In the world of home healthcare, safety is more than just protocol, its culture. At the 2025 Axxess Growth, Innovation and Leadership Experience (AGILE), Valerie Cornett, Chief of Staff and Innovation, and Brenda Beggs, Chief Clinical Officer, both at MAC Legacy, discussed the safety challenges faced by care at home professionals and what organizations can do to protect them.
Understanding the Generational Safety Divide
One of the primary takeaways from the session was the impact of generational differences on safety perceptions and responses.
Cornett addressed how different age groups perceive violence, risk and emotional well-being.
“Generation X and boomers are going to value job security and they may be less vocal about safety concerns,” Cornett explained. “We prefer to maintain stability and avoid conflict.”
Meanwhile, Millennials and Gen Z are more likely to advocate for inclusivity and mental health resources. These generational differences can shape how safety policies are received, reported and followed.
Beggs emphasized the need for safety programs to be tailored to address these generational differences, ensuring that all employees feel supported and heard.
“Half of the workforce not only embraces this terminology, but they’re also going to demand more awareness and training around mental and emotional safety,” Beggs said.
Safety Policies
Comprehensive safety policies and procedures are vital for both legal compliance and the well-being of healthcare workers.
Cornett highlighted the growing prevalence of workplace violence in healthcare settings, noting that healthcare workers are five times more likely to experience workplace violence than those in other industries.
“In 2019, intentional injuries accounted for 14% of all fatal workplace injuries,” Cornett shared. “The numbers continue to rise.”
Beggs shared a real-world example of a nurse being pinned in a patient’s home, emphasizing the need for clear, actionable policies and procedures to protect staff in high-risk situations.
Effective Communication and Support Systems
Effective communication and support systems are essential for addressing and mitigating workplace violence.
Leaders must actively foster a culture of safety. This means more than posting policies, it means building trust, encouraging open communication and following up after incidents.
“The leader is the one who builds the strong safety culture within your organization,” Beggs emphasized.
Cornett added that a two-way communication system, where clinicians feel empowered to speak up without fear, is essential.
“We need to establish and maintain a two-way communication system in which people can speak without fear.”
Technology and partnerships also play a critical role. Tools that support real-time incident reporting, emotional support services, and after-incident reviews help reinforce a culture of safety.
Risk Assessment Tools
The session introduced two vital tools: the safety vulnerability analysis and the accountability matrix.
The safety vulnerability analysis offers a way to proactively identify risks and map out a response plan. The accountability matrix ensures that every stakeholder knows their role in keeping the workplace safe.
“When you look at this matrix, it may feel like a lot,” Beggs said. “But you tailor it. You decide what’s realistic for your team and then you build from there.”
With more than 550 attendees, more than 50 sponsors and countless connections made, AGILE 2025 was a massive success for everyone. Click here to register for AGILE 2026, May 4-6 in Dallas.