How to Build a Home Care Agency That Values Caregivers

Hillary Bailey’s years in corporate healthcare shaped a clear priority for her agency: caregivers should feel valued for the work they do. As CEO of Freedom Caregivers and Companions, Inc., she places “caregiver care” at the center of how she leads.

In this conversation, Hillary shares what she learned about protecting her team, building a leadership group with different strengths, and supporting the people who provide care every day.

Keep reading to discover her insights.

What personal or professional experience most influenced how you lead today?

I worked in corporate healthcare for years and always felt like my only job was to make them money no matter what. I never felt valued for all the hours I put in. That is why “caregiver care” is at the top of our list at my agency. They are out there doing the hard work and taking excellent care of our clients, so it is imperative that we make them feel valued.

Q. What has been the most challenging part of being a home care leader, and how did you work through it?

The hardest lesson for me to learn was that not every client is meant for our agency. We hold our core values high in all aspects of our business. I had to let a client go because my caregivers were treated very badly, and it was hard to do that because I wanted to believe we could take care of anyone. It is just not the case that every client is fit for your agency.

Q. What is one leadership lesson you wish you had known earlier?

I wish I had known that to be a leader, you don’t have to excel at all leadership qualities. It takes others on your leadership team with different qualities to succeed.

Q. If someone asked, “What does it take to lead a successful home care agency?” what would you tell them?

It takes patience, grit, and a love for what you do. Every day will not be good. You will need to be strong for those days.

Q. Why is supporting caregivers so important to the success of a home care agency?

Caregivers are at the core of our work since it is they who give compassionate, hands-on care each day and thus deserve to be respected, appreciated and supported. Knowing that they are valued enables caregivers to give better care, develop stronger relationships with their clients and help produce a type of agency that families can trust.

Wrap Up

Hillary’s approach to leadership starts with valuing the caregivers who support clients each day.

• Caregivers need to feel respected, appreciated, and supported.
• A leadership team benefits from people with different strengths.
• Patience and resilience help leaders navigate difficult days.
• Supporting caregivers can strengthen the relationships they build with clients and families.

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Get to Know the Expert Better

Hillary Bailey

Hillary Bailey, PTA, CDP, is the CEO of Freedom Caregivers and Companions, Inc. Her experience in corporate healthcare influenced her commitment to “caregiver care” and to building an agency where caregivers feel valued. She emphasizes supporting her team, leading according to the agency’s core values, and providing compassionate care to clients.