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Three dedicated home-based care professionals share their journeys into caregiving and the profound moments that shape their work every day. Their personal stories reveal how compassion, creativity, and human connection transform lives on both sides of the caregiving relationship.

• Finding purpose through personal experience – caregivers inspired by caring for their own family members
• Supporting clients and families during end-of-life care with dignity and compassion
• Creative problem-solving to meet emotional needs, not just physical ones
• The critical importance of family connection in client wellbeing
• Finding humor and joy in caregiving relationships
• Strategies for avoiding burnout, including peer support and maintaining a positive mindset
• Walking in with a smile regardless of personal challenges
• The profound impact of simply being present during difficult moments

Episode resources:

• Podcast: How good leadership improves employee retention and client outcomes with Peter Svenneby
• Blog: Reimagining care: Why digital transformation starts with people
• Blog: Embracing AI technology to recruit and retain caregivers
• Blog: Tackling the caregiver shortage – 5 effective strategies for retention
• Blog: 4 ways to retain caregivers in home-based care
• Blog: 4 tips to improve caregiver experience through scheduling and route optimization
• Blog: The future of home-based care – Predictions for 2025 and beyond
• Webinar: Critical Strategies for Caregiver Retention – The First 90 Days
• Video: How Elara Caring prioritizes caregiver experience with AlayaCare
• Video: Employee experience as the cornerstone of competitive advantage

If you liked this episode and want to learn more about all things home-based care, you can explore all our episodes at alayacare.com/homehealth360.

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In this episode, Stephen Tweed, Chairman and CEO at Leading Home Care, shares essential insights from the highest-performing home care companies, revealing seven critical lessons that drive success in today's competitive market. His extensive research and mastermind groups with top companies uncover the strategies that separate industry leaders from the rest.

Those strategies include:

• Crafting a strong culture based on leadership style, core values, and consistent behaviors
• Being purpose-driven and sharing authentic stories that create emotional connections
• Building amazing teams through sophisticated recruitment and development processes
• Thinking systematically with repeatable processes that enable scalability

Episode resources:

• EBook: Six Secrets of Selling Home Care to Your Ideal Client (50% off with promo code: ALAYACARE25)
• Visit leadinghomecare.com to subscribe to Stephen Tweed's "Thursday Thoughts" newsletter
• Case Study: Future of Home Care 2025 
• Podcast: The top 3 causes of 90 day caregiver turnover
• Podcast: Unpacking the impact of positive work culture in healthcare
• Blog: 6 ways to create a culture of belonging to improve employee retention in home-based care

If you liked this episode and want to learn more about all things home-based care, you can explore all our episodes at alayacare.com/homehealth360.

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In this episode, Rachel Gartner, founder and CEO of Carework, shares how home-based care agencies can transform recruitment and hiring from a major challenge into a strategic advantage. Rachel, a former home care recruiter, explains what it means to adopt a “caregiver-first mindset” and how this approach drives improved recruitment results, positive employee experience, better client care, and ultimately overall agency success by focusing on caregivers’ needs during the hiring process.

Rachel discusses several important issues affecting the recruiting and hiring processes that can be improved by seeing situations from a caregiver’s perspective. In addition, Rachel shares many practical strategies for improving your agency’s recruitment process, such as creative ways to engage potential hires, tips for leveraging referral programs, integrating technology without losing the personal touch, utilizing metrics to track recruitment success and improve processes, and more. Check out this episode to drive greater success in your recruitment process by prioritizing caregiver needs so you can attract the right applicants and meet the growing demand for care workers.

Episode resources:

• Carework – Home care’s hiring experts
• HireEd – Caregiver hiring accelerator course
• Podcast: How good leadership improves employee retention and client outcomes with Peter Svenneby
• Blog: Embracing AI technology to recruit and retain caregivers
• Blog: Tackling the caregiver shortage – 5 effective strategies for retention
• Blog: 4 ways to retain caregivers in home-based care
• Blog: 4 tips to improve caregiver experience through scheduling and route optimization
• Blog: The future of home-based care – Predictions for 2025 and beyond
• Webinar: Critical Strategies for Caregiver Retention – The First 90 Days
• Video: How Elara Caring prioritizes caregiver experience with AlayaCare
• Video: Employee experience as the cornerstone of competitive advantage

If you liked this episode and want to learn more about all things home-based care, you can explore all our episodes at alayacare.com/homehealth360.

