Netsmart CareThreads

What does it take to build a care-driven movement out of $362 and a conviction that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) deserve better in life?

In this episode of the CareThreads Podcast, Robert Stack, President and CEO of Community Options, Inc., sits down with Kevin Mallot, SVP and Managing Director, Human Services, Netsmart to share the story behind an organization that started as an idea and now supports thousands of individuals across 12 states. Stack traces his path from opening some of the first group homes in New York to founding Community Options in 1989, offering candid stories about the shift away from institutional care and toward community-based living, employment and family support.

He also digs into the workforce challenges facing direct support professionals, the four factors that keep them motivated beyond a paycheck and how technologies such as AI are starting to ease the documentation burden so caregivers can spend more time with the people they support. Our conversation closes with Stack's reflections on his USA Today bestseller "Silent No Longer" and why he believes a country is judged by how well it cares for its most vulnerable citizens.

To learn more about Community Options, the largest national nonprofit organization focused exclusively on supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, visit their website here.

What does the care at home landscape look like in 2026? In this episode, Dr. Steve Landers, former CEO of the National Alliance for Care at Home, shares his thoughts on the forces shaping care at home today and what providers should be preparing for as we move through the year.

Dr. Landers offers a candid look at hospice, home health, palliative care and home care. The discussion covers Medicare and Medicaid policy shifts, payment pressures, workforce realities, quality oversight, fraud prevention and the power of advocacy.

This episode also explores looking beyond short-term regulation, improving how the care at home story is told and preparing for a future where access, sustainability and patient-centered care are connected.

Listen to hear about:

• Hospice trends in 2026, including length of stay, live discharges and quality reporting under HOPE
• The state of home health reimbursement, PDGM pressures and the impact of recent CMS rate decisions
• Medicaid funding uncertainty and what it could mean for home and community-based services
• Medicare Advantage dynamics, supplemental home care and ongoing concerns about including hospice benefits within Medicare Advantage plans
• Why advocacy, grassroots engagement and storytelling are critical to protecting access and sustainability

Voices of Care episode 2 features an in-depth conversation on the evolution of healthcare technology across three distinct eras of digitization. Host David Strocchia sits down with 30-year industry veteran and Strategic Advisor Kevin Scalia, along with AJ Peterson, SVP & GM, CareGuidance, to reflect on past developments and define what community-based care providers can expect from technology today.

From the early days of paper charts through the development of electronic health records (EHRs) to the modern day of leveraging augmented intelligence and automation, this discussion explores how healthcare IT has steadily progressed from supporting billing and compliance to enabling measurement, interoperability and whole-person care. It also highlights how modernized technologies are giving back to clinicians and consumers by reducing administrative friction, supporting care coordination and empowering decision makers.

Tune in to learn why true digital transformation is not about technology for technology’s sake, but about connecting people, systems and data into a unified fabric that supports community-based care.

The role that hospices play in end-of-life care is changing, and technology is helping to shape what comes next. As hospice staff face rising demands, new regulations and shifting reimbursement models, the right technology can make all the difference. By combining leadership innovation with technology designed for care at home, organizations can drive better outcomes for patients, families and clinicians alike.

In this episode, Hannah Patterson, General Manager and Vice President of Care at Home at Netsmart, speaks with Patrick Miller, President & CEO of NorthStar Care Community, about how a decades-long partnership and shared commitment to innovation have transformed care delivery and strengthened operational success.

Join Listen us as we discuss:

• Building a “gold standard” blueprint for hospice operations
• Using data and analytics to improve clinical performance and staff satisfaction
• Leveraging interoperability to strengthen collaboration and care coordination
• Preparing for the HOPE transition and the shift toward value-based care
• Expanding the hospice mission into advanced illness and palliative care

With the Hospice Outcomes & Patient Evaluation (HOPE) tool set to go live on October 1st, hospice providers are facing a transformative shift in documentation and patient evaluation. In this episode, we explore what it takes to successfully implement HOPE, without disrupting care delivery. Diana Franchitto, a hospice center president and CEO, shares how her organization is navigating the transition by leveraging structured operating procedures, a dedicated task force and a clear implementation timeline. From regulatory compliance to operational challenges, we break down the steps every provider should consider to stay on track.

