Ashley Sasser, Area Vice President of Clinical Operations at Maxim Healthcare, 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.
Sasser 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?
Sasser: Initially, I was drawn to the home care industry to improve the time I had to spend with my ever-growing family. I found myself longing to be away from extended hospital shifts, working nights, weekends and holidays in the acute care setting. I wanted to find a corner of nursing that gave space for my personal growth, as well as professional.
However, that isn’t when I fell in love with home and community-based services. That happened once I found myself in patient homes, pouring into the individuals themselves and their families. The experience for me was truly life-changing. Home health and home care provides its professionals with the ability to truly foster meaningful relationships between provider and patient.
HHCN: How would you describe your leadership style, and how has it changed over time?
Sasser: I would describe my primary leadership styles as a servant leader, coach and advocate.
I’ve always had a passion for people – no doubt about that. My leadership style has taken shape over the last decade and will forever be in “build.”
I consider myself extremely lucky to have found Maxim Healthcare Services and the leaders here that have given me the support, feedback, coaching and opportunity at such an early age to be considered a successful leader. They’ve taught me to meet people where they’re at, and actively work with them to create an environment where they can thrive holistically. By doing so, we hoist our ability to impact those that are the center of what we do day in, and day out – our patients.
HHCN: What is the biggest leadership lesson you’ve learned while serving the home health & home care industry?
Sasser: The biggest, and hardest, leadership lesson I’ve learned in my years serving the home care population is to never stay quiet.
Whether in a home with a patient one-on-one, or in a room full of decision-makers that have much more tenure, experience or credentials, it is imperative to stay diligent in communicating without withdrawing from fear of being wrong.
Home health and home care is an ever-changing environment. Critical thinking, creativity and collaboration, amongst others in the field, is crucial to continuing to support those most fragile in our communities.
HHCN: In one word, how would you describe the home health & home care industry and why?
Sasser: If I could only choose one word to describe the home care industry, I would use “nexus.”
The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines the word as, “A connection, link, or tie between people or things.” It also commonly refers to a central point where multiple elements intersect, or a core focus of a system. The word comes from the Latin nectere, meaning “to bind” or “to tie.”
Home health is the pillar of the healthcare framework that stands as the connection point and central link for patients and families. Having accessibility to safe and effective care in the home setting keeps families together, where they belong. It provides an opportunity for parents and family caregivers to share memories, holidays and time.
Not only would the word “nexus” be the best word to describe home care from a recipient point of view, but it’s also the perfect pick from the viewpoint of individuals working in the industry. Home care is the perfect place for healthcare teams to connect, coordinate and create a fulfilling career for all who get to experience it.
HHCN: What do you see as the biggest opportunities and challenges currently facing the home health & home care industry?
Sasser: I believe the biggest opportunity for home care is education and socialization of the capabilities that it can provide. As leaders in home health and home care, we have a call to share the goodness within it. There are many different avenues of care that can be life-changing for those who need it. It’s evident that there are gaps in the knowledgebase within the healthcare setting and communities for these types of offerings. If we can provide widespread education, we could expand accessibility and available workforce.
I feel that one of the biggest challenges follows suit. Working in the home setting isn’t necessarily an attractive field amongst others in healthcare. The lack of exposure and experience with home care leads to a decreased workforce for an expanding and effective care model.
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?
Sasser: Home health and home care feels the impacts of all the things around it. I believe that the biggest impacts in industry will come from socioeconomical factors. Again, as home health professionals, we must answer the call to provide decision-makers awareness and education on how these programs can positively impact the lives of those who need it, their families, and effectively reduce unnecessary spend.
Our patients thrive at home, surrounded by their family and friends. We should do everything in our power to keep this field of healthcare thriving and well!
HHCN: In your opinion, what qualities must all Future Leaders possess?
Sasser: Future Leaders in healthcare must hold a high level of accountability to those they serve. They must be unwaveringly responsible to educate others and always be committed to patient advocacy. We must always remember those that we’re called to protect and provide for.
The days in home health and home care are long, but they’re worth it. For all the current, and upcoming leaders out there, keep going – keep pushing. We’re impacting the world!