Breeanne Kolster is a fierce advocate for people with disabilities and works closely with California Regional Centers to coordinate services for families needing care. She oversees a territory covering half the State, and works on disability service development, community outreach and partnerships to improve programs for those in need. Breeanne has worked for 24 Hour Home Care for more than nine years and set up over 30 service lines to improve the quality of life for people receiving services. She was recently selected for Home Health Care News Future Leaders Award.
We sat down with Breeanne to hear about her experience in the home care industry and here’s what she had to say!
Q: What drew you to the home health & home care industry?
My interest in the home care industry stems from a deep passion for helping others, but it truly became a calling after witnessing my family care for my grandpa. Experiencing firsthand the challenges and emotional strain this placed on my parents and grandma made me realize how essential compassionate support is during such times. Joining a company that helps alleviate this stress for families has been incredibly rewarding, and I am grateful to know that my work makes a meaningful difference for individuals and families facing similar challenges.
Q: What’s your biggest leadership lesson learned since starting to serve this industry?
One of the most valuable leadership lessons I’ve learned in this industry is the importance of fostering a culture of continuous learning—for both myself, and my team. I strive to lead by example, demonstrating that it’s not only acceptable to ask questions, but encouraged, as curiosity drives growth and innovation. By creating an environment where team members feel safe to express uncertainties and seek clarity, we can better understand different perspectives and ensure everyone has the opportunity to learn and grow together.
Q: If you could change one thing with in the home health & home care industry, what would it be?
If I could change one thing to shape the future of the home care industry, it would be to continue breaking the stigma that receiving care at home isn’t a viable or valuable option. I believe it’s crucial to empower families to advocate for in-home care when it best suits their needs and preferences. Home care offers individuals the opportunity to remain in the comfort of their own residence, maintain their routines, and preserve their independence—all of which can significantly enhance their health and overall well-being. Providing people with the choice and autonomy of home care is truly invaluable.
Q: In one word, how would you describe the future of home health & home care?
I would describe the future of our industry as evolving. With advances in personalized care, and a growing focus on person-centered solutions, the home care industry needs to continuously adapt to best serve our families. This evolution is exciting because we can always improve the quality, efficiency, and accessibility of our care while still striving to deliver individualized services to support the unique needs of each one of our families.
Q: What do you think will impact the home health & home care industry now and in the future?
Looking ahead, I believe the home care industry will be profoundly impacted by the ever-increasing demand for in-home support. More families are finding themselves in the position of providing care for loved ones—often while balancing the responsibilities of full-time employment and life’s other demands. No one should have to shoulder the burden of caregiving alone, and as an industry, we must continue striving to make home care programs more accessible, especially for those who may not yet have adequate support.
From personal experience, I know how difficult these decisions can be. My own father returned to work after retirement so our family could afford quality care for my grandparents—a challenging, but necessary choice. My hope for the future is that there will be more resources and support available, making it easier for families to access the essential care their loved ones need.
Additionally, I believe there must be greater focus on supporting caregivers’ mental health. While the physical demands of caregiving are significant, the emotional and mental challenges often go unrecognized—especially for family members stepping in during times of need. By prioritizing the well-being of both families served and caregivers, we can create a stronger, more sustainable home care system.
