Home Health Continues to Generate Jobs for America

WASHINGTON, DC — The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) recently released its May jobs report indicating that the economy added 69,000 jobs in the month of May. BLS also reported that the nation’s unemployment rate has risen to 8.2 percent, up from 8.1 percent.

Importantly, the BLS report also showed an uptick in healthcare jobs, particularly in the area of home health services. According to the report, home healthcare generated 6,900 of the total 69,000 non-farm jobs added between April 2012 and May 2012. The home healthcare number — which is equal to 10 percent of all jobs created in May — also represents the largest non-physician office job growth in BLS’ analysis of the healthcare sector.

As was seen in April, with a report issued by the Department of Labor (DOL), the home health community has consistently served as an engine for job growth. In light of the nation’s economic challenges, the ability of the home health sector to create employment opportunities is of significance. Just as important, these positions are meeting the need of America’s aging population, which is increasingly demanding home-based medical services due to their clinical effectiveness, low cost, and personal preference.

“Although the overall job report for May was ultimately disappointing, it is reassuring to know that the home health community continues to be a driver for employment,” stated Eric Berger on behalf of the Partnership for Quality Home Healthcare. “Home healthcare has long been appreciated as clinically advanced, cost effective, and patient preferred, and it is now being recognized as a meaningful source of jobs.”

“Research shows the nearly 90 percent of Americans prefer to age in place — home healthcare enables them to do so while providing quality jobs for younger generations,” Mr. Berger concluded.