Key Points:
- The Silver Tsunami and Home Care Innovation
Kunu Kaushal emphasizes the growing demand for elder care driven by the aging population, often referred to as the “silver tsunami.” His organization, Senior Solutions Home Care, and the Independent Home Care Alliance are committed to providing high-quality, professionalized care by connecting caregivers with aging individuals. Their approach is focused on creating sustainable, locally owned businesses while maintaining enterprise-level standards. - Reskilling and Upskilling for Workforce Sustainability
Kaushal discusses the critical need for adaptability in the workforce, highlighting the importance of reskilling and upskilling employees. He notes that technology, compliance, and customer expectations have reshaped job roles, making training and dynamic skill development essential for long-term success in home care and beyond. - Improved VA Services for Veterans
Kaushal details the advancements in VA services, including streamlined processes for authorizations and reimbursements, which have drastically improved the efficiency and quality of care provided to veterans. He attributes these changes to bipartisan support and sustained advocacy, leading to better accessibility and dignity in care for veterans in their homes.
Transcript:
Sean Ofeldt: Welcome to the show. I’m Sean Ofeldt, your host and CEO of Transition Overwatch. Today, I have the pleasure of speaking with Kunu Kaushal, who is the founder and CEO of the Independent Home Care Alliance. Welcome to the show, Kunu.
Kunu Kaushal: Thanks, Sean. Thanks for having me today.
Sean: So, Kunu, just to kick things off, can you give us an overview of who you are and what it is that you’re working on in Nashville?
Kunu: Sure. Yeah, I mean, to keep it brief a little bit, I’ll just mention we founded a company called Senior Solutions Home Care almost fourteen years ago. It was really answering the call for a need for two sides of a really important mission. One was finding employment for individuals who needed an opportunity to serve others. And in that model, it was entering the healthcare field.
Fourteen years ago, what we were seeing is that clearly there was this “silver tsunami,” this aging group of individuals. And as we know, between baby boomers and others, there’s just an incredible number that are going to need a lot of help. We’ve already seen the beginnings of that in the last decade.
For us, what we knew is to serve others, you have to have capable individuals willing to provide professional services. At that time, we were focused on one side: connecting employees from the community with this aging population, individuals with disabilities, and those needing long-term healthcare.
My personal background includes working in home health, private duty nursing, and consulting, which gave me insight into how much people want to age with dignity and safety in their own homes. Home care and home health are central to that vision.
Then the pandemic hit, and small- to medium-sized organizations in our industry were struggling. That’s when we founded the Independent Home Care Alliance. Our philosophy is that small, independent organizations are stronger when they work together.
Today, we focus on best practices, professionalization, and sustainability for these businesses as they navigate their next five to ten years. Luckily, over the last fourteen years, we’ve grown from a laptop and a couple of employees to being one of the largest in-home care providers in Tennessee. We’ve expanded to Atlanta, Georgia, but size isn’t everything for us—quality is.
Sean: Under the Alliance, are these individual companies working together, or do they fall under your umbrella? How does that work?
Kunu: Good question. They’re all independently owned and operated. That entrepreneurial spirit is critical to their strength. These aren’t franchises; they’re locally owned businesses without the backing of a corporate office or major financial entity.
The backgrounds of these owners vary widely. Some were inspired by personal experiences with family members, while others were drawn to this work from different walks of life. Most of these organizations have fewer than sixty employees, though some have thousands while still maintaining a local, non-corporate feel.
By combining efforts, we help elevate care standards, ultimately benefiting everyone—especially the end user.
Sean: That’s great to hear. I really commend the standard you’re holding. It’s not just about creating a business but about providing a meaningful, impactful service.
Kunu: Exactly. Our mission has always been to make a meaningful impact. On a personal note, I built this organization with the idea that one day, I might need it for myself or my parents. It’s about building a world you’d want to live in and be proud of.
Sean: That’s a powerful perspective. Speaking of the workforce, how has being an employer in Nashville changed over the years?
Kunu: It’s changed a lot. Nashville’s growth is exciting, but it brings challenges like housing affordability and traffic. For employers, the biggest issue isn’t hiring—it’s retention. Talent is highly marketable here, and people have options.
We’ve also seen shifts in workforce dynamics. Traditional paths like four-year degrees can’t keep pace with demand. On-the-job training and mentorship are more crucial than ever. Organizations like Transition Overwatch, which focus on upskilling, are leading the way in bridging these gaps.
Sean: On the topic of upskilling, can you share what that’s looked like for your organization?
Kunu: Absolutely. Over the years, we’ve had to rethink how we evaluate skills. It’s no longer about how many skills someone has but how relevant they are to the job.
For example, a scheduling coordinator role has evolved. It used to be about phone calls; now, it involves CRM tools, dashboards, and text-based communication. Training is essential but challenging. We’ve found that adaptability and a willingness to learn are the most valuable traits.
Sean: That adaptability is critical, especially with how quickly things like AI are advancing. Speaking of advancements, you’ve seen positive changes in the VA system recently. Can you talk about that?
Kunu: Definitely. When we started working with the VA over a decade ago, the system was bogged down with inefficiencies. At one point, we were waiting over fourteen months for reimbursement, which was tough.
In the last five years, though, we’ve seen a significant modernization. Authorizations now come through electronically within hours, and reimbursements happen in about two weeks. This has made a huge difference in serving veterans with the dignity they deserve.
Sean: That’s phenomenal progress. As we wrap up, why is Nashville a great place to live and work?
Kunu: Nashville has that rare mix of small-town charm and big-city opportunities. The community, hospitality, and cultural scene make it special. As someone who grew up here and now raises kids here, I feel it’s a place where you can invest in your career and your family’s future.
Sean: Absolutely. Well, Kunu, thank you so much for joining us today and for the incredible work you’re doing in this space.
Kunu: Thank you, Sean, and I appreciate what you and Transition Overwatch are doing as well. Together, we’re making a meaningful impact.
Sean: Thanks, Kunu. Have a great day.
Kunu: You too.
