APTA Home Health - Home on the Go

Get ready for an informative, insight-packed episode of Home on the Go! This conversation involves 2 highly-experienced home health physical therapists—Donna Latoy, PT and Matt Janes, PT, DPT, MHS, OCS, CSCS - who unpack what truly drives patient satisfaction in home health. With more than 70 years of combined clinical experience in this episode, heartfelt stories and practical strategies are shared. Real-world wisdom on building trust, communicating effectively, and creating "wow" moments that patients never forget are at the center of the conversation. From navigating the April 1, 2026 HHCAHPS survey changes to delivering care that earns a "definitely recommend" experience, this episode blends expertise with authenticity. If you're passionate about elevating the patient experience and making every visit count, this is one conversation you won't want to miss…

Get ready for an informative, insight-packed episode of Home on the Go! This conversation involves 2 highly-experienced home health physical therapists - Donna Latoy, PT and Matt Janes, PT, DPT, MHS, OCS, CSCS - who unpack what truly drives patient satisfaction in home health. With more than 70 years of combined clinical experience in this episode, heartfelt stories and practical strategies are shared. Real-world wisdom on building trust, communicating effectively, and creating "wow" moments that patients never forget are at the center of the conversation. From navigating the April 1, 2026 HHCAHPS survey changes to delivering care that earns a "definitely recommend" experience, this episode blends expertise with authenticity. If you're passionate about elevating the patient experience and making every visit count, this is one conversation you won't want to miss…

Home health PT is about way more than gait training and exercises—and this episode gets real about the emotional and mental side of the job. With an interdisciplinary panel that includes PT educators and a psychiatrist, the conversation digs deep into how depression, anxiety, cognitive changes, and family dynamics show up in real-life visits. Using a relatable case scenario, the group challenges the idea of patient "noncompliance" and reframes it as unmet psychosocial needs, while unpacking how emotional fatigue of the PT can quietly impact clinical decision-making and patient outcomes. The episode also tackles everyday pressures like productivity demands, workplace isolation, and limited peer support. Listeners will walk away with practical, evidence-informed strategies they can start using immediately to tackle complex caseloads, catch burnout before it catches them, and build a more sustainable, effective practice.   Drs. Dennis & Janelle O'Connell Physical Therapy Ministries Endowment: https://connectnow.hsutx.edu/register/donate?sys:gift:fund=9c814fb1-b296-f3c3-50a2-01a465066857

Home health PT is about way more than gait training and exercises—and this episode gets real about the emotional and mental side of the job. With an interdisciplinary panel that includes PT educators and a psychiatrist, the conversation digs deep into how depression, anxiety, cognitive changes, and family dynamics show up in real-life visits. Using a relatable case scenario, the group challenges the idea of patient "noncompliance" and reframes it as unmet psychosocial needs, while unpacking how emotional fatigue of the PT can quietly impact clinical decision-making and patient outcomes. The episode also tackles everyday pressures like productivity demands, workplace isolation, and limited peer support. Listeners will walk away with practical, evidence-informed strategies they can start using immediately to tackle complex caseloads, catch burnout before it catches them, and build a more sustainable, effective practice.   Drs. Dennis & Janelle O'Connell Physical Therapy Ministries Endowment: https://connectnow.hsutx.edu/register/donate?sys:gift:fund=9c814fb1-b296-f3c3-50a2-01a465066857

Ken Miller PT, DPT, PhD, GCS, FNAP discusses burnout and moral injury through a home care lens, reflecting on his 30+ years of experiences in this setting. Ken shares findings from his national survey of Physical Therapists, highlighting how documentation demands, scheduling pressures, and limited autonomy uniquely affect home health providers. He also explains how organizational structures—not individual resilience—play the biggest role in clinician well-being. Listeners will gain practical insights on improving the daily experience of home care professionals and supporting better care for patients.

Ken Miller PT, DPT, PhD, GCS, FNAP discusses burnout and moral injury through a home care lens, reflecting on his 30+ years of experiences in this setting. Ken shares findings from his national survey of Physical Therapists, highlighting how documentation demands, scheduling pressures, and limited autonomy uniquely affect home health providers. He also explains how organizational structures—not individual resilience—play the biggest role in clinician well-being. Listeners will gain practical insights on improving the daily experience of home care professionals and supporting better care for patients.

