On the latest episode of Health Futures – Taking Stock in You, host Bob Roth sat down with Dave Voepel, CEO of the Arizona Healthcare Association, for a compelling and candid look at the challenges, and opportunities facing long-term care in Arizona and beyond.
For the full episode, CLICK HERE.
At Cypress HomeCare Solutions, we believe that aging with dignity means building systems of care that are not only compassionate, but coordinated, accessible, and future-ready. That’s why our conversation with Dave Voepel was so timely—because the future of long-term care is being shaped right now.
An Advocate for Seniors, a Voice for Providers
Dave Voepel has spent the past decade advocating for Arizona’s skilled nursing and assisted living providers. As the CEO of the Arizona Healthcare Association, he represents more than 170 long-term care facilities, many of which serve the state’s most vulnerable populations.
From pandemic response to regulatory change, Voepel has had a front-row seat to one of the most volatile periods in healthcare. And he’s remained steadfast in his mission: ensuring that long-term care residents receive the quality, dignity-driven support they deserve.
COVID Changed Everything and Some Things for the Better
When the pandemic hit, long-term care providers were among the hardest hit. Staffing shortages, PPE crises, and regulatory overload created an environment of constant crisis. But as Voepel told Roth, it also forced long-overdue changes.
“There were a lot of things in the system that needed to be modernized,” he said. “COVID made it happen faster than we ever thought possible.”
From digitized charting systems to telemedicine integration and workforce development pipelines, the crisis created momentum for innovation and collaboration.
The Workforce Crisis Is Still Very Real
Despite progress, the long-term care sector still faces a critical workforce shortage. Arizona alone needs thousands more CNAs, LPNs, and other frontline workers to meet the growing demand for care.
Voepel emphasized the importance of training programs, competitive wages, and recognition of long-term care professionals as essential healthcare workers, not just in times of crisis, but every day.
“These are people with enormous hearts and enormous responsibility,” he said. “We have to treat them—and pay them—accordingly.”
Aging in Place and the Continuum of Care
Voepel and Roth also discussed the importance of bridging home-based and facility-based care. As more families seek to “age in place,” the lines between skilled nursing, home care, and assisted living are blurring.
“The future is about integrated systems,” Voepel said. “It’s not home care or facility care. It’s about having options, support, and transitions that work.”
He highlighted the need for better care coordination, stronger referral networks, and public awareness around resources like Medicaid long-term care waivers and VA benefits.
Reframing Aging and the Value of Elders
At the heart of the conversation was a call to reframe how we think about aging. As Voepel pointed out, America’s older adults are not a burden, they’re a growing and vibrant population that deserves respect and investment.
“Aging is not something to be feared,” he said. “It’s something to be planned for and celebrated.”
Care Starts with Community
With Arizona’s senior population rapidly increasing, Voepel stressed that building better long-term care means building stronger communities. That means empowering families, supporting caregivers, and creating policy that reflects our collective values.
At Cypress HomeCare Solutions, we couldn’t agree more. Care isn’t confined to one model or one setting—it lives in relationships, in shared purpose, and in the everyday commitment to do right by our elders.
To learn more about Dave Voepel’s work, visit azhca.org
For workforce and training opportunities, explore the association’s programs and resources.
Ready to rethink the future of care? Tune in weekly to Health Futures – Taking Stock in You, where we spotlight the leaders, innovations, and human stories shaping elder care in Arizona and beyond.
At Cypress HomeCare Solutions, we know that providing exceptional care means looking forward—embracing change, investing in people, and staying rooted in compassion. Conversations like the one with Dave Voepel remind us that long-term care is not just a system, it’s a commitment to our community’s future.
To learn more about how we support Arizona families on 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.
