Our study provides evidence that notable differences existed in quality performance and patient outcomes between chain and nonchain agencies, in the aggregate. In future research, it will be crucial to investigate the root causes leading to this difference. The causes could be underlying quality differences or systematic reporting practice differences between chain and nonchain agencies. Moreover, as the behaviors of newly acquired health care providers could be largely impacted by the new parent companies, quality reporting and monitoring at chain‐level could provide information on quality performance at an organizational level, beyond just an agency basis. 14, 16 Additionally, chain‐level quality performance could be considered when approving business activities such as mergers and acquisitions. Home health market evolution over the period of 2005‐2018. Panel A. Number of home health agencies, by ownership type and chain status, 2005‐2018. Panel B. Number of home health agencies medicare enrollees, by ownership type and chain status, 2005‐2018. Source: Medicare Cost reports, 2005‐2018 [Color figure can be viewed at wileyonlinelibrary.com]

I produced a report in 2008 for the World Economic Forum on management practices in private equity for which I received an honorarium. Minowa, Y., & Ohara, K. (1999). Jichitai no koureisya muke jyutaku kaizen hojoseido no jittai (Japanese: Recent conditions of municipal home modificaiton programs). Rounen syakai gaku, 21, 171.Stucco began to be used across the entire façade and porticos or columns appeared around entrances. Multifunctionality is important when competing for countertop space in the kitchen and share of wallet, given the rising incidence of apartment-living and a growing number of single-person households in Asia. Consumers are gravitating towards multifunctional appliances that are cost-effective to help them recreate different meals at home. This is leading to the rise of category-blurring appliances such as microwaves that combine light frying features. Nomura, M. (2001). Barrier free seikatsu kankyo (Japanese: Barrier free living environments). In T. Kyougoku (Ed.), Koureisyakai no fukushi service (Japanese: Welfare service in aged societies), 125–148. Tokyo: Tokyo University Press. Toshima City Office. (2000). Toshima-ku no syakai fukushi (Japanese: The Annual report of social welfare in Toshima City). Tokyo: Toshima City Office,. The largest for‐profit chains have grown to play a prominent role in the home health sector. The total number of Medicare enrollees in the top 5 for‐profit chains increased from around 262000 to 675000, while Medicare enrollees in the top 5 nonprofit chains only grew from around 47000 to 64000. Similarly, for‐profit home health agency chains have grown to serve enrollees across a larger number of states, with for‐profit home health chains now serving enrollees in 5.4 states, on average, compared to only 2.0 states for nonprofit chains in 2018.

Monitoring and reporting quality of care is critical to ensure transparency and accountability within the home health market. A series of quality measures have been reported on Home Health Compare since 2003 to facilitate informed decision making for providers to refer patients and for enrollees to choose an HHA for themselves. In the home health industry, it is common for individual agencies to have a different name from their parent chain; therefore, chain‐level quality information could provide enrollees with more clarity about the culture and organizational structure of an HHA. Yutakana jyu kannkyo wo kanngaeru-kai. (1994). Zukai Nihon no jyutaku ga wakaru hon (Japanese: Understand Japanese houses with illustrations). Tokyo: PHP Kenkyu jo. Architects argued between the merits of the Classical style and the Gothic, believed to be a truer English style. Earlier, the Classical style dominated and was defined by the full stucco façade with pillars. Emma Sims-Hilditch is best known for creating relaxed, elegant interiors that are ideal for the values and lifestyles of a new generation. The environments she makes offer an insight into the considered house of the future—simple, beautiful, and practical, advancing a new style of living that is transforming not only the lives of homeowners but also communities. Sims-Hilditch gives advice on the best ways to decorate and organize a home. She embraces traditional materials translated for contemporary interior stone walls, comforting color palettes, stylish and sturdy fabrics, and antiques mixed with contemporary designs. As our homes are transformed into digital hubs in light of the pandemic, The Future of the Home trend report produced by Aritco and Springwise, the world’s leading idea-spotting network, explores how the latest innovations will support this evolution.The Evolution of Home: English Interiors for a New Era Author Emma Sims-Hilditch, with Giles Kime, Photographs by Simon Brown, Foreword by Kit Kemp Our study found that for‐profit nonchain HHAs performed relatively worse on self‐reported process and outcome measures but better on claims‐based outcome measures. One explanation for this difference is that multi‐agency chains can develop standardized care practices and more easily share resources. Standardization of protocols and practices makes it easier for specific tasks to be completed. For example, a study by Kamimura et al found that corporate standardization was associated with fewer deficiencies in chain‐owned nursing homes. 21 Yokoyama, H. (1997). Kazoku to Koureisya (Japanese: families and the elderly). In I. Minoru (Ed.), Gendai kazoku no syakaigaku (Japanese: Modern Family Sociology). 195–215. Tokyo: Yubikaku.