The Home Care Experience with T&A

What’s Happening with Amy? Life, Love & Big Business Changes

Amy Taylor & Troy Brooks — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 11:36:01 -0500

Welcome back to The Home Care Experience with T&A! In today’s episode, Amy goes solo to share a deeply personal and transformational update on her life and business. From divorce, name changes, and rediscovering an old love… to selling her office, moving to Florida, and merging her firm—Amy opens the doors fully and brings listeners into her world.

If you’ve ever wondered what it looks like when life hits the reset button and everything changes at once, this is the episode for you.

CHAPTERS:
00:00 – Intro
01:00 – Divorce, name change & identity
04:00 – Why the firm stayed Knight Home Care Financial
07:00 – Reconnecting with old friends
09:00 – The high school sweetheart story
13:00 – Getting married in Fredericksburg
16:00 – Selling the Austin office
18:00 – Moving full-time to Florida
22:00 – Living at the beach
27:00 – Merging with Patrick Accounting & Works
34:00 – What this means for the firm & future
36:45 – Retirement timeline & next steps
41:00 – Final reflections & closing message

Listen on:
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | thehomecareexperience.com

#HomeCarePodcast #HomeCareExperience #HealthcareLeadership #CaregiverCommunity #AmyTaylor

What Happens When a CPA Meets an Attorney?

Amy Taylor & Troy Brooks — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 16:08:46 -0500

In Episode 14 of The Home Care Experience with T&A, Amy Taylor and Troy Brooks share the story of how they met, how their careers intersected in the early days of home care consulting, and how decades of experience turned into a trusted partnership.

This episode dives into:

How long-term professional relationships are built in home care
Why having industry-specific advisors matters
The hidden challenges outsiders miss when entering home care and hospice
Lessons learned from clients, compliance, and real-world experience

If you’re a home care or hospice owner, healthcare entrepreneur, or industry professional, this conversation offers insight you won’t find in a textbook.

Chapters
0:00 – Intro
2:45 – How Amy and Troy first met
8:30 – Early careers in home care
15:10 – Building long-term client relationships
22:40 – Why home care is different from other industries
30:10 – The importance of trusted advisors
32:15 – Closing thoughts & what’s next

🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
🌐 Visit thehomecareexperience.com for show notes and resources.

The Truth About the New Attendant Wage Rules in Texas

Amy Taylor & Troy Brooks — Fri, 12 Dec 2025 15:22:54 -0500

Welcome to another episode of The Home Care Experience with T&A, where Amy Taylor and Troy Brooks break down the most important issues shaping the home care and hospice industry.

In this special solo episode, Amy unpacks the massive Texas HHSC payment model change that went into effect on September 1, 2025—a shift that impacts reimbursement rates, cost reporting, average wage requirements, and future compliance risk for every home care agency in the state.

If you’re a Texas provider, this episode is essential. If you’re not in Texas, it’s still a powerful preview of where similar policies across the U.S. are heading.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

Why ACERS was eliminated and what replaced it
The real meaning behind the new “$13 average wage” requirement (spoiler: it’s NOT a minimum wage)
How misinformation from monitors and MCOs created confusion for providers
What goes into the 90% spend requirement—and how to avoid being placed on the new public “naughty list”
Why raising wages across the board to $13/hour could put agencies in financial danger
Strategic guidance on compliance, payroll structure, and preparing for the next cost-reporting cycle
How the cost report system (STEPS) will change the way providers submit and reconcile their data

Amy breaks down these rules in plain English, providing clear explanations and actionable guidance.

Whether you’re an agency owner, administrator, compliance leader, or just trying to understand the rapidly shifting home care landscape—this episode gives you the clarity you need to protect your agency and plan ahead.

Chapters

00:00 Intro
01:01 What Changed on September 1?
01:16 Why Amy Is Leading This Breakdown Episode
02:12 Understanding the “Naughty List” & 90% Spend Requirement
03:30 The Truth About the $13 Wage Rule (Not a Minimum!)
07:35 Why Legislators Appropriated Funding the Way They Did
08:00 How HHSC Calculated the Statewide Average Wage Expectation
09:00 Misinformation From Monitors & Case Managers
26:55 New STEPS Cost Reporting System & Pre-Populated Data
30:00 What Agencies Should Do Next
31:00 Closing Thoughts

Listen On

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | TheHomeCareExperience.com

Hashtags

#HomeCarePodcast #HealthcareLeadership #HomeCareInnovation #TexasHomeCare #HHSCUpdate #MedicaidHomeCare #CostReporting #HealthcareCompliance

Why Amy Taylor Chose Home Care and Never Looked Back

Amy Taylor & Troy Brooks — Mon, 27 Oct 2025 17:16:35 -0400

Welcome to The Home Care Experience with T&A! In this episode, Amy Taylor shares her journey into home care—from waitressing at Outback to becoming a trusted CPA and advocate for providers.