Jayme Holcombe, a home health Physical Therapist and owner of Soli Healthcare Solutions, discusses the evolution of Electronic Health Record (EHR) efficiency in home health care. She traces technology's journey from paper charts to modern EHR systems, emphasizing how digital tools enhance communication, scheduling, and patient care coordination. Jayme highlights how integrated apps can improve clinician productivity, streamline HR compliance, and provide real-time patient feedback, reducing potential for burnout and turnover. The discussion also explores the benefits of HIPAA-secure messaging, mapping tools, and automation for administrative staff. https://www.solihealthcare.com/ 

Jayme Holcombe, a home health Physical Therapist and owner of Soli Healthcare Solutions, discusses the evolution of Electronic Health Record (EHR) efficiency in home health care. She traces technology's journey from paper charts to modern EHR systems, emphasizing how digital tools enhance communication, scheduling, and patient care coordination. Jayme highlights how integrated apps can improve clinician productivity, streamline HR compliance, and provide real-time patient feedback, reducing potential for burnout and turnover. The discussion also explores the benefits of HIPAA-secure messaging, mapping tools, and automation for administrative staff. https://www.solihealthcare.com/ 

Dave Hebert, an Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) and T4 paraplegic, shares his personal journey from a life-changing spinal cord injury to becoming an expert in mobility technology. The conversation covers the essential role ATPs play in helping individuals regain independence, from wheelchair selection to vehicle modifications and home accessibility. They also explore navigating complex insurance systems and evolving technologies that enhance quality of life. Dave's message emphasizes attitude, collaboration, and the life-changing impact of therapists and adaptive technology.

Dave Hebert, an Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) and T4 paraplegic, shares his personal journey from a life-changing spinal cord injury to becoming an expert in mobility technology. The conversation covers the essential role ATPs play in helping individuals regain independence, from wheelchair selection to vehicle modifications and home accessibility. They also explore navigating complex insurance systems and evolving technologies that enhance quality of life. Dave's message emphasizes attitude, collaboration, and the life-changing impact of therapists and adaptive technology.

Dr. Kaelee Brockway, PT, DPT, EdD, dives into the power of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and how it can transform care for patients with complex chronic conditions like heart failure, COPD, diabetes, renal disease, and vascular insufficiency. She explains that HIIT goes far beyond improving mobility—it sparks changes at the cellular level, promotes left ventricular remodeling, and helps regulate blood glucose. Kaelee stresses the importance of building multi-system stability first, monitoring vitals throughout, and tailoring each program to the individual. She brings her points to life with real-world stories, including patients who came off supplemental oxygen and even cut down dialysis time. Her big takeaway: in home health, we often underdose exercise. Pushing patients a little harder not only drives better outcomes, it boosts engagement—for both patients and clinicians.

Dr. Kaelee Brockway, PT, DPT, EdD, dives into the power of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and how it can transform care for patients with complex chronic conditions like heart failure, COPD, diabetes, renal disease, and vascular insufficiency. She explains that HIIT goes far beyond improving mobility—it sparks changes at the cellular level, promotes left ventricular remodeling, and helps regulate blood glucose. Kaelee stresses the importance of building multi-system stability first and monitoring vitals throughout. She brings her points to life with real-world stories, including a patient who successfully weaned off supplemental oxygen and another who even cut down the time needed for dialysis treatment. Her big takeaway: in home health, we often underdose exercise. Pushing patients a little harder not only drives better outcomes, it boosts engagement—for both patients and clinicians.

Bryce Chase (Agency Director) and Zee Bhimani (Physical Therapist and Clinical Preceptor) explore strategies for optimizing scheduling efficiency in home health care. The discussion begins by emphasizing the unique demands of autonomous scheduling in the home health setting and the critical impact it has on job satisfaction, patient outcomes, and operational costs. Zee shares findings from a survey of 372 clinicians, revealing a direct correlation between effective scheduling and job satisfaction. Bryce and Zee highlight the importance of geographic zip code assignments, timely initiation of care, flexibility, and ongoing communication between clinicians and administrative staff. They also discuss the benefits and challenges of using dedicated admissions therapists, as well as the need for stress management and work-life boundaries. Practical tips such as being "politely assertive" when scheduling with patients and using text threads or team meetings to strengthen team cohesion are shared. The episode ultimately emphasizes that collaboration, planning, and mutual respect are key to optimizing care delivery in home health.

Bryce Chase (Agency Director) and Zee Bhimani (Physical Therapist and Clinical Preceptor) explore strategies for optimizing scheduling efficiency in home health care. The discussion begins by emphasizing the unique demands of autonomous scheduling in the home health setting and the critical impact it has on job satisfaction, patient outcomes, and operational costs. Zee shares findings from a survey of 372 clinicians, revealing a direct correlation between effective scheduling and job satisfaction. Bryce and Zee highlight the importance of geographic zip code assignments, timely initiation of care, flexibility, and ongoing communication between clinicians and administrative staff. They also discuss the benefits and challenges of using dedicated admissions therapists, as well as the need for stress management and work-life boundaries. Practical tips such as being "politely assertive" when scheduling with patients and using text threads or team meetings to strengthen team cohesion are shared. The episode ultimately emphasizes that collaboration, planning, and mutual respect are key to optimizing care delivery in home health.

