(Alexandria, VA)— The National Alliance for Care at Home (the Alliance) successfully hosted its second Annual Meeting & Exposition in Washington, DC, from Oct. 27-30. The event brought together leaders from across the care at home community to learn, connect, and explore the trends, innovations, and strategies shaping the future of care delivery. Over 1,400 attendees and exhibitors joined the event, which included award presentations, leadership-centered programming, continuing education, real-world skill building, a solutions-focused expo hall, and networking.
On October 27-28, Pre-conference attendees participated in three professional development workshops and activities, including: Manager Development Program Foundational Course, Introduction to Compliance and Quality Workshop, and Executive Technology & AI Leadership Workshop.
The event officially kicked off on Wednesday, October 28, with a keynote session featuring Jennifer Sheets, CEO of the Alliance, Kim Brandt, Deputy Administrator and Chief Operating Officer of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Denis Fleming Jr., Chief Government Affairs Officer of the Alliance, and Joel Wherley, President and CEO of VITAS Healthcare. This important and candid conversation focused on policy priorities, operational realities, and what’s ahead for care at home.
Thursday began with a powerful keynote session from J.R. Martinez, a New York Times bestselling author, motivational speaker, actor, advocate, and wounded U.S. Army veteran whose remarkable story of resilience has inspired audiences around the world. Throughout the day, attendees joined educational sessions centered around industry topics such as regulatory compliance, quality improvement, growth and outreach, emerging care models, AI adoption and technology integration, and more.
Thursday concluded with the 2026 National Alliance for Care at Home Foundation Gala, an Evening to Honor Veterans and Strengthen Care, held at the Grand Hyatt Washington. This ticketed reception brought together leaders from across home health, hospice, palliative care, Medicaid HCBS, and home care to celebrate their shared commitment to providing compassionate, high-quality care to patients and families.
On Friday, the final day of conference programming, Dr. Heather Hodges, Ph.D., delivered a closing keynote focused on the art and science of leading innovation. Dr. Hodges, an organizational psychologist and creator of the 12 Types of Creative Genius®, showed attendees how to blend science and storytelling to create memorable experiences that inspire teams to think creatively and reach their full potential.
Throughout the event, leaders in our industry were also honored as part of the Alliance’s 2026 Awards Program. Awards included:
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Patty Husted, Executive Vice President of Patient and Family Supportive Services, VITAS Healthcare
- Dr. Bernice Catherine Harper Trailblazer Award: Oscar Lewis, Community Partnership Specialist, Empath Health
- Volunteer of the Year Award: Inez Lewis, Community Hospice & Health Services
- Advocate of the Year Award: Teri Henning, Vice President of Government Affairs, Aveanna Healthcare
- Above and Beyond Award: Makale Fox RN, Home Program, Compassionate Care Plus
Learn more about Alliance Awards.
“This week showed what’s possible when home health, hospice, palliative care, Medicaid HCBS, and home care come together as one community. Every one of us plays a vital role in helping patients and families receive compassionate, high-quality care where they want it most: at home,” said Jennifer Sheets, CEO of the Alliance. “A united care at home continuum is our greatest strength, and it’s how we’ll keep shaping the future of care delivery for the people we serve. I’m grateful to everyone who joined us in Washington, DC for valuable learning and connection, and I can’t wait to see how this momentum builds. I’m excited to share more soon about how the Alliance is investing in its 2027 programming, including a new emphasis on clinical and operational expertise.”
The Alliance looks forward to continuing to convene leading events for the care at home community.
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About the National Alliance for Care at Home
The National Alliance for Care at Home (the Alliance) is the leading authority in advancing care in the home. We envision an America where everyone has access to the highest quality, person-centered healthcare wherever they call home. Through advocacy, education, and convening, we connect providers and stakeholders to strengthen care delivery across the home-based care continuum — spanning home care, home health, hospice, palliative care, and Medicaid home and community-based services. Learn more at www.AllianceForCareAtHome.org.
Press Contact
communications@allianceforcareathome.org
Hannah Kristan | 202-355-1647