On the latest episode of Health Futures – Taking Stock in You, host Bob Roth sat down with Kristen Duell, founder and CEO of Momentum Healthcare and Technology Consulting, for a candid and inspiring conversation about resilience, reinvention, and the future of home care.
For the full episode, CLICK HERE.
At Cypress HomeCare Solutions, we know that care doesn’t just happen in hospitals or clinics, it happens at home, in moments of connection, and in the quiet work of dedicated professionals. That’s why this conversation with Kristen Duell is so timely and powerful.
A veteran of the care-at-home space, Duell brings more than 20 years of experience to the table, but her story is about much more than a resume. It’s about grit, grace, and choosing purpose in the face of challenge.
From Caregiver to Consultant: A Ground-Up CareerThe Aging Revolution Is Here
Kristen’s journey started at 14, volunteering in a hospital, later working as a caregiver and scheduler before ascending to leadership roles at major healthcare organizations. She’s held C-suite positions at Home Care Pulse, Savii, and KanTime, and now leads her own firm focused on technology consulting and growth strategy.
“I’ve sat in the seat,” she told Roth. “I know the real struggles providers face, because I’ve lived them.”
Her ground-up experience gives her a unique lens into the operational pain points many home care agencies face, particularly workforce management, scheduling, and the challenges of scaling with tight margins.
Resilience Redefined: A Personal Wake-Up Call
In 2023, Kristen faced a trifecta of challenges: a breast cancer diagnosis, a job loss during a company restructure, and a terrifying personal attack, all in the same month.
“Bad things happen in threes,” Roth recalled telling her. “But you faced them head-on, and came out stronger.”
Instead of retreating, Kristen leaned in. With the support of loved ones and her faith, she launched Momentum and refocused her energy on helping providers innovate without losing the human touch.
Technology Is Not the Only Answer
Duell is a technologist—but she’s also a realist. She stressed that while digital tools can help optimize care delivery, they can’t replace the workforce or the relationships at the heart of caregiving.
“There’s a cost barrier for many agencies,” she said. “Innovation has to be accessible, not just for the big players, but for mid-sized and startup providers too.”
She also emphasized the importance of integrated care models, diversified payer sources, and better public awareness of benefits like Medicaid, long-term care insurance, and VA support that can help families afford care at home.
Educating the Public—and the Professionals
One of the biggest hurdles to expanding home care? People don’t know it exists. Even clinicians, hospital discharge planners, and social workers often confuse home care with home health, two very different models.
As Duell noted, “Families assume their only option is a facility. But they can stay home—with the right support.”
Empowering Women in Healthcare
With more than 75% of the care workforce made up of women, Duell saw a need for mentorship and support. She founded IDEAL for Healthcare, a nonprofit that helps women rise into leadership roles with confidence and clarity.
“You don’t become a CEO overnight,” she said. “But with the right tools and guidance, you can absolutely grow your career.”
Home Is the Future of Healthcare
With the population of adults over 85 set to nearly quadruple by 2050, Roth and Duell agree: the future of care is at home. But the industry must act now, adopting smart technology, investing in people, and changing the way society views aging.
“If you’re not developing your people,” Duell said, “your competitors are.”
To learn more about Kristen’s work, visit momentumHTconsulting.com
For more on IDEAL for Healthcare, go to ideal4healthcare.com
Ready to redefine aging? Join us each week on Health Futures – Taking Stock in You as we spotlight the leaders, innovations, and stories shaping the future of home care.
As we at Cypress HomeCare Solutions know firsthand, aging well takes more than clinical care, it takes compassion, innovation, and the courage to adapt. Kristen Duell’s story is a powerful reminder that personal resilience, smart planning, and community support can help individuals and families navigate even the most unexpected challenges.
Whether you’re a caregiver, a healthcare provider, or preparing for your own future, investing in both people and technology is key to building a more connected, sustainable model of care at home. To learn more about how we support families through every stage of the aging journey, contact Cypress HomeCare Solutions at 602-857-8694 or visit CypressHomeCare.com.
This information is provided for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical or professional advice. Please consult with appropriate healthcare, legal, or financial experts regarding your specific situation.
Listen to the full episode of Health Futures – Taking Stock in You on our website at CypressHomeCare.com/media/radio-show.
