HCAF is pleased to announce the release of free “What to Expect” trifold guides for our members. Developed in collaboration with Alliant Health Solutions and the Florida Hospital Association, these guides are designed to help patients and families understand various levels of care, including home health, private duty, hospice, and skilled nursing facilities.

These resources clarify services, manage expectations, and reduce anxiety — ultimately increasing the likelihood that patients will accept necessary care. They are ideal for use during bedside education, discharge planning, or consultations.

The following guides, available in both English and Spanish, can be downloaded from the "Patient What-to-Expect Guides" section on HCAF's members-only resources webpages:

• What to Expect From Home Health Care Services
• What to Expect From Hospice Care
• What to Expect From Private Duty Home Care Services
• What to Expect When Going to a Skilled Nursing Facility

Each guide provides an overview of services, dispels common myths, and answers frequently asked questions. These tools are valuable for improving patient understanding and easing transitions from acute to home-based care.

Best Practice Sharing

Several hospital systems have already reported success using these guides during bedside discussions, resulting in fewer refusals of post-acute care and more referrals to home care providers. Integrating these resources into your agency’s workflow can produce similar positive outcomes.

These guides offer a valuable opportunity to enhance communication with patients and strengthen relationships with referral sources. We encourage you to share them with your marketing, intake teams, and patients and their families.