Chapters
0:00 Learning Through Messy Books
0:21 Narrator Intro – Amy Taylor’s Journey
1:29 From Oklahoma Roots to Accounting Dreams
5:01 First Job and Early Career Lessons
9:32 What Outback Taught Me About Work and Life
13:55 Discovering Home Care with Craig Carter
17:00 Starting Fresh and Building a Firm
21:05 Moving to Austin and Starting Over
33:17 Thinking Bigger and Expanding Vision
42:48 Why Amy Chose Home Care and Never Looked Back

💬 What was your biggest takeaway from Amy’s story? Drop it in the comments!

#HomeCarePodcast #HealthcareHeroes #CaregivingTips

Why Business Associate Agreements Are Essential in Home Care

Amy Taylor & Troy Brooks — Wed, 17 Sep 2025 16:16:09 -0400

Welcome to The Home Care Experience with T&A!
In this episode, Amy Taylor and Troy Brooks uncover why Business Associate Agreements (BAAs) are essential for HIPAA compliance, data security, and peace of mind in home care and hospice.

Chapters:
0:00 Intro
1:30 What is a Business Associate Agreement?
5:00 Common misconceptions about HIPAA and BAAs
10:00 Real-life stories from the field
15:30 Cybersecurity and insurance challenges
20:45 Why you need to update your agreements
22:50 Final thoughts

👉 Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Website

#HomeCarePodcast #HealthcareHeroes #HealthcareCompliance #HIPAA #Cybersecurity

How a Home Care Lawyer Found His Calling

Amy Taylor & Troy Brooks — Thu, 21 Aug 2025 15:00:00 -0400

In this episode of The Home Care Experience with T&A, co-host Troy Brooks flips the script and shares how he stumbled into home care law. From Louisiana courtrooms to Texas compliance battles, Troy opens up about his journey, the mentors who shaped him, and why he’s never left the home care community.

👉 Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Youtube

Chapters:
0:00 Intro
1:20 From Law School to Louisiana Courtrooms
7:50 First Steps at Texas DHS
12:30 Choosing Nurses Over Policy Work
18:00 Moving Into Private Practice
22:15 Discovering Home Care Law
30:45 Why Home Care Providers Inspire Him
34:00 The Power of TAG (Texas Association for Home Care & Hospice)
36:15 Takeaways and Closing

#HomeCarePodcast #HealthcareHeroes #HealthcareLeadership

Payroll Doesn’t Have to Hurt: Shelby Betts on Home Care Back Offices

Amy Taylor & Troy Brooks — Thu, 24 Jul 2025 16:26:52 -0400

Payroll shouldn’t be painful but in home care, it often is. In this episode, Amy Taylor and Troy Brooks talk with Shelby Betts of WHIRKS Payroll about the biggest challenges agencies face when managing payroll, and how to fix them. Discover why outsourcing payroll can streamline your operations, reduce risk, and even improve employee retention.

🔗 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and visit https://thehomecareexperience.com

Chapters:

0:00 – Intro & Why Payroll Hurts
1:32 – Meet Shelby Betts & WHIRKS
4:41 – Outsourcing vs. DIY Payroll
8:07 – Overcomplicated Pay Structures
12:58 – Off-Cycle Payroll: A Red Flag
18:19 – Tax Filings, Compliance & State Rules
24:00 – The Value of True Service Providers
30:12 – Integrations & EMR Systems
37:05 – Transitioning to a New Payroll Partner
41:29 – WOTC: The Overlooked Tax Credit
44:00 – Closing Thoughts on Outsourcing

Hashtags:
#HomeCarePodcast #PayrollTips #BackOfficeSolutions #ShelbyBetts #HealthcareLeadership #HomeCareInnovation

Cracking the Hospice Cap: What Every Provider Needs to Know

Amy Taylor & Troy Brooks — Mon, 09 Jun 2025 14:49:47 -0400

Did you know that your “healthy” hospice agency could owe Medicare millions—years after the fact?

In this episode of The Home Care Experience with T&A, Amy Taylor and Troy Brooks explain the hospice aggregate cap and its devastating impact on unprepared providers. From the nuances of daily rate limits to the risks posed by patient transfers and average length of stay, this is essential for anyone in the home care space.