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In this episode, Adrian Schauer, CEO and co-founder of AlayaCare, shares his top predictions for 2025 and discusses the major trends and developments that will shape the future of home-based care. Chief among these predictions is the rise of agentic AI and how this transformative technology will empower caregivers to deliver smarter, more proactive care. Adrian explains how AI agents will go beyond simple automation to serve as decision-making partners providing real-time insights, personalized care plans, and streamlined workflows that alleviate administrative burdens and improve patient outcomes.

Additionally, Adrian discusses other key predictions, including how small, continuous improvements across workflows will act as a flywheel that generates exponential impacts for both operational efficiency and care quality. Adrian also emphasizes the importance of employee experience as a cornerstone for agency success and how prioritizing caregiver well-being and overall satisfaction will be a distinct competitive advantage in a challenging labor market.

Related resources:

• Blog: The future of home-based care: Adrian’s predictions for 2025 and beyond
• Webinar: 4 revolutionary use cases for AI in home-based care
• Meet Layla, AlayaCare's new AI assistant built from home-based care
• Webinar: Live Platform Tour – See Layla in action
• Podcast: Using AI to automate key processes in home-based care with Jeff Salter
• How AlayaCare is Revolutionizing Home Care with AI-Based Solutions to Address Industry’s Most Challenging Problems

If you liked this episode and want to learn more about all things home-based care, you can explore all our episodes at alayacare.com/homehealth360.

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In this episode, Barbara Andazola, VP of Clinical Practice, Strategy, and Programs at Amedisys, discusses the groundbreaking role of molecular testing in home health care. As an RN with over 27 years of nursing experience, Barbara shares how Amedisys is leveraging PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) testing to diagnose infections like UTIs, respiratory conditions, and even COVID-19 faster and more accurately at home. By identifying pathogens within hours, this technology not only improves patient outcomes but also helps prevent hospitalizations and antibiotic resistance. Barbara explores the challenges and rewards of integrating this advanced technology into home care, its impact on reducing healthcare costs, and the future possibilities for further innovation in diagnostics. Listen to this episode to learn how molecular testing is not only improving care but also driving efficiency, reducing healthcare costs, and shaping the future of home-based care—proving that innovation in home health care can lead to faster, smarter, and more precise treatment at home.

Related resources:

• Prevent hospitalizations and adverse events with AlayaCare's Client Intelligence Suite
• AlayaCare Cloud platform for Home Health providers

If you liked this episode and want to learn more about all things home-based care, you can explore all our episodes at alayacare.com/homehealth360.

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In this episode, Avanlee Christine, founder of Avanlee Care, shares the inspiring story behind her mission to support unpaid and informal family caregivers. Motivated by personal experience caring for her grandfather, Avanlee developed a groundbreaking app that empowers family members providing care to loved ones with the tools they need to ensure quality care delivery at home while also providing resources to support the wellbeing of the caregivers themselves.

Avanlee highlights the critical role of technology in supporting the often-overlooked unpaid caregivers, who are essential to caring for seniors at home, and discusses how innovations like medication management and health monitoring are reshaping senior care. She also reveals how partnerships with tech leaders like Fitbit and her collaboration with Mark Cuban are driving down costs, enhancing care, and connecting family caregivers to broader healthcare systems, plus she discusses her pilot program with Walmart that is helping family caregivers navigate daily tasks, like ordering groceries, with ease.

If you liked this episode and want to learn more about all things home-based care, you can explore all our episodes at alayacare.com/homehealth360.

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With 10,000 people turning 65 every day, it’s estimated that the home-based care industry will need a staggering 2.5 million additional care workers over the next five years. In this episode, Todd Houghton, Brand President of Homewatch CareGivers, shares his passion for franchising and discussed how his company is enabling franchisees to meet the ever-increasing demand for home-based care services by embracing the benefits of the franchise model and deploying innovative technology. Todd shares how the franchise model provides a strong position for franchisees to grow their businesses and accelerate their entrepreneurial journey and how his company has helped franchisees recruit and retain quality employees, including programs to provide training and education to develop non-traditional caregivers.

Todd also shares details about a new, technology-driven virtual care service line launched by his company that’s proven highly impactful for enriching client experience by reducing hospital visits, combating loneliness and isolation, enhancing connectivity, and delivering higher quality care all while enhancing caregiver efficiency. Check out this episode to see how franchising and technology can converge in the future to meet the continuous demand for quality home-based care.

Episode resources:

• Blog: How home care franchises can bolster franchisee relationships
• AlayaCare for franchises
• AlayaCare for franchisee management
• Homewatch Connect – Virtual home care technology

If you liked this episode and want to learn more about all things home-based care, you can explore all our episodes at alayacare.com/homehealth360.

