Hospice and home health care provider Amedisys, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMED), has forged a partnership with BrightStar Care, which will begin offering personal care services through Amedisys Personal Care Network.

Amedisys’ network helps to coordinate care between the company’s home health and hospice operations as well as partner organizations that provide personal care, such as BrightStar.

BrightStar Care currently operates 340 locations in 38 states. It’s footprint frequently overlaps with Amedisys hospice and home health centers. BrightStar’s service area enables it to reach reach approximately 75% of the U.S. population.

“If COVID-19 has taught us anything, it’s that America’s seniors need quality care in the home more than ever before to stay safe and feel supported,” Amedisys CEO Paul Kusserow said. “I’m delighted to welcome the incredible BrightStar Care caregivers as care coordination partners in expanding access to a much-needed continuum of care that improves patient outcomes and lowers costs.”

Coordinating care among the company’s service lines can help prevent hospital admissions, particularly for patients suffering from chronic or life-limited illness with multiple comorbidities, according to Amedisys. Patients are more likely to seek institutional care if they are unable to perform every day tasks and activities.

The Amedisys Personal Care Network launched in July 2019 when the company entered into an agreement with ClearCare Inc. to partner with its personal care agencies. The BrightStar Care partnership boosts the network’s scale, which currently includes 1,211 partner organizations in 39 states.

The BrightStar partnership will begin with pilot programs in Pennsylvania and Texas with plans for gradual expansion throughout the Amedisys footprint.

“We’re excited to partner with Amedisys to bring to life our shared vision of re-imagining health care. Together, we strive to help Americans age in place safely, while improving the care experience and patient outcomes through the entirety of their home care journey,” stated BrightStar Care CEO and Founder Shelly Sun. “We’re both passionate about delivering the highest standard of care, and BrightStar Care is uniquely positioned to provide Amedisys a personal care network that meets these high standards.”