What happens when a doctor of physical Therapy who swore he'd never work with older adults discovers his true calling in senior care? Matt Hansen, Executive Director of the Home Care and Hospice Association of Utah, takes us on his remarkable journey from pediatric specialist to passionate advocate for quality home-based care.
Matt reveals how his perspective dramatically shifted when he recognized the profound similarities between life's bookends—young children and seniors often share the clearest understanding of what truly matters in life. Through candid storytelling, he challenges some of our most deeply held assumptions about caring for Aging loved ones, particularly the belief that families should handle everything themselves.
The conversation tackles head-on the uncomfortable reality that well-intentioned family Caregiving often fundamentally changes Relationships. When adult children become caregivers, they frequently stop being daughters or sons in the same way. Professional support can preserve these precious family dynamics while ensuring comprehensive care.
Perhaps most provocatively, Matt questions the inheritance mindset that prevents seniors from utilizing their life savings for quality care. “The Money my parents saved is there to take care of them,” he emphasizes. “The greatest inheritance they've given me isn't financial—it's values, work ethic, and love.”
Looking toward the future, Matt shares his optimism about emerging technologies that promise to transform home care. From non-wearable sensors that monitor vital signs through mattresses to AI systems that streamline documentation, these innovations may help address the serious staffing and reimbursement challenges facing the industry.
For anyone considering home care for a loved one—or as a career path—this episode offers invaluable perspective. As Matt beautifully states, entering someone's home to provide care isn't just a job; it's stepping onto “sacred ground” where you might be their only advocate for maintaining independence and dignity.
• Moving from pediatrics to geriatrics after initially being reluctant to work with older adults
• The misconception that families can handle senior care alone without professional support
• How family relationships change when relatives become caregivers instead of maintaining their primary roles
• Challenging the mindset that saved money should be preserved as inheritance rather than used for quality care
• The funding challenges facing home care with Medicare Advantage plans paying significantly less than traditional Medicare
• Technology innovations making aging in place safer, including non-invasive monitoring systems and AI-assisted documentation
• Utah's surprising statistic of over 450,000 family caregivers, many who don't identify as caregivers
• The sacred responsibility of working in someone's home and serving as their advocate
Notifications