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In this episode, healthcare finance expert Mark Patterson shares key insights into the ever-evolving world of mergers and acquisitions in home-based care. Drawing upon his time as CFO for home healthcare companies and more than 30 years of experience, Mark discusses top trends that are reshaping the market, including the growing demand for integrated care models that combine skilled and unskilled services and surging investor interest driving fierce competition among buyers. With interest rates stabilizing and regulatory changes on the horizon, agencies must focus on prioritizing and demonstrating streamlined processes, scalability, and high quality of care to attract potential buyers. Mark emphasizes how leveraging advanced technology and developing strong operational metrics will not only lead agencies to thrive but will also become key capabilities to attract potential buyers in the future.

Related resources:

• Podcast: Mastering the art of home-based care mergers, acquisitions, and integration with Jen Lentz
• Podcast: The business of mergers and acquisitions in home care with Robinson + Cole
• Blog: 4 growth strategies for home care agencies from industry experts
• Blog: Key performance indicators – The power of data in home care
• Blog: 4 ways to improve home care inefficiencies with technology
• AlayaLabs: Transforming healthcare with AI-powered predictive tools

If you liked this episode and want to learn more about all things home-based care, you can explore all our episodes at alayacare.com/homehealth360.

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In this episode, Jeff Salter, the innovative founder and CEO of Caring Senior Service, returns to the podcast to discuss the future of AI in home care and how automating tedious tasks can free up staff for more impactful activities and critical decision-making. From enhancing admissions processes and optimizing caregiver scheduling to utilizing predictive analytics for personalized care planning, Jeff shares how implementing AI-powered tools can dramatically improve agency operations, increase efficiency, reduce costs, and help deliver better client outcomes and business growth. Jeff shares his experience navigating the integration of AI solutions and recommendations for adopting these new tools, plus practical advice on experimenting with AI technologies to grow your business and stay competitive.

Episode resources

• Podcast with Jeff Salter: Closing the Gap in Senior Care with a bike ride 
• Webinar: 4 revolutionary use cases for AI in home-based care
• Podcast: Tackling home care staffing challenges with AI technology
• Blog: How AI and optimization tools are impacting home care delivery
• Blog: Embracing AI technology to recruit and retain caregivers
• Blog: Home Care Software with AI Scheduling – 5 Key Features
• How AlayaCare is revolutionizing home care with AI-based solutions to address top industry challenges
• AlayaLabs: Transforming healthcare with AI-powered predictive tools

If you liked this episode and want to learn more about all things home-based care, you can explore all our episodes at alayacare.com/homehealth360.

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From sophisticated plots by cybercriminals to unintentional data breaches from internal staff, healthcare organizations are facing more, and more severe, threats to protecting their sensitive data. In this episode, Richard Guttman, AlayaCare's Chief Legal Officer, shares insights into the current state of data security and privacy in the home care industry, including common threats, actionable prevention strategies, how to stay compliant with regulations, and helpful resources to elevate your cybersecurity preparedness and ensure the safety of your data. Richard digs deep into how organizations can fortify their defenses by mapping data flows, implementing the minimum necessary use principle, setting precise roles and permissions, using audit logs to meet regulatory standards like HIPAA and GDPR, and more.


Episode Resources

• Webinar: Ensuring data security and privacy in home-based care
• Blog: 5 proactive steps to improve the security of your home-based care data
• Guide: Evaluate the security and performance of your home-based care software
• How AlayaCare delivers best-in-class security and performance standards
• Security Center: Security & Privacy at AlayaCare

If you liked this episode and want to learn more about all things home-based care, you can explore all our episodes at alayacare.com/homehealth360.

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What is the impact of the CMS 80-20 rule and recent Medicaid rate adjustments on the home health industry? Unlock the secrets to modernizing home health operations with Jesse Howard, Vice President of Operations for Girling Personal Care.  Jesse dives deep into the financial strains and staffing challenges home health providers face, particularly in Texas, where low Medicaid reimbursement rates and competitive wages make it hard to sustain quality care. Listen in as this episode presents a comprehensive understanding of how these financial pressures affect operations and what home health agencies can do to stay competitive.

If you liked this episode and want to learn more about all things home-based care, you can explore all our episodes at alayacare.com/homehealth360.

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Whether you are an agency owner looking to enhance your financial operations or an administrator curious about how your team can better manage the fiscal realities of the home care sector, this episode is a masterclass in navigating the shifting landscapes of health care finance. Learn about navigating the complexities of Medicaid disenrollments and electronic visit verification (EVV) as Alik Kassner, co-managing partner of Alpine Homecare, provides insight into improving revenue cycle management (RCM) practices. With Alik's impressive banking and health care background, he discusses formidable obstacles, the essential role of forecasting, and how state assistance and advanced technology merge to create a robust RCM system. 

