Voices of Hospice Leadership Podcast

Why This Episode Matters for Hospice Leaders When families hesitate, your census suffers. In this episode, you’ll learn practical language and field-tested frameworks to move families from fear to clarity, earn clinician buy-in, and empower your team to follow through without getting “salesy.” What You’ll Learn (At A Glance) Eligibility Vs. Readiness: How to guide families without pressureThe “Hospice Bank Account” Analogy: A simple way to explain the Medicare benefitDemystifying Meds: Refram...

RN leader Ashleigh Lugar (Merrill Gardens) shares how “not matching energy,” empowering staff, and early hospice education turn high-emotion moments into better outcomes for residents and families plus the top 5 signs it’s time to consider hospice in assisted living. Today’s guest is Ashleigh Lugar, RN, Regional Director of Health Services at Merrill Gardens. With 20 years in senior living and hospice, Ashleigh breaks down compassionate leadership, the difference between delegating and empowe...

Welcome to another episode of the Voices of Hospice Leadership Podcast. In this conversation, host Brian Frantz sits down with Kait McEwen, founder of Peaceful Passage, to explore how her work complements hospice services and provides families with much needed support during the end of life journey. Kait brings a unique, non-medical perspective that focuses on advocacy, logistical planning, and guiding families through what can often feel overwhelming. She describes her role as “walking along...

In this episode of Voices of Hospice Leadership, Brian Frantz sits down with Sannie Lee, Area Director of Sales at Suncrest Care in Sacramento. Sannie shares how a “boots on the ground” approach—built on visibility, consistency, and a strong internal culture—has helped Suncrest stand out in a crowded market. From avoiding “muffin marketing” to building real relationships with referral partners, Sannie dives into what it takes to grow hospice census the right way. Whether you're an owner, exec...

In this powerful episode of The Voices of Hospice Leadership, host Brian Frantz sits down with Keely Vacca, Hospice Administrator at Elara Caring, to explore the personal and professional journey that led her into hospice leadership. From early inspiration during nursing school to guiding teams through the challenges of end-of-life care, Keely shares what continues to drive her passion for this meaningful work. Topics include: The emotional rewards and realities of hospice careLeadership insi...