The Home Care Association of America (HCAOA) Annual Conference in Dallas brought together agency leaders, innovators, and advocates all focused on one mission: strengthening home-based care for older adults and families.

It was energizing to be in the room with so many people pushing home care forward. We also had a special reason to be excited this year: we introduced KOTA, Ankota’s AI companion designed to support seniors and help agencies stay connected to clients and families.

For those who couldn’t attend, here are the big themes that stood out… and a short video recap at the end.

Workforce continues to be the #1 challenge

No surprise here: recruiting, training, and retaining caregivers is still the industry's biggest challenge.

But the conversation is shifting from “How do we hire more caregivers?” to
“How do we support, empower, and keep the caregivers we already have?”

Strategies discussed included:

• Tech to reduce admin and burnout

• More structured career paths

• Family caregiver support programs

• Better communication + connection

The agencies leaning into retention through relationships and tools are winning.

Innovation is gaining speed

This year felt different. Instead of asking, “Will technology change home care?” the industry seems to be asking…
“How fast can we adopt the right technology and training?”

Key themes:

• Digital companions & cognitive support for seniors

• Predictive tools to identify risk

• Communication and engagement platforms

• Hybrid care models that blend human + tech support

Person-centered care is non-negotiable

No matter how advanced the tech, the message was clear:
Human connection remains the heart of home care.

Tools can extend compassion, not replace it. That’s exactly why we built KOTA the way we did: warm, supportive, and designed to lift up both seniors and the people who care for them.

A quick personal moment

I was really touched by the sense of community at HCAOA. I appreciated listening in to the mentoring around the lunch tables and I loved the way the family partied at the Rodeo Bar. We're really lucky to be in an industry that's thriving.  I'm excited to grow with all of you.

See the conference in 3 Minutes

I put together a short highlight reel from the event.

👉 Click the video to watch:

It captures the people, the energy, and the excitement for what’s next in home care.

Looking forward

Home care is transforming.

Not by replacing caregivers…
but by supporting them, empowering families, and giving older adults more independence and connection.

If you’d like a personal walkthrough of KOTA and how agencies are using it to enhance care and strengthen client relationships, please click here to set up a meeting or visit KOTA.CARE.

We’re building this future together, and it’s inspiring to see the momentum.

Ankota's mission is to enable the Heroes who keep older and disabled people living at home to focus on care because we take care of the tech. If you need software for home care, EVV, I/DD Services, Self-Direction FMS, Adult Day Care centers, or Caregiver Recruiting, please Contact Ankota.