FOR THE PARTNERS WHO MAKE CARE POSSIBLE
Together, we're strengthening family care.
This month, we’re celebrating the everyday moments that make our community brighter — big wins, small kindnesses, and the people who make it all possible.
Connections in Care Newsletter • July 2026
Compassion in every connection.
TRUSTED CONNECTIONS
COMMUNITY FIRST
CARE TOGETHER
BETTER OUTCOMES
TRUSTED CONNECTIONS COMMUNITY FIRST CARE TOGETHER BETTER OUTCOMES
NEED TO KNOW
Keeping pace with what matters.
Healthcare is always evolving, and we're evolving right alongside it. Whether it's a policy update or expanding into new communities, our focus remains the same: putting our patients and families first, every single day.
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Florida Medicaid FHHA Policy Update
We wanted to share an important update regarding Florida Medicaid's Family Home Health Aide (FHHA) policy, which took effect July 5, 2026.
These changes primarily clarify existing Medicaid policy, and we do not anticipate significant disruptions to the care most patients are currently receiving.
Key updates include:
Daily maximum increased from 8 hours to 12 hours per day.
Weekly maximum adjusted from 56 hours to 40 hours per week.
FHHA services cannot be provided simultaneously with Private Duty Nursing (PDN) services. FHHA is intended to supplement skilled nursing care—not replace it.
Our clinical team is actively reviewing care plans for any patients who may be impacted and will coordinate with families and referral partners as needed to ensure continuity of care.
If you have any questions about these policy updates or how they may affect a patient, our team is always happy to help.
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We are excited to share that Atlantic Care Services is now accepting new patients for Private Duty Nursing services in Region 8 and Region 11.
Region 8 counties include: Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Glades, Hendry, Lee, and Sarasota.
Region 11 counties include: Miami-Dade and Monroe.
We are already in network with many Medicaid payers in these regions, including Sunshine Health, Simply Healthcare, Aetna, Humana, and more, allowing us to help families move through the referral and authorization process as smoothly as possible.
Our team is ready to support medically complex patients and their families with compassionate, reliable nursing care. Please reach out to us with any potential new referrals, questions, or families who may benefit from our services.
We look forward to continuing to partner with you and supporting more families across Florida.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
A few of our favorite moments…
See some snapshots from the 28th Annual Family Café below! We had such a fun weekend meeting new families, catching up with community partners, and seeing Manny the Manatee spread smiles everywhere he went. Thanks to everyone who stopped by our booth—we loved spending time with you!
PATIENT SPOTLIGHT
Say hi to DeMacio!
This young man lights up every room with his contagious laughter and joyful personality. He loves watching Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Bluey, cheering on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and enjoying action movies. When it comes to toys, anything Mickey Mouse is an instant favorite.
Although he hasn't been part of the Atlantic Care family for long, he's already become such a special part of our community and has captured the hearts of everyone who meets him. Seeing him laugh this hard is the highlight of our day, and we're so grateful to share in moments that bring him so much happiness.
Some smiles are simply unforgettable, and his is one we'll always look forward to seeing.CAREGIVER HIGHLIGHT
Meet Elbrina, our May Caregiver of the Month!
Some caregivers make such a lasting impact that their dedication speaks for itself and Elbrina is one of them.
Elbrina has been selected as our Caregiver of the Month for the compassionate, attentive, and exceptional care she provides every day. During a recent meeting, Jovannie’s mother shared how much Elbrina means to their family, describing her as caring, supportive, and deeply committed to Jovannie’s well-being. She shared that Jovannie truly loves spending time with Elbrina, a testament to the trust and connection she has built.
Through her kindness, reliability, and genuine compassion, Elbrina has made a meaningful difference in the lives of both Jovannie and his family. Her dedication reflects the very best of what it means to be a caregiver.
Thank you, Elbrina, for the incredible impact you make every day. We are proud to recognize and celebrate you!
RATINGS & REVIEWS
Kind words mean the world!
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
“Atlantic Care Services has been a Godsend! We transferred from a different home health agency. We struggled with communication, shift coverage, and qualified staff. Atlantic Care has resolved ALL of our challenges! Communication is exceptional, EVERY shift has been covered with a backup plan, and the staff…let me tell you how AMAZING they ALL ARE! From our scheduler, the coordinators, the supervisors, and especially the NURSES! Top notch, over the top care for our son! We feel beyond blessed to share life with such a caring company!”
-Stephanie B. | Parent of Atlantic Care Patient
CLINICAL CORNER
What is a Plan of Care?
A care plan is a roadmap that a team of people (doctors, nurses, social workers, or care aids) can use to help navigate how to care for someone. “It outlines the patient’s health problems, sets specific goals for improvement, and spells out exactly what the care team will do to reach those goals”
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Patient’s Advanced Directive
Diagnosis
List of Medications including Dose/Frequency and Route
DME Supplies
Safety Measures
Nutrition
Frequency and Duration
Functional Limitations
Permitted Activities
Allergies
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Every healthcare organization in the United States is required to complete and follow this plan to provide all care needs. It allows each person to know exactly how to care for the patient. Think of it as the secret recipe for success. How can you go wrong if you are following the care plan?
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Often known as the CMS-485 form, our fabulous and talented Clinical Supervisor will complete the document.
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The Clinical Manager travels to the patient’s home to complete an assessment. The assessment then triggers the 485/plan of care. Even before you travel to your shift, everyone should read the 485/plan to become familiar with the patient’s needs.
Using the plan of care not only streamlines the process but it also helps each one of us to know how to provide quality of care to the patients.
PATIENT REFERRALS
Know a family that could use a little more support?
If you’re considering Atlantic Care Services for a patient, we’re here to help. Please call our main line and ask to speak with our Intake and Referral Team.
They would be delighted to connect with the patient and family and are always happy to answer any questions and set up meet and greets!
