Why Social Determinants of Health Matter in Homecare 

In recent years, healthcare professionals and policymakers alike have recognized that good health is shaped by more than just prescriptions and procedures. In fact, up to 80% of health outcomes are influenced by Social Determinants of Health—the conditions in which people live, work, learn, and age. 

At Accra, we see firsthand how these social and environmental factors influence the well-being of the people we serve. 

What Are Social Determinants of Health (SDOH)? 

Social Determinants of Health are the non-medical factors that significantly impact a person's health and quality of life. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the World Health Organization categorize SDOH into five key areas: 

Economic Stability 

Income, employment, and housing costs impact a person's ability to afford necessities such as food, medication, utilities, and safe housing. Many people with disabilities and older adults live on fixed incomes and count upon healthcare through Medicaid/Medical Assistance and often rely on services that ease financial strain. 

Education Access and Quality

Education affects health literacy and decision-making. When individuals or their caregivers struggle to understand medication instructions or discharge plans, they're at greater risk for complications—especially at home, where medical professionals aren't typically available. 

Healthcare Access and Quality

Limited access to doctors, specialists, and transportation affects whether people can get timely care. Homecare providers bridge part of this gap by assisting with activities of daily living (daily self-care activities like dressing, bathing, grooming, mobility) and coordinating care with healthcare providers. 

Neighborhood and Built Environment

The safety, cleanliness, and accessibility of someone's home environment directly impact their health. Poor lighting, unsafe staircases, or lack of heating and air conditioning can all pose serious risks, especially for older adults and people with chronic conditions.  

People with disabilities may require modifications for their homes to be fully accessible. Ramps, grab bars, assistive technology, home modifications, or chair lifts may help improve the quality of a person’s home environment, allowing for more independence. 

Social and Community Context

Our level of social activity and connection with family members and friends can have profound effects on our mental and physical health. The truth is companionship, emotional support, and cultural sensitivity are often just as vital as physical care, while isolation can be detrimental to well-being. 

Studies show that physical touch has a profound effect on mental health. It can reduce anxiety and depression, improve your mood, and reduce loneliness. Touch interventions have been shown to alleviate physical pain, improve sleep, reduce blood pressure, regulate cortisol levels and so much more.   

Lack of touch can lead to negative psychological and emotional consequences, particularly feelings of loneliness and isolation. Touch is a basic human need with significant implications for health and happiness across the lifespan. 

Why SDOH Matter to Families and Caregivers

If you're caring for a loved one at home, you may already be facing challenges tied to SDOH without even realizing it: 

• Can you afford time off work to help them recover? 

• Is their home safe and accessible for their condition? 

• Are they feeling isolated or overwhelmed? 

• Do you struggle to find resources for food, transportation, or equipment? 

Recognizing these issues as part of an overall health story—not just "life challenges"—can help you find the right support and speak confidently with healthcare providers about what your loved one truly needs. 

How Accra Supports Clients Beyond Clinical Care

At Accra, caring for people at home means caring for the whole person. Here's how we address SDOH daily: 

• Home Environment Assessments: Coordinators check safety, accessibility, and overall livability. 

• Community Resource Connections: We link clients to food assistance, understand county benefits, housing aid, transportation programs, social support groups and so much more. A 1:1 consultation with our Information and Referral Specialist can help identify your needs and move you in the right direction.  

• Caregiver Support & Burnout Prevention: Through PCA Choice and 245D programs, we empower caregivers and lighten their load. For example, Respite services may help provide short-term relief so the primary caregiver can take a break and come back refreshed.  

Home support services like cleaning, laundry, meal preparation, and shopping for food and supplies can also help ease daily tasks that pile up while caring for a loved one. 

• Bilingual & Inclusive Communications: Accra offers bilingual staff and translation services, supporting equity and reducing misunderstandings.  

• Integrated Service Coordination: Our Navigators and Accra Tech Connect teams streamline access and communication across care systems. If you’re not sure where to start, give us a call or send us an email. One of our friendly staff can help guide you to the right answer. You won't need to stay on hold for an hour waiting to hear from us. We offer timely support that is geared to meet your needs. 

Building Healthier Homes and Healthier Lives

Health doesn't begin or end at the hospital—it lives at home. That's why addressing Social Determinants of Health is essential—especially for older adults, individuals with disabilities, and people managing chronic illnesses.  

At Accra, we believe quality homecare, rooted in personalization that optimizes social determinants of health, is the foundation for better health outcomes, independence, and well-being. Caregivers are advocates, companions, and a vital part of the support network that unlocks independence for older adults and people with disabilities.