Expect honest stories, practical strategies, and some surprising revelations. Whether you’re just launching a hospice agency or acquiring one, this conversation could save your bottom line.

Chapters:

0:00 – Narrator Intro
1:25 – What Is the Hospice Cap?
5:50 – Balancing Long-Term vs. Short-Term Patients
10:45 – Transfers & Prorated Credit Explained
14:00 – Stories of Big Overpayments
18:30 – Monitoring & Documentation Musts
22:00 – Hospice Eligibility & Medical Necessity
28:00 – Guidance for New Owners
33:00 – The Culture of Hospice & Final Thoughts

🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | thehomecareexperience.com

#HomeCarePodcast #HospiceCare #MedicareCompliance #HealthcareLeadership

Mergers & Acquisitions in Home Care: What You Need to Know

Amy Taylor & Troy Brooks — Mon, 12 May 2025 13:36:51 -0400

Welcome to The Home Care Experience with T&A! In Episode 7, Amy and Troy explore the complex—and often misunderstood—world of buying and selling home care agencies. If you've ever thought about selling your agency, acquiring another, or advising someone through the process, this episode is for you. Get practical legal and financial guidance, learn what mistakes to avoid, and walk away with a much clearer idea of what it takes to succeed in a home care M&A.

You’ll Learn:

What a proper M&A process looks like in home care
Stock vs. asset purchase: pros, cons, and consequences
How due diligence protects both buyer and seller
Why rushing the deal can backfire
When to call in the professionals—and why it matters

🎧 Don’t miss Troy’s real talk about brokers and Amy’s breakdown of why a “friendly deal” still needs legal backup.

0:00 – Intro
0:46 – What "Mergers & Acquisitions" Really Means
2:00 – The Realities of the Process
3:30 – NDAs and Sharing Info
4:30 – The “Non-Binding” LOI Myth
8:00 – Stock Purchase vs. Asset Purchase
13:45 – Due Diligence: Financial vs. Clinical
18:00 – Regulatory and Tax Landmines
26:00 – Cost Reports, Buyer Risk & CPAs
30:00 – The Broker Factor
40:00 – Red Flags, “Too Good to Be True” Deals
45:00 – Final Thoughts

Hashtags:
#HomeCarePodcast #HealthcareHeroes #CaregivingTips #MergersAndAcquisitions #HealthcareLeadership #HomeCareInnovation

Disclaimer: The information provided in this episode is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Always consult with your own attorney, CPA, or qualified advisor before making decisions related to buying, selling, or operating a home care business.

More Than a Caregiver: Denise Bell’s Story

Amy Taylor & Troy Brooks — Wed, 23 Apr 2025 17:13:45 -0400

In this episode of The Home Care Experience with T&A, hosts Amy Taylor and Troy Brooks welcome guest Denise Bell—former home care agency owner, skincare brand founder, and bold advocate for personal growth. From Kodak cubicles in the '80s to Grammy swag bags in 2024, Denise walks us through her transformative journey through entrepreneurship, burnout, and rediscovery.

She shares how home health taught her about the selflessness of nurses, why she left it all behind, and what it really means to prioritize your own needs in a caregiving world. Expect unfiltered real talk, emotional insight, and laughter you didn’t know you needed.

📌 Chapters:

00:00 – Intro
02:15 – Kodak beginnings and the power of customer service
06:00 – Getting into home health: family, Craig Carter, and career pivots
11:00 – Burnout in caregiving: the warning signs and what comes next
17:00 – Reinventing herself at 44: Esthetician school and Five Circle Skincare
24:00 – The psychology of self-talk and finding your voice
29:00 – Practical self-care vs. performative wellness
36:00 – Rituals, relationships, and the ice cream story
39:00 – Denise's message for overworked women and caregivers
40:00 – Outro and future topics

🎧 Listen on:

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | YouTube | thehomecareexperience.com

Mentioned in the Episode:

Five Circle Skincare (Denise’s brand)
Baldwin Beauty School, Austin
Craig Carter and the role of cost reporting in home care

Rate Enhancement: How to Maximize TX Medicaid Reimbursement Without Losing Your Shirt

Amy Taylor & Troy Brooks — Wed, 02 Apr 2025 08:42:25 -0400

Understanding Texas Medicaid Rate Enhancement—and why it matters for Personal Assistance Services providers

In Episode 5 of The Home Care Experience with T&A, Amy Taylor and Troy Brooks unpack the complexities of this powerful but often misunderstood Texas program. From how to enroll and measure compliance, to using bonuses strategically and avoiding devastating recoupments, this is a must-listen for PAS providers and agency owners.

