We know questions may come up about Aveanna and Mountain Home Health joining together, so we’ve compiled a list of commonly asked questions to help guide you through this exciting transition. Whether you're curious about next steps or simply looking for reassurance, we hope these answers provide helpful insights. We’re here for you every step of the way, and we will continue to share more information as we move forward together.
What is happening?
HomeFirst Home Healthcare has completed the sale of Mountain Home Health, located in Blairsville, Georgia and Hayesville, North Carolina, to Aveanna Healthcare, one of the nation's largest Home Health providers headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. The remaining entities of HomeFirst Home Healthcare will continue to operate under the existing ownership and management team, and this transaction has no effect on the remaining operations.
Why did HomeFirst Home Healthcare sell Mountain Home Health to Aveanna?
HomeFirst's Mountain Home Health operations are a natural fit for Aveanna because both organizations share similar values, a commitment to clinical excellence, and a focus on delivering high-quality, patient-centered care. By joining Aveanna, Mountain Home Health employees will gain access to additional clinical resources, development opportunities, and the support of a larger organization dedicated to serving patients and families. Together, we can build on the strengths of both organizations while continuing to provide compassionate care our patients depend on every day.
Should I expect any changes to my current role?
Generally, no. We expect employees to continue in their current roles following the transaction; your job remains the same today, and patient care remains the same today.
As part of the integration process, some job titles, reporting relationships, or responsibilities may be adjusted, but we do not anticipate significant changes to employees' day-to-day work. Any changes will be communicated clearly and in advance whenever possible.
Will my tenure with the company be honored?
Yes, your prior service will be recognized, and your hire date with Mountain Home Health will be reflected in Aveanna’s records.
Will my reporting structure change?
Your reporting structure will remain the same for now. You will be introduced to Aveanna team members who will support you and help ensure a smooth transition, but we do not anticipate any immediate changes to your reporting structure.
Will there be any immediate changes?
There is one immediate change regarding 401(k) participation. As of today, you are no longer eligible to participate in the HomeFirst Home Healthcare 401(k) plan, and your contributions will end. However, you will have the opportunity to enroll in Aveanna’s 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan - and receive matching contributions from Aveanna - within the next 30 days or so. Stay tuned for more information.
Other changes will be made over time, and you will receive additional information concerning these changes. In the meantime, you should continue serving our patients and families with the same commitment and dedication based on the same processes and using the same systems, such as KanTime and Paylocity. While additional changes, including a transition to Aveanna’s systems and processes, are expected in the near future, it is business as usual for now.
What should I expect in the next 30/60/90 days?
During this time, you'll continue meeting members of the Aveanna team who are committed to answering your questions and keeping you informed as we welcome you into the Aveanna family. You will receive regular updates throughout the transition, and here's what you can expect.
Within a few weeks, you'll gain access to Aveanna’s HR system, complete onboarding activities, learn about your benefit options, and receive information about payroll, time off, and the Aveanna 401(k) Retirement Savings plan. As the transition continues, you'll complete required training, begin using additional Aveanna programs and tools, and prepare for future operational transitions, including clinical systems and branding updates.
Most importantly, we'll keep you informed every step of the way, so you always know what's changing, what's coming next, and where to go with questions.
How do I answer the phone?
For now, please continue answering the phone just as you always have (i.e. “Thank you for calling Mountain Home Health.”). As the transition progresses, this process will shift to Aveanna’s greeting at a later date, and we’ll keep you informed every step of the way.
HR, BENEFITS, AND PAYROLL
Who should I contact for HR questions and support?
You should continue to work with your current contact at HomeFirst Home Healthcare for any HR-related tasks, updates, or questions the same way you always have. In the near future, you will be introduced to Aveanna’s People Services team, and you can always reach out to PeopleServices@Aveanna.com if you need assistance or have questions.
What happens to our benefits?
At this time, there are no changes to your health and welfare benefits including medical, dental, vision, and other benefit plans. You will remain on your existing plans through October 31, 2026. Within the next few weeks, you will receive information about Aveanna’s benefits, along with an opportunity to enroll in Aveanna coverage. If you enroll in Aveanna benefit plans, your coverage will be effective November 1st.
What happens to our 401(k)?
Now that the acquisition is complete, you are no longer eligible to participate in the HomeFirst Home Heatlhcare 401(k) plan. Your contributions will stop effective immediately, and you will have the opportunity to enroll in Aveanna’s 401(k) Retirement Savings plan – with an Aveanna company match – within the next 30 days or so. You will also receive information about your available options to take a distribution or roll over your HomeFirst Home Healthcare funds to a new retirement account, such as Aveanna’s 401(k) Retirement Savings plan, should you decide to do so.
