Slusher Consulting

06/08/2026

In the latest blog, I break down 5 critical areas where simply checking the compliance box may not actually serve your clients (and could even put your agency at risk down the road).

I dig into:
✔ Supervisory visits
✔ Client satisfaction surveys
✔ Emergency preparedness
✔ Background checks
✔ Care coordination with other providers.

Here's the thing: regulations set the minimum standard, but the agencies that go beyond it tend to deliver better care, see higher client satisfaction, reduce their liability, and build stronger referral relationships.

Whether you run a PAS agency, home health agency, hospice, or another type of home care business, these are practical strategies you can put to work.

Learn more at SlusherConsulting.com

Candyce Slusher of Slusher Consulting discusses 5 critical areas where simply meeting compliance standards may not truly serve your clients — and could even ...

06/04/2026

I’m a HUGE fan of Music and Memory! The benefit that individuals with dementia derive from personalized music programming is undoubtable. The benefit their caregivers get is equally phenomenal. Look into this for your clients. You’ll be glad you did.

Can music help improve quality of life for people living with dementia? Join us for a ❤️❤️❤️FREE❤️❤️❤️ virtual presentation exploring the evidence-based benefits of music engagement for individuals living with dementia and related cognitive impairments.

06/01/2026

Hurricane season is here! Is your emergency plan ready?

With the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season starting June 1, HHSC is reminding health care facilities, child care operators, and other regulated providers to update their safety procedures and emergency response plans. NOAA forecasts six to 10 hurricanes this season, with three to five expected to reach major status (Category 3 or higher).

As HHSC's Stephen Pahl put it, a current, ready-to-go plan is what protects vulnerable clients when severe weather hits.

Make sure your plan addresses:
- Power loss
- Water and food needs
- Communication with families and staff
- Staffing shortages and responsibilities
- Continuation of care and treatment
- Sheltering in place, evacuation, and transportation
- Got a generator? Test it now so it's ready when you need it.

Need a comprehensive, HHS-approved Emergency Preparedness Plan with a documentation template? Slusher Consulting has one ready to go at https://bit.ly/4dRvJ1m.

For sample plans, supply checklists, and more, you can also visit the DSHS Texas Ready website (https://texasready.gov/). Hurricane season runs through the end of November. Don't wait.

05/27/2026

Yes, you want the assessment booked. But that's not actually the goal of the first call. The goal is for the caller to hang up feeling better than they did when they dialed.

Less panicked. Less alone. More confident that someone gets it. If you can pull that off, the assessment usually books itself. And if they're not ready today?

That's fine. Just don't leave it open-ended. Ask if you can check in tomorrow. Stay in their corner.

Missed the last two posts about what really matters on the first call? Read the blog (https://bit.ly/48Hg1UM) or watch the full video (https://bit.ly/4upQec4).

Have questions? Book a free call with me at https://www.slusherconsulting.com/contactus.

05/20/2026

Every home care agency lists the same services. Bathing. Dressing. Meal prep. Medication reminders. But that's not what families are buying.

They're buying peace of mind. Safety. The chance for mom to stay in her own home. Relief for the daughter who hasn't slept in three weeks.

So when you talk to a caller, talk about what the care actually does for their life. A shower isn't hygiene. It's dignity. Say it that way.

Wanting to learn more? Watch the video at https://bit.ly/4upQec4

05/13/2026

When the phone rings at your home care agency, stop what you're doing. Seriously. No typing, no half-listening, no "hold on one sec."

The person on the other end can hear all of it. They're usually calling after a fall, a hospital stay, or some moment that scared them. They didn't pick up the phone for a sales pitch.

They picked it up because they need help. Give them your full attention from hello. Need some tips? Read the full blog at https://bit.ly/48Hg1UM.

05/07/2026

Happy Nurses Week! 🩺🌹

After 30+ years in this profession, here's what I know for sure: Nursing is hard. Harder than most people will ever understand. The long shifts, the impossible decisions, the weight you carry home.

To every nurse out there, thank you. For showing up. For caring deeply when it would be easier not to. For being the steady hand on someone's worst day. You matter more than you know. 🤍

— Candyce

05/07/2026

Honored to speak about TULIP at the HCAOA Texas Chapter conference today.

05/06/2026

Heard through the grapevine that Texas home care agencies are handing out $50 gift cards for private pay referrals? 🚩

Here's the thing most agency owners don't realize: even if you're private pay only and nowhere near CMS rules, Texas still says no.

TAC §558.255 loops in Texas Occupations Code Chapter 102, which prohibits paid solicitation of patients, and it applies to EVERY licensed HCSSA, regardless of payer source.

"But A Place for Mom does it!" Their contracts are carefully worded around marketing and tour facilitation, not referrals. There's a legal difference, and it matters.

Before you file a complaint against a competitor, consider sending them this instead. Most of the time, they just don't know. 💡

When we know better, we do better.

05/05/2026

So excited to share that I'll be speaking at the Texas Association for Home Care & Hospice Spring Conference this year on Survey Readiness & Preparedness!

Survey prep is one of those areas where a little structure and the right mindset can make all the difference. I'm looking forward to sharing what I've learned working alongside agencies over the years. The speaker lineup is full of people I admire and learn from, and I can't wait to be in the virtual room with our home care and hospice community.

🔗 Full details + registration: https://lnkd.in/gJrs8gbt