by Dawn Fiala, Home Care Marketing Expert
Contact Dawn Fiala by filling out our form here: https://asnhomecaremarketing.com/contact-us
If you’re trying to build relationships with referral sources, there’s something you need to hear:
Stop bringing donuts.
Yes, really.
Donuts don’t build loyalty. And while a sweet treat might get a smile in the moment, it won’t get you remembered when it matters most.
The Truth About What Social Workers Care About
Social workers and discharge planners are under constant pressure.
Their day revolves around one critical responsibility:
getting patients discharged safely, quickly, and efficiently.
They are juggling:
- Family expectations
- Tight timelines
- Complex care needs
- Facility demands
So when you walk in with donuts, you’re offering something nice—but not something useful.
And useful is what they remember.
What Actually Makes You Stand Out
If you want to build real relationships with referral sources, you need to shift your focus.
Ask yourself:
“Does what I’m bringing make their job easier?”
Because if it doesn’t help with discharges, it doesn’t really matter.
What does matter is something they can use immediately—something that:
- Helps families feel more prepared
- Speeds up the discharge process
- Reduces stress for everyone involved
That’s where you start to stand out.
The Power of a Great Discharge Package
Instead of showing up with food, show up with value.
A strong discharge package can include:
- Clear next-step instructions for families
- Simple checklists
- Education about care options
- Contact information that’s easy to access
- Answers to common questions
This isn’t about being flashy—it’s about being helpful.
When you provide something that makes a social worker’s job easier, you become more than just another agency.
You become a resource.
This Is How Trust Is Built
Trust isn’t built with snacks.
It’s built through consistency, reliability, and value.
When a referral source knows that working with you will:
- Make their job easier
- Help their patients feel confident
- Reduce friction in the discharge process
They will remember you.
And more importantly—they will call you.
Why Food Is Forgettable
Here’s the reality:
Everyone brings donuts.
Everyone drops off treats.
So it all blends together.
But very few providers bring something that actually improves the discharge process.
That’s your opportunity.
Start This Week
Don’t overthink it.
Create one simple discharge package this week.
Something practical. Something useful. Something they can use right away.
That’s when things start to click.
That’s when you stop chasing referrals—and start earning them.