If you liked this episode and want to learn more about all things home-based care, you can explore all our episodes at alayacare.com/homehealth360.

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Home Health Consultant and CEO of Corcoran Consulting Group, Guy Tommasi, joins this episode with our host, Jeff Howell, to discuss hospital-at-home care models' growing potential. They explore sustainable, patient-centered approaches to transforming recovery, demonstrating that innovative care models surpass conventional hospital treatment by enhancing patient satisfaction and lowering expenses. Tommasi foresees a smoother fusion of traditional health care, opening new avenues for payers, providers, and patients. Listen as we reflect on our progress and anticipate the growing significance of home care in the health care sector.

Episode Resources:

• Connect with  Guy Tommasi 
• Visit Corcoran Consulting Group’s website

If you liked this episode and want to learn more about all things home-based care, you can explore all our episodes at alayacare.com/homehealth360.

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Join Executive Health Care Coach Peter Svenneby and host Erin Vallier as they explore the complex balance between managing and leading in health care. This episode offers valuable insights on creating a culture of well-being for employees and patients. They discuss the traits that make up exceptional leaders in the health care industry and provide strategies for cultivating empathy, improving communication, and maintaining work-life balance. Leaders in health care, and by extension, home-based care, will walk away with a renewed sense of purpose and a better understanding of how their actions can shape the cultural landscape of patient care.

Episode Resources:

• Visit Syntuity’s Website
• Connect with Peter Svenneby
• Listen to Ep. 47 with Dr. Louise Short and Lori Cabbage about positive work culture
• Listen to Ep. 29 with Mike McSherry about retaining and attracting great talent

If you liked this episode and want to learn more about all things home-based care, you can explore all our episodes at alayacare.com/homehealth360.

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Drawing from the tapestry of Medicaid policies across the states, this episode explores effective advocacy and the significance of understanding the intricacies that shape care services. Jeff Humber, VP of Payor Relations at Accent Care, shares his experience providing quality care under Medicaid's fixed-cost system. With host Erin Vallier, they discuss strategies for maintaining exceptional care, building relationships with managed care payers, and additional insights on everything from advocacy to caregiver recruitment and retention.

Episode Resources:

• AccentCare’s Website
• Connect with Jeff Humber on LinkedIn

If you liked this episode and want to learn more about all things home-based care, you can explore all our episodes at alayacare.com/homehealth360.

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Envision a world where technology solutions address current pain points and preempt future challenges, empowering home care agencies to navigate the digital landscape confidently. In this episode, Ryan Crawford and Alex Skinner, the Value Creation consulting team from AlayaCare, illuminate the path for home care agencies to survive and thrive in this digital revolution. Tune in as they unveil the future of data utilization and proactive management of technology change, weighing the actual 'cost of waiting' against the benefits of early adoption. With actionable strategies at your disposal and a fresh perspective on technological change, this episode is more than a conversation—it's a roadmap to maximizing ROI and catalyzing growth in your organization.  

If you liked this episode and want to learn more about all things home-based care, you can explore all our episodes at alayacare.com/homehealth360.

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Imagine a home health care system that is not only accessible to more individuals but also delivers tangible outcomes - That's Aman Shah's (VP of New Ventures & Strategic Partnerships at VNS Health) vision. Through compelling frontline narratives and strategic partnerships, Aman emphasizes the significance of hands-on experience and direct communication in shaping a responsive healthcare landscape. Join Aman and co-host Jeff Howell as they delve into the current state of home health care, dissect its intricacies, and chart a course for a future that holds promise for a healthier society.

If you liked this episode and want to learn more about all things home-based care, you can explore all our episodes at alayacare.com/homehealth360.

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Embark on a visionary journey with us as Adrian Schauer, the CEO of AlayaCare, introduces his 2024 top predictions for the future of home-based care in North America, focusing on specific trends emerging in home health, home care, and home infusion in the US and Canada.  Listen as we unpack the promise of AI and machine learning,  the 'uberization' effect that has paved the path for integrated care models, the revolutionary impact of open APIs and standardized data, and how the North American home infusion industry has adapted to regulatory tides. As these trends continue to gain momentum, they will redefine the dynamics of home-based care, creating a more efficient, personalized, and holistic healthcare system for all.

Read along as Adrian dives into the specific trends emerging in home health, home care, and home infusion in the US and Canada: https://alayacare.com/blog/predictions-for-home-based-care-in-2024-in-north-america/

If you liked this episode and want to learn more about all things home-based care, you can explore all our episodes at alayacare.com/homehealth360.

