number of people who can afford private pay.
If you haven’t already, expanding into government programs like Medicaid will give you access to a broader client base, especially when it comes to underserved communities. A healthy mix that also includes private payers and long-term care insurance will continue to improve your cash flow by creating a strong web of predictable revenue streams.
Enhancing Care Through Leveraging Technology
Home care technology like AI, telehealth, and remote patient monitoring is key to ramping up operational efficiency and care quality. Instead of relying on manual inputs and heavy administrative work, AI tools automate time-consuming tasks like caregiver scheduling and route optimization. At the same time, they also enhance capabilities like personalization by analyzing data, identifying trends, and applying those findings to the care plan creation process.
Telehealth platforms are the gateway to virtual check-ins, improving access to care for clients who live in rural areas or are experiencing mobility issues. Remote monitoring devices track clients’ vital signs in real time, alerting staff as soon as something is off to help prevent hospitalizations.
Technology also helps agencies think forward: data analytics tools can analyze vast quantities of data to predict upcoming client needs, like increased support after hospitalization. With this knowledge, they can proactively adjust care plans and, therefore, improve client outcomes and satisfaction over time.
Scale Through Acquiring Other Companies
Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) are a strategic way for home care agencies to grow in leaps and bounds. When one company buys another or combines to become one, they can rapidly increase their market share, broaden their service offerings, and enjoy operational efficiencies through shared infrastructure.
However, these deals aren’t an easy process: regulatory approval can be complex and time-consuming, especially when the transaction spans multiple states. Once the merger or acquisition is complete, creating harmony between company cultures, operating systems, and staff expectations is critical to success.
Grow Your Business in 2025 With AxisCare
Seizing the opportunities in front of you starts with finding the right partner. The AxisCare team has helped thousands of agencies position themselves for sustainable growth and long-term success with its tailor-made platform. Request a free demo today to learn why we’re the top-rated home care software in North America and how we can help your organization thrive.