Whether you’re new to rate enhancement or trying to protect your current reimbursement level, this episode gives you actionable insights to protect your business and support your staff.

🔗 Explore more episodes & show notes: https://thehomecareexperience.com

Building Cash Reserves in Home Care

Amy Taylor & Troy Brooks — Mon, 17 Feb 2025 14:00:00 -0500

Cash flow is the lifeline of any home care business. In this episode, hosts Amy Taylor and Troy Brooks dive into the financial strategies home care providers need to stay afloat, especially in uncertain times. From securing lines of credit to smart financial planning, they break down how to build a safety net that ensures long-term success.

💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Why cash reserves are essential for home care providers
How a line of credit can safeguard your business
The importance of securing financial backing before you need it
Understanding financial obligations, including payroll taxes
How to prepare for financial emergencies and unexpected expenses
Why frugality is key for startups and growing businesses
The role of professional financial guidance in strengthening cash flow

Whether you're an established provider or launching a new home care agency, financial preparedness is non-negotiable. Tune in for expert insights on securing your business's financial future!

Listen & Subscribe
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KnightHCFinancial
More Episodes: thehomecareexperience.com

📌 Chapters:
0:00 - Navigating Cash Flow Challenges in Home Care
10:05 - Building Cash Reserves: Strategies and Insights
20:08 - Understanding Financial Obligations and Planning for Success

💬 What financial strategies have helped your home care business? Share your thoughts in the comments!

#HomeCarePodcast #FinancialPlanning #CashFlow #HomeCareBusiness #HealthcareLeadership #Entrepreneurship

Navigating Cybersecurity in Home Care

Amy Taylor & Troy Brooks — Mon, 03 Feb 2025 18:30:21 -0500

In this conversation, Amy Taylor and Troy Brooks delve into the critical topic of cybersecurity within the home care sector. They discuss the increasing threats posed by cybercriminals, particularly in healthcare, and the importance of implementing robust security measures. The conversation covers various aspects of cybersecurity, including the types of attacks, preventive strategies, the role of insurance, data management practices, and the legal implications of breaches. They emphasize the need for training and awareness among staff, as well as the importance of having a solid emergency response plan in place. The discussion highlights the necessity of viewing cybersecurity as an ongoing concern rather than a one-time fix, urging organizations to be proactive in their approach to safeguarding sensitive information.

Takeaways

Cybersecurity is a growing concern in home care.
Healthcare institutions are prime targets for cyber attacks.
Criminal organizations are increasingly sophisticated in their methods.
Data segregation is crucial for protecting sensitive information.
Insurance policies must be carefully reviewed for adequate coverage.
Training staff on cybersecurity is essential for prevention.
Legal implications can arise from data breaches.
Emergency preparedness plans should include cybersecurity protocols.
Proactive measures are necessary to mitigate risks.
Understanding the threat landscape is key to effective security.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Cybersecurity in Home Care
02:57 The Growing Threat Landscape
05:48 Understanding Cyber Attacks and Their Impact
09:08 Preventive Measures and Best Practices
11:56 The Role of Insurance in Cybersecurity
14:46 Data Management and Segregation
18:08 The Importance of Training and Awareness
20:57 Legal Implications of Cyber Breaches
23:45 Emergency Preparedness and Response
27:03 Conclusion and Future Considerations

(00:00) - Introduction to Cybersecurity in Home Care
(02:57) - The Growing Threat Landscape
(05:48) - Understanding Cyber Attacks and Their Impact
(09:08) - Preventive Measures and Best Practices
(11:56) - The Role of Insurance in Cybersecurity
(14:46) - Data Management and Segregation
(18:08) - The Importance of Training and Awareness
(20:57) - Legal Implications of Cyber Breaches
(23:45) - Emergency Preparedness and Response
(27:03) - Conclusion and Future Considerations

Navigating the Evolving Home Care Landscape

Amy Taylor & Troy Brooks — Mon, 03 Feb 2025 18:28:09 -0500

In this conversation, Amy Taylor and Troy Brooks discuss the current state of the home care industry, focusing on the increasing scrutiny in hospice care, the financial impacts of COVID-19, and the challenges faced by home health providers, particularly in relation to Medicaid. They explore the unique issues in pediatric home care, the regulatory scrutiny surrounding documentation, and the importance of seeking the right help in navigating the complexities of the industry. The discussion highlights the evolving landscape of home care and the need for providers to stay informed and connected to succeed.

