Leading Home Care: Embracing Differences
leading home care
The dedicated team at Leading Home Care’s Hammond office is committed to providing compassionate in-home care for individuals with disabilities and the elderly. I had the opportunity to meet with Director Angel Beard, Client Care Managers Jesse Harris, Jayla Ruffin, and Jamaica Ard, Human Resources Assistant Lashunda Richardson, and Staffing Coordinators La’Shonda Smith and Ashley Johnson, who all play a essential role in ensuring their clients receive the highest quality care while remaining in the comfort of their own homes.
Leading Home Care was founded in 1997 and now has 15 offices across Louisiana. The Hammond branch opened in 2016, offering a range of services, including care for VA clients whose services can be covered by the VA, as well as private-pay options. They provide essential care for children with disabilities and elderly individuals who need companionship or assistance with daily living. Their goal is to step in when families need extra support, making it possible for loved ones to receive quality care while remaining in a familiar environment.
Angel Beard advises families to consider their services when they notice frequent falls or signs of memory loss in a loved one. Jamaica Ard adds that when caregiving becomes overwhelming, it’s time to reach out for help. In addition to direct care, Leading Home Care offers a unique program that allows parents to become in-home care specialists, providing them with both extra income and valuable time with their loved ones.
Each member of the team has a personal reason for choosing this field. La’Shonda Smith has always enjoyed working with both the elderly and infants, and she values the teamwork at Leading Home Care. Lashunda Richardson has dedicated her career to supporting others, always drawn to work that prioritizes people’s well-being. Jayla Ruffin, a lifelong healthcare worker, treats each client as if they were her own family. Ashley Johnson appreciates the family-oriented environment and goes into homes herself to provide care. Jesse Harris emphasizes that Leading Home Care is more than just a sitter service—caregivers build real relationships with clients, providing not just assistance but genuine companionship.
For Jamaica Ard, this work is especially meaningful because her father is a disabled veteran. Becoming a caregiver was the natural path for her, and Leading Home Care provided the perfect fit. Angel Beard, who started as a human resources assistant, grew into her role as Director by building relationships and focusing on community inclusion. She is passionate about connecting people with resources they may not even know exist.
“There are so many resources available for individuals who feel like they have none,” Angel says. “Individuals with disabilities, veterans, and the elderly often don’t have the support they deserve, and we want to change that.”
What sets Leading Home Care apart is their commitment to staying connected with their clients. They check in monthly, attend important life moments like birthdays and even funerals, and go beyond basic care to create a true support system. The Hammond office is a team of women who not only rely on each other but are also dedicated to serving the community with selflessness and compassion.
An intern once designed a slogan that read, “Embracing Differences with Leading Home Care.” That message resonated deeply with Angel. At Leading Home Care, every individual is treated with dignity and respect. Their team wants the community to know that help is available, and everyone is welcome.
