Amanda Ward, Chicagoland Market Leader at Help at Home, has been named to the Future Leaders Class of 2026 by Home Health Care News.
To become a Future Leader, an individual is nominated by their peers. The candidate must be a high-performing employee who is 40 years of age or younger, a passionate worker who knows how to put vision into action, and an advocate for seniors, and the committed professionals who ensure their well-being.
Ward sat down with Home Health Care News to share what drew her to the home health & home care industry, the biggest leadership lessons she has learned, her thoughts on the future of home health & home care, and much more. To learn more about the Future Leaders Awards program, visit https://futureleaders.wtwhmedia.com/.
HHCN: What drew you to the home health & home care industry?
Ward: What drew me to the home health and home care industry was the influence of my grandmother and great-grandmothers. As an adult, I often reflect on the memories I shared with my grandmother, Kay, who recently passed away from Alzheimer’s disease. Much of my childhood was spent with her visiting parks, walking trails, playing games, like Simon Says and Red Light, Green Light, and listening to the wonderful stories she could tell from memory.
My grandmother, Dee, also had a profound impact on my life. She had the best sense of humor, never missed an important event, and was always there when someone needed her. No matter the situation or family dynamic, she had a way of making me feel special, valued, and supported. Her unwavering presence and ability to bring joy to those around her taught me the importance of compassion, connection, and showing up for others.
My great-grandmothers, Evelyn and Vernia, also played a significant role in shaping my passion for this field. As a child, you witness the people you love grow older, and with aging comes many changes and challenges. Those experiences inspired me to pursue a career where I could make a meaningful difference in the lives of seniors. I wanted to be part of providing the care, compassion, dignity, and support that older adults deserve, while helping improve their quality of life during every stage of aging.
HHCN: How would you describe your leadership style, and how has it changed over time?
Ward: My leadership style is best described as servant leadership with a strong focus on accountability, coaching, and relationship-building. I believe that when team members feel supported, heard, and equipped with the resources they need, they are more engaged and better able to provide exceptional care to our clients and patients.
I lead by being visible, approachable, and willing to work alongside my team when challenges arise. I focus on building trust, developing people, and creating a culture where communication, collaboration, and continuous improvement are expected. At the same time, I hold high standards for performance because quality care depends on consistency, compliance, and accountability.
Over time, my leadership style has evolved significantly. Early in my career, I was more focused on managing tasks, metrics, and day-to-day operations. As I gained experience, I realized that strong results come from investing in people first. Today, I spend more time coaching, mentoring, and developing future leaders rather than simply directing work. I’ve also learned the importance of adapting my approach to different individuals and situations, some team members need hands-on guidance, while others thrive with greater autonomy.
Ultimately, my goal as a leader is to create an environment where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to succeed, because when our teams thrive, our clients receive the highest quality care.
HHCN: What is the biggest leadership lesson you’ve learned while serving the home health & home care industry?
Ward: The biggest leadership lesson I’ve learned in the home health and home care industry is that people are at the center of everything we do. While metrics, growth, and operational performance are important, lasting success comes from investing in relationships with clients, caregivers, and team members.
Throughout my career, I’ve learned that leadership is not about having all the answers; it’s about listening, building trust, and supporting people through challenges. In home care, every decision impacts someone’s quality of life, whether it’s a client receiving care at home or a caregiver balancing work and personal responsibilities. Taking the time to understand those perspectives allows me to lead with both compassion and accountability.
HHCN: In one word, how would you describe the home health & home care industry and why?
Ward: Compassionate.
Because at its core, it is about helping people maintain their dignity, independence, and quality of life in the place they feel most comfortable, their home.
Every day, caregivers and healthcare professionals make a meaningful difference by providing not only physical support, but also emotional connection and reassurance to clients and their families. The industry is built on serving others during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives, and compassion is what drives that commitment to care.
HHCN: What do you see as the biggest opportunities and challenges currently facing the home health & home care industry?
Ward: The biggest opportunity in the home health and home care industry is the growing demand for care in the home. As the population ages and more individuals prefer to remain in their homes rather than move to institutional settings, there is an increasing need for high-quality home-based care. This creates opportunities to expand services, improve outcomes, leverage technology, and help more individuals maintain their independence and quality of life.
HHCN: If you had a crystal ball, what do you think will impact the home health & home care industry over the next 5-10 years?
Ward: If I had a crystal ball, I believe the biggest impact on the home health and home care industry over the next 5–10 years will be the growing expectation for personalized, client-centered care. Families are becoming more informed and involved in care decisions, and they will expect services that are tailored to the unique needs, preferences, and goals of their loved ones.
I also believe there will be a greater emphasis on keeping individuals healthy and independent at home for as long as possible. Healthcare systems, payers, and providers are increasingly recognizing that preventive care and support in the home can improve quality of life while reducing hospitalizations and overall healthcare costs.
HHCN: In your opinion, what qualities must all Future Leaders possess?
Ward: In my opinion, Future Leaders must possess a strong combination of emotional intelligence, adaptability, accountability, and the ability to develop others.
Emotional intelligence is critical because leadership is ultimately about people. Future Leaders need to be able to understand others’ perspectives, communicate effectively, and respond with empathy, especially in healthcare, where situations can be both high-pressure and deeply personal.
Adaptability is also essential. The home health and home care industry continues to evolve with changing regulations, workforce challenges, and advances in technology. Leaders must be able to adjust quickly, stay open-minded, and guide their teams through change without losing focus on quality care.
Accountability is another key quality. Strong leaders set clear expectations, lead by example, and take ownership of both successes and challenges. They create a culture where standards are upheld, but support is also provided to help people succeed.
Finally, I believe great future leaders must be committed to developing others. Leadership is not just about individual success, it’s about building strong teams and preparing others to step into leadership roles. Investing in coaching, mentorship, and growth creates long-term stability for any organization.
Overall, the most effective Future Leaders will be those who can balance compassion with performance, and who never lose sight of the fact that leadership in healthcare is about serving both employees and the clients they care for.