Bayhealth and Bayada Home Health Care have announced a joint venture to replace Bayhealth's home health care operation with a collaborative model led by Bayada.

The goal is to enhance delivery of home care for patients living in central and southern Delaware.

The venture follows a recent trend in brick-and-mortar hospitals handing off home health services to a specialized company.

“The health care environment is changing, and hospitals have a vested interest in the success of their patients post-discharge,” said J. Mark Baiada, CEO of Bayada Home Health Care. “With 42 years of expertise in home health care, we are seen by many hospitals and health systems as a valuable resource to help keep their patients safe at home."

Employees in Bayhealth's current home health service will have the opportunity to stay on with Bayada. The venture begins June 2017.