Transforming Healthcare: Hackensack Meridian Health Expands ‘Hospital From Home’ Program in South Jersey

Hackensack Meridian Health, New Jersey’s largest health network, is making it easier for patients to receive care from home. Their Hospital From Home program now extends to Ocean University Medical Center in Brick and Southern Ocean Medical Center in Stafford Township.

This expansion builds on existing services at Hackensack University Medical Center, JFK University Medical Center, and Jersey Shore University Medical Center. As America’s population ages and more people face chronic illnesses, the need for flexible, home-based care is rising. These changes aim to enhance the patient experience while tackling hospital overcrowding—a growing issue as Baby Boomers age.

Patients interested in this program must meet specific requirements. For instance, they need to live within 30 minutes of the hospital for emergencies. They also need basic utilities like water, heat, and electricity at home.

Hospital From Home is gaining popularity. It’s a hybrid model that blends virtual check-ins with in-person visits. Patients receive continuous monitoring through a virtual command center, available around the clock. In-person nurses visit to provide necessary treatments like IV antibiotics, medication management, and various therapies. Nutritional advice and meal services are also part of the program.

Research supports the effectiveness of home hospitalization. Studies show that this approach not only improves patient outcomes but also boosts satisfaction for patients and healthcare workers, saves costs, and reduces hospital readmissions.

The Hospital From Home initiative began with a pilot program in 2022 at JFK University Medical Center and officially launched in late April 2024. It has already served over 1,000 patients and plans to expand to all hospitals in the network. This growth is powered by a partnership with Medically Home, a company that provides the technology and logistics needed to implement this care model.

Pippa Shulman, chief medical officer at DispatchHealth, highlights the advantages of this model: “Hospital care in the home creates an important new access point for patients while offering unique benefits for both patients and providers. Having visibility into care delivery in the home environment enhances clinical insight, supports stronger care coordination, and leads to better outcomes.”

This shift to home-based care not only provides comfort but also aligns with a broader trend in healthcare, where convenience and accessibility are becoming increasingly vital in patient care. As technology continues to evolve, we can expect further innovations that enhance the way we experience healthcare.

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