Home healthcare is more than medicine and procedures, it’s about people. Every day, caregivers enter the homes of clients with the goal of not just supporting health, but supporting dignity, independence, and trust. Behind every strong caregiving team is a leader who understands that success isn’t measured solely by numbers or schedules, but by the relationships they foster and the lives they touch.
To understand what it takes to lead high-performing teams in this delicate balance of care and operations, we spoke with Kelci Stafford, Area Director at BAYADA Home Health Care. Kelci oversees four locations and brings a wealth of experience in operations, outreach, and team development.
Here’s what she shared.
The qualities we look for align with the core values of the BAYADA Way: compassion, reliability, and excellence. We look for people to join our team who have a heart for service, keep their commitments, and are dedicated to continued improvement.
Training and development look different for each nurse because it is tailored to their experience and education. At BAYADA, we have an online learning hub where employees can learn electronically. This is coupled with simulation lab training in our office and in-home precepting with an experienced nurse. We check in with our employees every step of the way to ensure that they feel confident and competent in their skills.
One of our beliefs is providing community service where we live and work. It is important to our teams to stay engaged in the community and partner with like-minded organizations to serve those in need. It shows the community that our values aren’t just words, but actions. It also helps build relationships outside of our organization. When we are aware of the resources in our community, we can better serve our clients.
– Kelci Stafford
My experience in home care operations and outreach has helped me be more compassionate and mindful of the struggles people face. It has helped me learn to be flexible and adapt to change because health care and change are synonymous. When working in operations, you have to have a strategy and a plan, but also the willingness and foresight to change that plan at a moment’s notice. I think anyone working in healthcare through COVID-19 received a crash course in change management.
For the private duty nursing sector, the Missouri legislature recently passed funding for a Complex Care Assistant program that will create greater flexibility regarding who can provide care to a PDN Medicaid participant. This program will help those who need private duty nursing have greater access to care. I think we will continue to see programs like this emerge as the need and desire for care at home expands.
I would tell them to build a network and stay engaged. Your network should include internal and external resources. It’s important to have connections and be involved at the legislative level and also in your community.
The key to leading high-performing teams is to first set a clear vision and a path to achieve it. It is important that the team is bought into the vision and motivated. You must also develop trust with your team and invest in their development.
Leading in-home healthcare requires both strategy and heart. Kelci Stafford’s experience shows that strong leadership is about more than operational efficiency; it’s about investing in people, fostering trust, and staying connected to the communities you serve. Her insights remind us that caregivers thrive when leaders combine vision with compassion, and that every client benefits when teams are supported, trained, and motivated to do their best. In a world where home care is increasingly complex, this human-first approach sets the standard for what truly exceptional care looks like.
Kelci oversees multiple BAYADA locations, focusing on operations management, talent development, and community engagement. She is skilled at building high-performing teams, managing budgets, entering new markets, and fostering strong connections both within her organization and the broader community. Her leadership blends strategic vision with compassion, empowering caregivers and ensuring clients receive the highest standard of care.
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