The prospect of needing long-term care can be daunting, often bringing to mind institutional settings like nursing homes. However, for many Ohio residents, there’s a valuable alternative: the Ohio Home Care Program. This program empowers eligible individuals to receive the care they need in the comfort and familiarity of their own homes and communities, rather than in institutional facilities.
Specifically designed for Medicaid-eligible individuals under the age of 60, the Ohio Home Care Waiver opens the door to a range of services for those who require an Intermediate or Skilled Level of Care and meet specific program criteria. This program is administered by CareSource, in collaboration with local Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs), under the guidance of the Ohio Department of Medicaid. Together, they ensure individuals with chronic, significant physical disabilities and/or unstable medical conditions have access to vital support.
A cornerstone of the Ohio Home Care Program is its person-centered approach. Dedicated Case Managers work closely with each participant and their chosen support network to develop a Person Centered Service Plan. This plan is tailored to individual needs and preferences, ensuring that care is both effective and respectful of personal autonomy.
Who is Eligible for the Ohio Home Care Program?
Eligibility for the Ohio Home Care Program is based on several key factors:
- Age: Applicants must be under 60 years of age.
- Medicaid Eligibility: Participants must be eligible for Ohio Medicaid.
- Level of Care: Individuals must demonstrate a need for care at an Intermediate or Skilled Level, which is comparable to the level of care provided in a nursing home. This need is determined through an assessment.
- Disability or Medical Condition: The program is designed for those experiencing chronic, significant physical disabilities and/or unstable medical conditions that necessitate ongoing care.
- Ohio Residency: Applicants must be residents of Ohio.
It’s important to note that meeting these criteria is the first step. A comprehensive assessment is conducted by CareSource, in partnership with the local Area Agency on Aging, to fully determine program eligibility and individual care needs.
Services Offered Under the Ohio Home Care Program
The Ohio Home Care Program provides access to a comprehensive suite of services designed to support individuals in maintaining their independence and well-being at home. These services can include:
- Adult Day Health Center Services: Structured programs in a community setting that offer health, therapeutic, and social services during daytime hours.
- Community Integration: Services designed to help individuals participate fully in community life, access resources, and build social connections.
- Community Transition: Support for individuals moving from an institutional setting (like a nursing home) back into their home and community.
- Home Care Attendant: Assistance with personal care tasks, household chores, and other activities of daily living to support independence at home.
- Home Delivered Meals: Provision of nutritious meals delivered to the home for individuals who are unable to prepare meals themselves.
- Home Maintenance and Chore: Help with essential home maintenance tasks and chores to ensure a safe and healthy living environment.
- Home Modification Services: Adaptations to the home to improve accessibility and safety, such as ramps, grab bars, and widened doorways.
- Out-of-Home Respite Services: Temporary care provided outside the home to give family caregivers a break from their caregiving responsibilities.
- Personal Care Aide: Hands-on assistance with personal care needs, such as bathing, dressing, and toileting.
- Personal Emergency Response System (PERS): An electronic system that allows individuals to call for help in case of an emergency at home.
- Supplemental Adaptive and Assistive Devices: Equipment and devices beyond what Medicaid typically covers to aid with mobility, communication, and daily living activities.
- Supplemental Transportation: Assistance with transportation to medical appointments and other essential destinations.
- Waiver Nursing: Skilled nursing services provided in the home, as authorized within the waiver program guidelines.
This extensive range of services highlights the program’s commitment to addressing the diverse needs of its participants, enabling them to live as independently as possible in their own homes.
Connecting with the Ohio Home Care Program in Your Region
To learn more about the Ohio Home Care Program and begin the application process, it’s essential to contact the appropriate agency based on your Ohio county of residence. CareSource collaborates with Area Agencies on Aging across the state to administer the program locally. Below is a regional breakdown to help you find the right contact:
Columbus Region 1-855-717-5676
Serving Fairfield, Fayette, Franklin, Madison, and Pickaway counties.
- CareSource in collaboration with the Columbus Organization: www.caresource.com, 1-800-488-0134
Serving Defiance, Erie, Fulton, Henry, Lucas, Ottawa, Paulding, Sandusky, Williams and Wood counties.
- Area Office on Aging of Northwestern Ohio, AAA 4: www.areaofficeonaging.org, 1-800-472-7277
Serving Ashland, Crawford, Delaware, Huron, Knox, Marion, Morrow, Richland, Seneca, Union, and Wyandot counties.
- Ohio District 5 Area Agencies on Aging, AAA 5: www.aaa5ohio.org, 1-800-860-5799
Marietta Region 1-855-717-5676
Serving Adams, Athens, Brown, Gallia, Highland, Hocking, Jackson, Lawrence, Meigs, Pike, Ross, Scioto and Vinton counties.
- Area Agency on Aging, AAA 7: www.aaa7.org, 1-800-582-7277
Serving Belmont, Carroll, Coshocton, Guernsey, Harrison, Holmes, Jefferson, Monroe, Morgan, Muskingum, Noble, Perry, Tuscarawas and Washington counties.
- Area Agency on Aging, AAA 9: http://www.aaa9.org, 1-800-945-4250
Cleveland Region 1-855-717-5676
Serving Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain and Medina counties.
- Western Reserve Area Agency on Aging, AAA 10A: www.psa10a.org, 1-800-626-7277
Serving Portage, Stark, Summit and Wayne counties.
- Direction Home Akron Canton Area Agency on Aging: www.dhad.org, 1-800-421-7277
Serving Ashtabula, Columbiana, Mahoning and Trumbull counties.
- Area Agency on Aging, AAA 11: www.aaa11.org, 1-800-686-7367
Cincinnati Region 1-855-717-5676
Serving Allen, Auglaize, Butler, Champaign, Clark, Clinton, Darke, Greene, Hancock, Hardin, Logan, Miami, Mercer, Montgomery, Preble, Putnam, Shelby, Van Wert and Warren counties.
- Agency on Aging, AAA 3: www.aaa3.org, 1-800-653-7277
Serving Clermont and Hamilton counties.
- Area Agency on Aging, AAA 7: www.aaa7.org, 1-800-582-7277
By reaching out to the Area Agency on Aging or CareSource contact listed for your region, you can take the first step towards accessing the support and care you or your loved one needs through the Ohio Home Care Program. This program is a valuable resource for Ohio residents seeking to maintain their independence and quality of life within their own homes and communities.
