Rebecca Ahrens, Vice President of Clinical Services at Summit Healthcare Services, 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.
Ahrens 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?
Ahrens: I became a nurse because I wanted to build meaningful relationships with patients and help them achieve the best possible quality of life. Home health allowed me to do that in a way that traditional care settings often cannot be done.
Being invited into someone’s home gives you a much deeper understanding of their needs, their goals, and the barriers they face. I was drawn to the opportunity to deliver highly skilled clinical care while helping patients remain independent, comfortable, and surrounded by the people they love. That privilege continues to inspire me every day.
HHCN: How would you describe your leadership style, and how has it changed over time?
Ahrens: My leadership style is collaborative, servant-minded, and focused on developing others.
Early in my career, I believed great leaders needed to have all the answers. Over time, I’ve learned that the best leaders ask thoughtful questions, listen carefully, and create an environment where talented people can thrive.
Today, I spend much more of my time coaching, removing obstacles and helping my team grow into leaders themselves. When people feel supported and empowered, patient outcomes naturally improve.
HHCN: What is the biggest leadership lesson you’ve learned while serving the home health & home care industry?
Ahrens: Healthcare changes constantly, but trust never goes out of style.
Whether you’re leading clinicians, partnering with physicians or caring for patients and families, trust is the foundation of everything we do. Building trust requires consistency, transparency, and empathy.
I’ve learned that when people know you’re committed to doing what’s right for patients and supporting your team, they will navigate even the most difficult challenges together.
HHCN: In one word, how would you describe the home health & home care industry and why?
Ahrens: Transformative.
Home-based care transforms lives by allowing individuals to receive exceptional clinical care where they are most comfortable. It also transforms healthcare by improving outcomes, reducing unnecessary hospitalizations, and creating a more patient-centered model of care. As our population ages, I believe its impact will only continue to grow.
HHCN: What do you see as the biggest opportunities and challenges currently facing the home health & home care industry?
Ahrens: One of our greatest opportunities is demonstrating the value that home-based care brings to the entire healthcare continuum. As reimbursement models increasingly focus on quality, outcomes and total cost of care, home health is uniquely positioned to help patients recover safely while reducing avoidable utilization.
Our greatest challenge continues to be workforce development. Recruiting, retaining and supporting exceptional clinicians requires ongoing investment, strong leadership, and a culture where people feel valued. Organizations that prioritize both their patients and their caregivers will be the ones that succeed in the future.
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?
Ahrens: I believe technology and data will become even more integrated into patient care, from remote monitoring and artificial intelligence to predictive analytics that help identify risks earlier. These tools will strengthen clinical decision-making, but they will never replace compassionate clinicians and caregivers.
The organizations that combine innovation with a deeply human approach to care will define the future of our industry.
HHCN: In your opinion, what qualities must all Future Leaders possess?
Ahrens: Future Leaders must have integrity, resilience, and genuine compassion for the people they serve. They also need curiosity and the willingness to continue learning and adapting as healthcare evolves. Most importantly, Future Leaders should invest in developing others.
Leadership isn’t measured by personal accomplishments; it’s measured by the positive impact you have on your team, your patients, and the future of the profession.