Takeaways

The home care industry is experiencing significant changes and scrutiny.
Hospice care is facing increased regulatory oversight and scrutiny.
COVID-19 has had lasting financial impacts on home care providers.
Many providers are struggling with rising costs and stagnant revenues post-COVID.
Pediatric home care faces unique challenges, including documentation issues.
Regulatory scrutiny is increasing, particularly in Medicaid and hospice care.
Providers need to be aware of the importance of accurate documentation.
There is a need for specialized help in navigating the complexities of home care.
Networking and community engagement are crucial for success in the industry.
The home care landscape is constantly evolving, requiring adaptability from providers.

Chapters

00:00 Current State of the Home Care Industry
03:28 Scrutiny and Changes in Hospice Care
08:07 Impact of COVID-19 on Home Care Finances
12:39 Challenges in Home Health and Medicaid
15:31 Unique Issues in Pediatric Home Care
20:54 Regulatory Scrutiny and Documentation Challenges
26:10 Navigating the Evolving Home Care Landscape

homecareexperience.com

A Riot Frequency Podcast Network Production https://theriotfrequency.transistor.fm/

(00:00) - Current State of the Home Care Industry
(03:28) - Scrutiny and Changes in Hospice Care
(08:07) - Impact of COVID-19 on Home Care Finances
(12:39) - Challenges in Home Health and Medicaid
(15:31) - Unique Issues in Pediatric Home Care
(20:54) - Regulatory Scrutiny and Documentation Challenges
(26:10) - Navigating the Evolving Home Care Landscape

Why Did We Start a Podcast?

Amy Taylor & Troy Brooks — Mon, 03 Feb 2025 18:06:37 -0500

In the inaugural episode of the Home Care Experience podcast, hosts Amy Taylor and Troy Brooks share their extensive backgrounds in the home care industry, discussing their motivations for starting the podcast and the insights they hope to share. They emphasize the importance of community, the challenges faced in home care and hospice, and the need for agility in operations. The conversation also touches on the evolution of regulations, the significance of building relationships, and the lessons learned from past mistakes. The hosts express their excitement for future episodes and the potential to bring more voices into the conversation.

Takeaways

Amy and Troy have extensive experience in the home care industry.
The podcast aims to share insights and foster community.
Home care is a powerful industry that benefits patients.
Agility is crucial for success in home care operations.
Building relationships is key in the home care sector.
Learning from mistakes can provide valuable lessons.
Texas has a strong home care community that leads the way.
The hosts plan to feature guests and share diverse stories.
Regulations in home care are constantly evolving.
The podcast will be both entertaining and informative.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Home Care Experience Podcast
02:52 Foundations of Home Care: Personal Stories and Insights
06:05 The Importance of Community in Home Care
08:50 Navigating Challenges in Home Care and Hospice
12:09 The Evolution of Home Care Regulations
14:56 Agility in Home Care Operations
18:13 Building Relationships in the Home Care Industry
21:00 Learning from Mistakes: Cautionary Tales
23:53 Future Plans for the Podcast

(00:00) - Introduction to the Home Care Experience Podcast
(02:52) - Foundations of Home Care: Personal Stories and Insights
(06:05) - The Importance of Community in Home Care
(08:50) - Navigating Challenges in Home Care and Hospice
(12:09) - The Evolution of Home Care Regulations
(14:56) - Agility in Home Care Operations
(18:13) - Building Relationships in the Home Care Industry
(21:00) - Learning from Mistakes: Cautionary Tales
(23:53) - Future Plans for the Podcast

The Home Care Experience Teaser

Amy Taylor & Troy Brooks — Wed, 29 Jan 2025 14:33:09 -0500

🎙️ Introducing The Home Care Experience with T&A—a podcast that goes beyond the surface to explore the real stories, challenges, and insights from the home care and hospice industry.

In this teaser, get a glimpse of what’s to come as hosts Amy Taylor and Troy Brooks bring their expertise, humor, and candid conversations to the mic. From navigating the complexities of caregiving to industry-changing insights, we’re here to share knowledge and build community.

🔹 Why do caregivers burn out—and how can they take care of themselves?
🔹 What makes home care so unique compared to other healthcare settings?
🔹 What stories and lessons do industry veterans and providers have to share?

Whether you’re a healthcare professional, a caregiver, or simply curious about what happens behind the scenes, The Home Care Experience with T&A is your go-to source for real talk, expert advice, and engaging discussions.

🎧 Subscribe now and join us for the journey—because home care is more than a job, it’s an experience.

#HomeCarePodcast #CaregivingInsights #HealthcareHeroes #PodcastTeaser