In this episode of Last Visit First, Tom Maxwell sits down with April Anthony — CEO of VitalCaring, founder of Encompass Home Health, and creator of Homecare Homebase. April shares her remarkable journey from unexpectedly buying her first home health agency at 25 to building some of the most influential organizations in care at home. Her story highlights the power of resilience, innovation, and culture in shaping not just businesses, but the future of home health and hospice.

People of the Episode:
Guest: April Anthony
Host: Tom Maxwell
Producer: Cole Sorensen

Sponsors:
Maxwell TEC
Steno Health
Levo

Companies Founded by April Anthony:
VitalCaring
Homecare Homebase
Encompass Health

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Reference:
Medicare Advantage Article

Contact:
[email protected]

Keywords:
home health leadership, homecare homebase, April Anthony, VitalCaring, hospice innovation, care at home future, healthcare technology, Medicare Advantage, clinician retention, healthcare culture

Outline:
00:00 – Sponsor Ad Reads
02:16 – Introduction and April’s Career Overview
03:48 – How Tom and April First Met
04:18 – April’s Start in Home Health
08:21 – Buying Her First Agency at 25
10:36 – Learning the Business Through Ride-Alongs
13:45 – Philosophy: Take Care of Employees First
15:55 – Founding Homecare Homebase
20:49 – Growth of HCHB (2001–2007)
27:32 – Patient Story: Owen Perry
39:27 – Technology and AI in Home Health
50:00 – The Rise of Medicare Advantage
57:27 – April’s Legacy and Motivation
01:05:15 – Closing Reflections