Mobility, Fun-Sized

Dear HomeCare Readers,

We just came back from Medtrade, and it was one of the biggest shows in years. In fact, organizers are reporting an increase in attendance of over 25% compared to 2023, with more than 2,300 qualified attendees. Those visitors came from every state but Rhode Island (c'mon, Rhodies!) and 35 countries.

At the same time, the National Home Infusion Association held its annual conference (NHIA 2024), bringing together more than 1,600 home and alternate site infusion professionals. Again, organizers reported attendance growth—as well as a 5%-8% increase in home infusion service claims in 2023.

The numbers are great to hear, but what was more fun was the feel of excitement on the show floor in Dallas due to higher traffic and a huge number of new products on display. The sense was that, despite some significant challenges looming in our industry, the opportunities for growth are still strong. Quite simply, the demographics aren't going to change, and as we read over and over again in these pages and others, Americans increasingly want to at least try to age at home and independently.

But to be able to provide the goods and services to make that happen, we'll need to be able to adapt. That might mean leaning more heavily on technological solutions or even some possible uses for artificial intelligence, which came up repeatedly at the show. It might mean shifting to more retail-oriented product lines or services rather than solely offering federally reimbursed ones­—or expanding into new areas to ensure you're filling your clientele's needs.

In this issue, you'll find stories and columns that take new approaches to many aspects of your business, from transitioning your fleet to electric vehicles to using new tools to keep care workers safe to understanding how new weight management medications might affect diabetes care.

And when it comes to trying something new, I'm hoping that we're modeling a bit of that with this second issue of our new digital publication. Those of you accustomed to receiving a monthly print magazine in the mail should be aware that you'll now get that version five to six times a year, and this digital issue will landing in your inbox the first Friday of every month! Any feedback on the new format is welcome at hwolfson@cahabamedia.com.

As always, thanks for reading!