Published by: Hospice Care Marketing
Guest: Keely Vacca, Hospice Administrator at Elara Caring
Host: Brian Frantz
From Gut Feeling to Guiding Families: Keely’s Journey Into Hospice Leadership
In this episode of The Voices of Hospice Leadership, host Brian Frantz welcomes Keely, the Hospice Administrator at Elara Caring. Her story offers a powerful look into how deep compassion and early inspiration can evolve into true leadership within one of the nation’s largest hospice organizations.
Inside the Interview: How a Passion for Care Became a Mission
The Moment It All Began
Keely’s path into hospice began with a spark—during a college seminar, she felt an unmistakable gut pull toward end-of-life care. Although she began her career in hospitals to gain essential clinical experience, hospice care always remained her calling.
“I just knew this is where I needed to be.”
Leadership That’s Grounded in Heart
Now at Elara Caring, Keely oversees a team committed to delivering compassionate hospice services across multiple regions. Her leadership style emphasizes connection—with both patients and staff—and a commitment to continuous improvement.
Lessons in Culture, Staffing, and Patient Impact
Creating Culture in a Multisite Environment
One of Keely’s greatest challenges—and accomplishments—has been building a cohesive culture across geographically diverse hospice sites. Through regular communication, shared values, and community-building, she’s managed to unify her teams around the mission of exceptional end-of-life care.
Why Staffing is a Make-or-Break Factor
From nurses to aides, Keely highlights how critical it is to find staff who are truly called to hospice. At Elara, they focus not just on qualifications but on emotional readiness and resilience.
“Hospice is not just a job—it’s a calling. If it’s not in your heart, you’re going to burn out.”
Making a Difference, One Family at a Time
Whether it’s keeping a promise to a dying patient or navigating tough conversations with families, Keely shares stories that reveal the quiet heroism behind hospice work. These moments are what keep her and her team going—even on the hardest days.
What Other Hospice Leaders Can Learn
Advice for New Hospice Administrators
Keely encourages new leaders to stay grounded in the mission and remain open to learning—from staff, patients, and even mistakes. Her message is clear: listen more than you speak, and always lead with empathy.
The Power of Community and Collaboration
Keely believes strongly in networking with other hospice leaders and joining industry associations to stay informed and inspired.
Inspired by Keely’s Story?
If you’re a hospice leader looking to strengthen your mission, grow your team, or expand your digital reach, Hospice Care Marketing is here to help.