We also discuss how Netsmart is supporting providers through this transition with solutions designed to streamline workflow adjustments and work towards timely submissions. Whether you are part of a large hospice with a dedicated team or a smaller organization where staff wear multiple hats, this conversation will help you chart your path forward.

Don’t wait until October to start preparing! Tune in to gain practical strategies and resources to navigate this change smoothly. Learn more about how HOPE fits into your workflow and how Netsmart can support your transition. Visit www.ntst.com/hope for FAQs, webinars and resources to guide your next steps.

What does the future hold for home health and hospice in 2025? In this Netsmart CareThreads podcast, host Mike Dordick, McBee President and Netsmart SVP of Post-Acute Strategy, sits down with Dr. Steve Landers, President of the National Alliance for Care at Home, for this discussion.

They explore the biggest issues facing care-at-home providers today, from payment reform and regulatory pressures to the growing needs of an aging population and the path forward for high-quality, cost-effective home-based care. You’ll hear how policy decisions are reshaping reimbursement and what providers can do now to advocate for change.

Augmented Intelligence is redefining clinical workflows, reducing documentation time and empowering clinicians to focus on patient care. This shift not only improves efficiency but also enhances outcomes and job satisfaction. With tools designed for ease of use and minimal disruption, AI is driving higher productivity and better clinician retention.

In this episode, Maria Warren, VP at Netsmart, is joined by Chris Yakscoe, Senior Director of Bells AI at Netsmart, and Trent Smith, CEO of Apricot AI. They explore the transformative power of AI in healthcare, particularly for home health and post-acute care.

The guests also share practical guidance for evaluating AI solutions, emphasizing security, compliance and meaningful ROI.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Meaningful AI as a tool to augment clinicians’ capabilities
• AI’s impact on documentation
• Job satisfaction and retention due to AI
• Advice on assessing AI tools
• The potential AI has in healthcare

If you want to hear more episodes like this one, look for the Netsmart CareThreads podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or however you listen to your podcasts.

The healthcare landscape is evolving rapidly, with staffing shortages, technology advancements, and shifting reimbursement models reshaping how care is delivered. As more baby boomer executives retire and the "silver tsunami" drives a growing demand for home-based care, the stage is set for the next generation of leaders to step up and shape the future. But what does it really take to step into these roles and become an emerging leader?

In this episode, Maria Warren, VP of Post-Acute Strategy, sits down with Chris Comeaux, President & CEO of Teleios Collaborative Network and author of The Anatomy of Leadership. They dive into real-world strategies about what it takes to lead in this changing world, offering a fresh perspective on addressing modern leadership challenges, such as navigating a multigenerational workforce, integrating emerging technologies, and balancing technology with the human touch.

Comeaux also shares his personal journey from a young CFO to a respected CEO and thought leader and talks about the pivotal role that mentorship and continuous learning played in his development. He reflects on the unique challenges of leading hospice organizations during times of rapid change, offering insights drawn from his own experiences.

Tune in to learn about:

• A growth-mindset approach to leadership
• Mentorship strategies for emerging healthcare leaders
• Practical approaches to integrating technology in care settings
• Balancing high-tech innovation with high-touch care
• Navigating staffing shortages and supporting workforce sustainability

Whether you’re an emerging leader or a seasoned executive looking to expand your impact, this episode offers valuable insights on leadership, innovation, and building a lasting legacy in healthcare.

In his book, The Anatomy of Leadership,Comeaux further explains that effective leadership is not about mastering complex theories but understanding and applying fundamental principles in everyday situations.

If you want to hear more episodes like this one, look for the Netsmart CareThreads podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or however you listen to your podcasts.