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Embarking on a major software implementation for your home-based care organization can feel like a daunting, harrowing journey destined to be painful. In this episode, Chase Potter, VP of professional services at AlayaCare, debunks these myths and shares how integrating new technologies into your business can be done successfully with a high degree of precision and a focus on holistic transformation. Chase shares invaluable insights on the importance of a strategic approach, executive support, and recognizing that this isn't just a tech initiative—it's a pivotal shift for the entire organization. Listen as he guides us through the steps vital for a frictionless transition for large home care agencies and reveals the necessity of patience to meet business objectives and enhance operational efficiency.

If you liked this episode and want to learn more about all things home-based care, you can explore all our episodes at alayacare.com/homehealth360.

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Join seasoned nurse and care management expert Angela Daniel as she navigates the complex world of home health care. This insightful conversation explores the profound impact of care management on home health, the various types of care managers, and their unique roles in delivering personalized care. Angela discusses the benefits and challenges of incorporating a nurse care manager role, highlighting improved patient satisfaction and outcomes. She also guides listeners through the process of initiating a care management program, emphasizing the importance of fostering relationships with care managers. This episode is a valuable resource for those looking to integrate care management into their services. 

Episode Resources:

• Aging Life Care Association
• Connect with Angela Daniel on LinkedIn
• angela@ajdadvisorygroup.com
• aj24@yahoo.com

If you liked this episode and want to learn more about all things home-based care, you can explore all our episodes at alayacare.com/homehealth360.

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Discover the transformative potential of video content for your home-based care agencies with Nick Bonitatibus, founder of Digital Champions. This episode dives into his innovative approach to creating an impactful video series for agencies, explores recruitment and retention tactics using video technology, and highlights the power of repurposing content with AI tools. Packed with actionable insights and strategies, it's a must-listen for those ready to elevate their home-based care sales and create a personalized experience for clients and caregivers alike.

Episode Resources:

• Free Mini Course for Home Care Owners
• thedigitalchamps.com

If you liked this episode and want to learn more about all things home-based care, you can explore all our episodes at alayacare.com/homehealth360.

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How does Canada's home-based care stack up against the rest of the world? Join us as we put this under the microscope with Aleem Bhanji, AlayaCare’s market leader for Canada, and Adrian Schauer, AlayaCare’s CEO. We sketch out a comprehensive picture of Canada's home health care system, highlighting the unique issues faced in provinces like Manitoba and Saskatchewan. Our guests share their insights on the potential impact of new governmental mandates and health care models while asking a critical question — what are the drivers for delivering more and better care?

If you liked this episode and want to learn more about all things home-based care, you can explore all our episodes at alayacare.com/homehealth360.

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Join us for a captivating discussion with Dr. Andrew (Andy) Agwunobi, President of Humana's Home Solutions division, as we explore Humana’s holistic approach to care and addressing social determinants of health (SDOH), proactive care benefits, and the need for unified healthcare providers. Dr. Agwunobi also discuss tackling the fragmentation of providers, enhancing delivery systems, technology platforms, and the future of home healthcare.

If you liked this episode and want to learn more about all things home-based care, you can explore all our episodes at alayacare.com/homehealth360.

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Are you ready to cut through the complexities of back-office management? Join us for an insightful journey with Amy Knight, president of Knight Home Care Financial, as she demystifies back-office management in home health, hospice, and nursing facilities. With over 20 years of experience, Amy emphasizes the importance of understanding agency costs, metrics, and Medicare and Medicaid cost reporting for informed decision-making, limiting loss-leading payers, and using technology for efficient accounting. Tune in to revolutionize your back-office management with Amy's wealth of practical advice and industry insights!

If you liked this episode and want to learn more about all things home-based care, you can explore all our episodes at alayacare.com/homehealth360.

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Dive into the dynamic world of home-based care mergers and acquisitions with industry expert, Jen Lentz. In this episode, she shares her journey from COO to operating partner at Havencrest Capital Management, offering a fresh perspective on unifying the US home-based care industry. Discover invaluable insights on selling your business - from understanding your value to navigating financial, tax, and legal implications. Lentz explores the intricacies of buying a business, highlighting factors like company compliance, employee retention, and integration nuances. Through her experiences, she emphasizes the importance of relationship-building and trust in the post-transaction phase. Tune in for an enlightening discussion that offers a roadmap for both potential sellers and buyers in the home-based care sector.

If you liked this episode and want to learn more about all things home-based care, you can explore all our episodes at alayacare.com/homehealth360.