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Private Duty Source | Conferences, Private Duty

National Alliance for Care at Home Hosts a Stellar Conference in Tampa

October 24, 2024

The recently concluded Home Care and Hospice Conference and Expo, hosted by the National Alliance for Care at Home, was a remarkable success, drawing private duty home care providers from across the United States and beyond to Tampa, Florida. The three-day event brought together professionals, thought leaders, and industry experts for an immersive experience of learning, networking, and celebration, marking a pivotal moment in the home care industry’s ongoing evolution.

Held at the stunning Tampa Convention Center, the event kicked off with a welcome reception in the nation’s largest trade show hall, where attendees explored cutting-edge innovations and solutions for home care services. The Expo offered a firsthand look at the tools and technology shaping the future of care delivery in the home.

A Moment of Honor: Celebrating Bill Dombi’s Legacy

One of the conference’s highlights was the heartfelt celebration of Bill Dombi, NAHC’s outgoing president, as he retires after an extraordinary 37 years in the home care industry. Bill has been a tireless advocate for home care providers and patients alike and received a well-deserved standing ovation as colleagues, peers, and attendees honored his remarkable contributions. His leadership, passion, and dedication have left an indelible mark on the field, and his retirement marks the end of an era for NAHC.

The tribute to Bill featured moving speeches, videos, and the unveiling of a sponsorship established in his name, recognizing his decades of service. As attendees reflected on his immense influence, there was a shared sense of gratitude for his work in championing policy changes, workforce development, and the growth of home care services nationwide.

Educational Highlights and Insights

Emceed by Todd Austin, President and COO of Activated Insights, and co-hosted by the Alliance’s Executive Director of Private Duty Home Care, Kristen Wheeler, the private duty home care track was packed with educational sessions, panel discussions, and hands-on learning opportunities. With an array of expert speakers, the program delivered actionable insights into some of the most pressing issues faced by home care providers today.

Key Sessions That Stole the Spotlight:

  • Darin Ellsworth’s Expert Panel on business growth strategies featured insights from panelists Kristen Duell, Carmen Perry-Tevaga, and Guy Tommasi, who highlighted the critical “three legs of growth” – a framework for sustaining and expanding a home care business.
  • Melanie Stover of Home Care Sales captivated attendees with her session on aligning sales and operations teams for greater organizational synergy, providing real-world examples and success stories.
  • Brandi Kurtyka from MissionCare Collective presented on the future of the home care workforce, focusing on recruitment, retention, and the growing role of technology in improving caregiver engagement.
  • Guy Tommasi of Corcoran Consulting explored how home care organizations can harness data-driven outcomes to foster collaborations and partnerships that enhance client satisfaction and business efficiency.
  • A panel on alternative funding sources, featuring Carmen Perry-Tevaga (Avad Consulting Services), Chris Orestis (Retirement Genius), and Kelly Rogers (Longbridge Financial), offered a deep dive into financial strategies that can make home care more accessible to clients and sustainable for providers.
  • Thomas Rose of 21st Century Consultants and Guy Tommasi discussed private duty home care’s growing role in hospital-at-home models, showcasing how agencies can partner with healthcare systems to improve patient outcomes while reducing hospital readmissions.
  • Legal shifts in private duty home care, presented by Polsinelli’s Angelo Spinola, Esq., provided attendees with a critical update on compliance, labor laws, and other regulatory changes that could impact their operations.

The private duty track culminated with the popular “Birds of a Feather” roundtable discussions, where participants self-selected topics based on their years of experience in the industry. These intimate conversations allowed attendees to share their insights, ask burning questions, and build meaningful connections.

Camaraderie and Celebration

The conference wasn’t just about business – it was also about fostering community and celebrating the work of home care professionals. Attendees enjoyed ample opportunities for relaxation and fun. The exclusive private duty home care reception on the first night offered a relaxed atmosphere for networking, while the lively Pirate Disco on the River provided the perfect opportunity for everyone to unwind and enjoy Tampa’s scenic waterfront.

For those who couldn’t attend in person, all sessions were recorded and will be available online soon, ensuring that no one misses out on the valuable content shared during the event. As the conference wrapped up, attendees left energized, informed, and ready to tackle the challenges and opportunities facing the home care industry in the year ahead.

Looking forward? The Alliance is already gearing up for the 2025 Annual Conference and Trade Show, promising an even more exciting and content-packed experience. If you missed this year, be sure to mark your calendars for next year’s event – the first week of November in New Orleans, Louisiana – you won’t want to miss it again!