Raquel Lerner-Greenstein, Market Leader – New York 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.

Lerner-Greenstein 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?

Lerner-Greenstein: When I was 15 years old, my grandfather was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. In a short period of time, he went from being fully mobile to needing around-the-clock care at home. During those months, I saw firsthand how important compassionate, reliable caregivers are — and how difficult it can be for families when that support is missing.

That experience inspired me to enter the home care industry because I wanted to help create the kind of care every family deserves: relationship-based, person-centered, and rooted in dignity and respect. At Help at Home, we believe every client should feel seen, supported, and cared for as an individual — not just another name on a schedule. Helping people remain safe, comfortable, and independent at home is what makes this work so meaningful to me.

HHCN: How would you describe your leadership style, and how has it changed over time?

Lerner-Greenstein: My leadership style is goal-oriented, collaborative, and grounded in a care-first approach. I focus on achieving strong outcomes while ensuring every decision supports safe, high-quality, compassionate care for our clients.

I lead with empathy by listening actively, supporting team members, and creating a culture of accountability, respect, and teamwork. Over time, I’ve learned that when caregivers and employees feel valued and supported, they are better equipped to provide exceptional care and build meaningful relationships with the people we serve.

HHCN: What is the biggest leadership lesson you’ve learned while serving the home health & home care industry?

Lerner-Greenstein: The biggest lesson I learned is that in this field you always have to be prepared to be humbled and you need to be able to learn as you go. Home Care is not something that is just a black-and-white process and you have to follow it and be structured. You always have to be able to change on the go and adapt to the healthcare industry. The home care industry your patience needs.

HHCN: In one word, how would you describe the home health & home care industry and why?

Lerner-Greenstein: Essential.

Home care provides critical support that allows seniors, veterans, and individuals with disabilities to remain safe, independent, and connected to their communities. At Help at Home, we know home-based care is about more than completing tasks — it’s about improving quality of life, preserving dignity, and helping people live where they feel most comfortable: at home.

HHCN: What do you see as the biggest opportunities and challenges currently facing the home health & home care industry?

Lerner-Greenstein: One of the biggest challenges is how long it can take for individuals to access the home care services they need. Many clients require support immediately, but the process can involve multiple evaluations, approvals, and administrative barriers.

At the same time, the growing demand for home-based care presents a major opportunity for the industry. More individuals want to age in place and receive care in their homes and communities. That creates an opportunity for organizations like Help at Home to continue advancing high-quality, person-centered care while improving access, strengthening caregiver support, and helping more people live safely and independently at home.

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?

Lerner-Greenstein: Over the next 5–10 years, I believe the biggest impacts on the home care industry will be technology, workforce challenges, and the growing demand for aging-in-place care. As the population ages, more individuals will prefer receiving care at home rather than in institutional settings, increasing the need for accessible, reliable, high-quality home-based services.

The industry will need to balance innovation and efficiency while continuing to deliver compassionate, relationship-based care. Organizations that invest in caregivers, quality, safety, and strong operational support will be best positioned to meet the growing needs of clients and families.

HHCN: In your opinion, what qualities must all Future Leaders possess?

Lerner-Greenstein: Future Leaders must possess adaptability, integrity, empathy, and strong communication skills. They must be able to make difficult decisions while always keeping clients and caregivers at the center of those decisions.

I also believe Future Leaders need resilience and a strong sense of purpose. In home care, leadership is about more than operations — it’s about improving lives, supporting communities, and helping people live with greater independence, dignity, and support in their homes.