At Compassus, our mission is driven by compassion and a commitment to making a meaningful impact. Every teammate plays a crucial role in improving the well-being and quality of life of those we serve. Jason Sasser, home health regional vice president in Brentwood, TN, shares his personal journey and the passion that fuels his dedication to making a difference every day at Compassus.
Q: What personal values drive you in your role, and how does your work align with those values?
A: From a young age, I’ve had a deep passion for helping others. Growing up in a family with a strong background in the medical field, I was inspired by the compassion and dedication demonstrated by both of my grandmothers, my father, and my mother in their clinical work. Their examples of service and care instilled in me a genuine love for others, which continues to guide my approach to healthcare and my commitment to making a positive impact.
Q: What was the defining moment that made you feel proud to be part of this team or field?
A: For me, it was witnessing a patient who had been bedbound for four years regain full independence through home health physical therapy. As a clinician in the field for over twenty years, I truly experienced the profound impact of changing lives for the better. I see that same drive and passion here at Compassus in our clinicians and leaders.
Q: How do you feel your work makes a difference for the people we serve or the team around you?
A: I see every day how our work makes a meaningful difference by providing personalized, one-on-one care in the comfort of our patient’s home. We empower patients to regain their mobility, manage chronic conditions, and achieve personal health goals, all while fostering a sense of dignity and autonomy. We as leaders and clinicians ultimately help patients navigate their recovery in a familiar and supportive environment, which leads to better quality outcomes and a stronger sense of well-being.
Q: What motivates you to keep coming back, even on challenging days?
A: Helping people is what motivates me to keep coming back, even on the challenging days. Knowing that my efforts—whether big or small—have a meaningful impact on someone’s life gives me a sense of purpose that overrides any obstacles I may face. On tough days, when things seem especially difficult, I remind myself of the patients who rely on me, the teams I lead, and the lives we touch. Their progress, their gratitude, and the positive changes I witness keep me focused on the bigger picture.
Q: What’s one story or interaction with a patient that reminds you why you’re here?
A: While I could sit and reminisce all day, one story that always brings me back to why I do this work is that of Mr. Peacock. I get emotional just thinking about it. He had been bedbound for four years, with everyone having given up on him. For eight months, I worked with him tirelessly—starting with simple bed exercises, then progressing to sitting up, standing, and eventually walking. Over time, he regained the strength to drive and care for himself again. I witnessed a person transform from a place of deep depression and hopelessness to one of independence and restored dignity. It’s hard to put into words the impact of that journey—it’s something you must experience to fully understand. That’s why I’m here. Moments like that remind me of the power of what we do at Compassus!
Q: If you were to tell a friend or family member why your work matters, what would you say?
A: We help people and their families navigate some of their most vulnerable and scary moments, whether it’s recovering from surgery, managing a long-term illness, or rehabilitating after an injury. We ensure each person that they don’t just recover physically, but also experience emotional and psychological support, which is equally important for healing. The difference we make is lasting, and it changes the trajectory of someone’s health and life. Sometimes in home health, you are the only chance or hope that person literally has, and that can weigh heavy on your heart but also be extremely rewarding when you positively impact their life.