Michael Seils, PT, DPT, EdD, MBA discusses the vital role of interdisciplinary collaboration in home health care. Drawing from several years of experience as a PT, home health supervisor, and academician, Dr. Seils emphasizes that strong communication among healthcare professionals is essential to improving outcomes, reducing hospitalizations, and optimizing patient and staff satisfaction. He shares insights from two impactful projects: a collaborative PT/OT model that resulted in a 0% rehospitalization rate, and his dissertation research exploring communication patterns between nurses and therapists in home care. Dr. Seils also advocates for structured tools such as SBAR and TeamSTEPPS to improve team coordination. His description of real-world case studies illustrate how collaborative start-of-care visits and intentional visit scheduling can proactively address patient needs and avoid rehospitalizations. The episode concludes with actionable takeaways for clinicians, educators, and policymakers to build a more connected and effective home health workforce.

Michael Seils, PT, DPT, EdD, MBA discusses the vital role of interdisciplinary collaboration in home health care. Drawing from several years of experience as a PT, home health supervisor, and academician, Dr. Seils emphasizes that strong communication among healthcare professionals is essential to improving outcomes, reducing hospitalizations, and optimizing patient and staff satisfaction. He shares insights from two impactful projects: a collaborative PT/OT model that resulted in a 0% rehospitalization rate, and his dissertation research exploring communication patterns between nurses and therapists in home care. Dr. Seils also advocates for structured tools such as SBAR and TeamSTEPPS to improve team coordination. His description of real-world case studies illustrate how collaborative start-of-care visits and intentional visit scheduling can proactively address patient needs and avoid rehospitalizations. The episode concludes with actionable takeaways for clinicians, educators, and policymakers to build a more connected and effective home health workforce.

Ellen Strunk, PT, MS, GCS, ACEEAA, CHC, RAC-CT covers key highlights of the 2026 Medicare Home Health Proposed Rule. Major topics include a proposed 6.4% reduction in Medicare fee-for-service payments, eased face-to-face documentation requirements, and changes to the Home Health CAHPS survey, including fewer and more relevant questions to reduce respondent burden. Additional updates include the removal of OASIS items, changes to DME competitive bidding, and significant enhancements to the Home Health Value-Based Purchasing (HHVBP) model—particularly expanding the role of functional improvement metrics like dressing and bathing. Ellen emphasized the importance of therapist advocacy, especially in opposing rate cuts and supporting meaningful policy improvements. Listeners are encouraged to submit feedback during the 60-day comment period to influence the final rule expected later in 2025.

Ellen Strunk, PT, MS, GCS, ACEEAA, CHC, RAC-CT covers key highlights of the 2026 Medicare Home Health Proposed Rule. Major topics include a proposed 6.4% reduction in Medicare fee-for-service payments, eased face-to-face documentation requirements, and changes to the Home Health CAHPS survey, including fewer and more relevant questions to reduce respondent burden. Additional updates include the removal of OASIS items, changes to DME competitive bidding, and significant enhancements to the Home Health Value-Based Purchasing (HHVBP) model—particularly expanding the role of functional improvement metrics like dressing and bathing. Ellen emphasized the importance of therapist advocacy, especially in opposing rate cuts and supporting meaningful policy improvements. Listeners are encouraged to submit feedback during the 60-day comment period to influence the final rule expected later in 2025.

Jonathan Lee-Confer, PhD discusses the often-overlooked role of the upper extremities in preventing falls during slips or trips. He covers a variety of topics including counterbalance, coordinated arm-leg movement, reaction time, type 2 muscle fiber activation, and ballistic upper extremity muscle activation. He distinguishes between the reactions required during slip-induced falls (lateral) and trip-induced falls (forward). Jonathan advocates for a comprehensive, multimodal approach to fall prevention, integrating upper body and lower body exercises to optimize neuromuscular responses and reduce falls risk.

Jonathan Lee-Confer, PhD discusses the often-overlooked role of the upper extremities in preventing falls during slips or trips. He covers a variety of topics including counterbalance, coordinated arm-leg movement, reaction time, type 2 muscle fiber activation, and ballistic upper extremity muscle activation. He distinguishes between the reactions required during slip-induced falls (lateral) and trip-induced falls (forward). Jonathan advocates for a comprehensive, multimodal approach to fall prevention, integrating upper body and lower body exercises to optimize neuromuscular responses and reduce falls risk.