HHCN: Making Short-Hour Care Work—for Clients, Caregivers, and Partners

For years, home care agencies have wrestled with a common challenge: how to provide high-quality care for clients who need just a little support—without the traditional four-hour visit minimum. Many families and referral partners have asked for a more flexible option, but the logistics have always been tricky.

That’s why we’ve been rethinking the model. Our short-hour care program is designed to meet the needs of both clients and Caregivers. As Tribute’s CEO, John Sneath, explained in a recent article in Home Health Care News, the key to making short-hour care work isn’t just about offering shorter visits—it’s about finding the right Caregivers and being intentional about how we serve our communities.

Finding the Right Caregivers

One of the biggest hurdles in offering short-hour care has been staffing. Most Caregivers want steady, reliable work, and piecing together short visits throughout the day doesn’t always fit their needs. So, we took a different approach.

“We’re hiring Caregivers who want to work just a few short hours,” Sneath said. “Some may have another job and want to work a few hours a week on top of their existing commitments.” By seeking out Caregivers who are specifically looking for shorter shifts, we’ve been able to build a strong team that’s motivated, reliable, and available when clients need them most.

Meeting Clients’ Needs—When They Need It

Morning care is one of the biggest needs for many seniors—helping with getting out of bed, preparing breakfast, and starting the day safely. That’s why Tribute’s short-hour program focuses heavily on morning visits.

Instead of forcing families into long shifts they don’t need, this approach gives them the flexibility to get just the right amount of support—while ensuring Caregivers are available for the times that matter most.

Strengthening Relationships with Referral Partners

One of the biggest benefits of our short-hour program is that it’s helping us strengthen our partnerships with residence communities and care managers, who struggle to find solutions for clients who need minimal but crucial support.

As Sneath explained, “We have addressed a significant pain point for them, and by establishing our presence in their communities, we hope they will be more likely to refer long-hour clients to us, understanding that Tribute Caregivers are active in those communities and fostering trust in our abilities.”

In other words, while short-hour care may not drive huge profits on its own, it plays a key strategic role in building stronger relationships and expanding our presence in the communities we serve.

Read the full article on HHCN. (subscription required)