When can I enroll in Aveanna’s 401(k) plan?
In the next 30 days or so, you will be eligible to enroll in Aveanna’s 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan, which includes employer matching contributions. More details about the plan and enrollment process will be shared with you soon. Will there be any changes to our time off plans?
When your employee record moves into Aveanna's Workday system, you'll begin accruing time off under Aveanna's time off program. Any unused accrued time off you have with Mountain Home Health will carry over as part of the transition.
In addition to vacation and sick time, Aveanna also provides a paid Fun Day and Inclusion Day each year. We'll share more details about your time off benefits and how your balances will transfer during our upcoming review of Total Rewards.
Will there be any changes to payroll?
There are no immediate changes to your payroll, and you will continue to be paid weekly through September 18. Beginning in late September, you will transition to Aveanna's biweekly payroll schedule, with your first biweekly paycheck issued on October 2.
We'll provide more details and reminders before the transition to help ensure a smooth changeover.
What changes will occur when the HR system changes to Workday?
When your employee record moves to Workday, you'll gain access to new tools and information designed to help you manage your employment with Aveanna. You will receive a Welcome notice and be asked to complete a few onboarding activities, including reviewing important documents, making tax elections, and confirming your payment (direct deposit) information.
You will also begin using Workday for time off and other employee programs. We will provide additional details and instructions throughout the transition to help make the process as easy as possible.
Will there be a change in my compensation?
We do not anticipate a change in your pay as a result of this transition.
COMPLIANCE AND SAFTETY
What should I do if I have a compliance issue or concern?
If you have a compliance concern—whether it involves patient care, documentation, ethics, or workplace conduct, you are encouraged to speak up. You can raise concerns with your supervisor or another leader in the organization, and they are expected to respond in a respectful, supportive manner. Please understand that you do not need anyone’s permission to contact our Compliance team directly. If you prefer, you can reach out to the Aveanna Compliance Department in any of the following ways:
Aveanna’s confidential and anonymous compliance hotline: 1-800-408-4442
Via email to compliance@aveanna.com
HIPAA privacy concerns can also be reported via email to privacy@aveanna.com
Aveanna prohibits retaliation or retribution, and those who speak up to protect our company will be protected in turn for good faith reporting. All reports are received and responded to by a member of the Aveanna Compliance team, ensuring that your concerns remain confidential.
What should I do if a sentinel event occurs?
If a sentinel event occurs—such as a serious patient injury, unexpected death, or any situation that poses a significant risk to a patient—you must report it immediately. Notify your branch administrator, and escalate to the Aveanna team:
- Kelly Reppart, AVP of Risk Management
- Rachel Witt, Chief Clinical Officer
Until you are fully active in our Workday system, please email us at patienteventreports@aveanna.com and copy Rachel at Rachel.Witt@aveanna.com and Kelly at Kelly.Reppart@aveanna.com.
Prompt reporting allows us to respond quickly, support everyone involved, and maintain the highest standards of patient safety.
What should I do if I get hurt on the job or an employee reports an injury?
Your safety is important to us. If you are injured on the job, report it immediately, no later than 24 hours after the incident. Your branch administrator may also report on your behalf.
Prompt reporting ensures all employees get the care they need and allows us to begin the appropriate workers’ compensation process. We’re here to support you every step of the way. For help, contact the appropriate Workers’ Compensation team:
- South Central Region: (833) 730-4578 (Georgia)
- North East Region (833) 228-5238 (North Carolina)
You can also email us at: worker.comp@aveanna.com for support.
COMMUNICATIONS AND SUPPORT
How will I get the latest updates about the integration process?
The transition team has developed a comprehensive communication plan to keep you informed every step of the way. You will receive regular email updates, and you will be invited to attend Building Better Care Together Huddles - live sessions designed to share important information on topics like benefits, compliance, engagement programs, inclusion, Aveanna processes, and more. These updates are designed to make sure you feel supported, informed, and ready for what’s ahead.
How will we communicate with patients and families?
We will be communicating with patients via letter that we will give to clinicians to deliver to patients on their next scheduled visit, letting them know that Mountain Home Health is now part of the Aveanna family. These touchpoints will reassure them that the same great care and service they’ve come to expect will continue without interruption - and that there are exciting things ahead as we grow together. We will also be able to answer questions and reassure our families that there will be no disruption to their care.
Who do I contact if I have additional questions about these changes?
You can reach out to communications@aveanna.com and we will connect you with the right individual to answer your question.