Caregivers: Meet the surge

Q. What are the top needs of caregivers in the growing HME market? 

A. As the demand for home health care grows, caregivers—many of whom are young adults—are increasingly relying on home medical equipment to assist their aging loved ones. This trend has fueled a surge in the market, valued at $66.81 billion in 2024 and projected to grow at a robust 5.61% annually through 2030. But what products are driving this growth, and why? 

Here are the top five must-have items for caregivers, along with their market impact: 

Mobility aids 

Walkers, canes and wheelchairs empower individuals to move safely and maintain independence. The U.S. mobility aids market alone is expected to reach $4.51 billion by 2028, reflecting a strong demand for these tools. 

Bathroom safety equipment 

Falls are a leading concern, and products like grab bars and shower chairs address this risk. The bathroom safety market is steadily growing at more than 4% annually, highlighting its critical role in caregiving. 

Patient lifts 

Essential for safe transfers, these devices ease physical strain for caregivers. The broader patient handling equipment market, including lifts, topped $24 billion globally in 2019. 

Hospital beds 

Adjustable beds enhance comfort and caregiving efficiency. As part of the rehabilitation equipment market, hospital beds contribute to its projected $16.96 billion value in 2024. 

Personal care aids 

Tools like dressing sticks and adaptive utensils simplify daily tasks, contributing to a $10.58 billion global personal mobility devices market. 

These products not only support caregivers but also enhance quality of life for care recipients. As the caregiver demographic continues to grow, manufacturers have an opportunity to innovate, ensuring their offerings are both practical and accessible. The message is clear: Supporting caregivers is good for everyone—and good for business. 

David Carson is the CEO and co-founder of CareGlider. Reach him at david@careglider.net.