Leading with Compassion: How Not Matching Energy Transforms Care (w/ Ashleigh Lugar, Merrill Gardens)

RN leader Ashleigh Lugar (Merrill Gardens) shares how “not matching energy,” empowering staff, and early hospice education turn high-emotion moments into better outcomes for residents and families plus the top 5 signs it’s time to consider hospice in assisted living.

Today’s guest is Ashleigh Lugar, RN, Regional Director of Health Services at Merrill Gardens. With 20 years in senior living and hospice, Ashleigh breaks down compassionate leadership, the difference between delegating and empowering, and how to reframe hospice as a layer of support, not a last resort. We cover simple language families understand, what makes a hospice a great partner to assisted living/memory care, and the top 5 indicators it’s time to talk hospice.

Resources mentioned: 

• Emotional Intelligence 2.0 by Travis Bradberry & Jean Greaves
• Merrill Gardens (senior living; Ashleigh supports TX, MS, AL regions)

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Connect with Asleigh & Her Work

• Learn more about Merrill Gardens: https://www.merrillgardens.com/
• Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleigh-lugar-rn-391b04233

How This Episode Helps Hospice Professionals

Ashleigh Lugar, RN is Regional Director of Health Services at Merrill Gardens, supporting assisted living and memory care communities across Texas, Mississippi, and Alabama. She’s spent 20 years in senior living and hospice with a passion for leadership, education, and family support.

Learn More

If you’re a hospice leader looking for strategies to better support families, let’s connect: Schedule a Free Strategy or call [phone].

#HospiceLeadership #AssistedLiving #MemoryCare #HospiceEducation #CompassionateCare #EmotionalIntelligence #HealthcareLeadership #EndOfLifeCare #HospiceSEO