Ohio Home Care Waiver Program Application: Your Guide to Receiving Care at Home

The Ohio Home Care Waiver Program is designed to support individuals in Ohio who prefer to receive necessary care within the comfort and familiarity of their own homes and communities, rather than in institutional settings such as nursing homes, rehabilitation facilities, or hospitals. This program offers a valuable alternative for those seeking to maintain their independence and quality of life at home.

To be eligible for the Ohio Home Care Waiver Program, applicants must be Medicaid eligible, under the age of 60, and demonstrate a need for an Intermediate or Skilled Level of Care. Administered on behalf of the Ohio Department of Medicaid, CareSource collaborates with local Area Agencies on Aging to conduct eligibility assessments, provide referrals to community resources, and manage case management services. This partnership ensures individuals with chronic, significant physical disabilities and/or unstable medical conditions receive the support they need. Case Managers play a crucial role in developing a Person-Centered Service Plan, working closely with the individual and their chosen support team.

Enrolling in the Ohio Home Care Waiver Program opens access to a range of services tailored to individual needs. These services are designed to provide comprehensive support and can include:

• Adult Day Health Center Services: Providing daytime care in a community setting, offering social interaction and health monitoring.
• Community Integration: Assistance with participating in community activities and events, fostering social inclusion.
• Community Transition: Support for individuals moving from an institution back to their home or a community setting.
• Home Care Attendant: Personal care and assistance with daily living activities provided in the home.
• Home Delivered Meals: Ensuring nutritious meals are delivered directly to the home for those unable to prepare them.
• Home Maintenance and Chore: Assistance with essential home upkeep tasks to maintain a safe and healthy living environment.
• Home Modification Services: Adapting the home to improve accessibility and safety for individuals with disabilities.
• Out-of-Home Respite Services: Temporary care provided outside the home to offer caregivers relief.
• Personal Care Aide: Hands-on assistance with personal hygiene, dressing, and other personal care needs.
• Personal Emergency Response System: Providing a system for individuals to call for help in case of emergencies at home.
• Supplemental Adaptive and Assistive Devices: Providing devices and equipment to aid with mobility, communication, or daily tasks.
• Supplemental Transportation: Assistance with transportation to medical appointments and other essential outings.
• Waiver Nursing: Skilled nursing care provided in the home setting as needed.

To begin the Ohio Home Care Waiver Program Application process, it is essential to contact the Area Agency on Aging that serves your county of residence. Below is a comprehensive list of regions and associated Area Agencies on Aging to help you find the right contact for your location:

For the 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

For the Northwestern Ohio Region:

• Area Office on Aging of Northwestern Ohio, AAA 4

  • Serving Defiance, Erie, Fulton, Henry, Lucas, Ottawa, Paulding, Sandusky, Williams and Wood counties.
    • www.areaofficeonaging.org
    • 1-800-472-7277

• Ohio District 5 Area Agencies on Aging, AAA 5

  • Serving Ashland, Crawford, Delaware, Huron, Knox, Marion, Morrow, Richland, Seneca, Union, and Wyandot counties.
    • www.aaa5ohio.org
    • 1-800-860-5799

For the Marietta Region (1-855-717-5676):

• Area Agency on Aging, AAA 7

  • Serving Adams, Athens, Brown, Gallia, Highland, Hocking, Jackson, Lawrence, Meigs, Pike, Ross, Scioto and Vinton counties.
    • www.aaa7.org
    • 1-800-582-7277

• Area Agency on Aging, AAA 9

  • Serving Belmont, Carroll, Coshocton, Guernsey, Harrison, Holmes, Jefferson, Monroe, Morgan, Muskingum, Noble, Perry, Tuscarawas and Washington counties.
    • http://www.aaa9.org
    • 1-800-945-4250

For the Cleveland Region (1-855-717-5676):

• Western Reserve Area Agency on Aging, AAA 10A

  • Serving Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain and Medina counties.
    • www.psa10a.org
    • 1-800-626-7277

• Direction Home Akron Canton Area Agency on Aging

  • Serving Portage, Stark, Summit and Wayne counties.
    • www.dhad.org
    • 1-800-421-7277

• Area Agency on Aging, AAA 11

  • Serving Ashtabula, Columbiana, Mahoning and Trumbull counties.
    • www.aaa11.org
    • 1-800-686-7367

For the Cincinnati Region (1-855-717-5676):

• Agency on Aging, AAA 3

  • Serving Allen, Auglaize, Butler, Champaign, Clark, Clinton, Darke, Greene, Hancock, Hardin, Logan, Miami, Mercer, Montgomery, Preble, Putnam, Shelby, Van Wert and Warren counties.
    • www.aaa3.org
    • 1-800-653-7277

• Area Agency on Aging, AAA 7

  • Serving Clermont and Hamilton counties.
    • www.aaa7.org
    • 1-800-582-7277

If you or a loved one are seeking to remain at home while receiving necessary care, the Ohio Home Care Waiver Program application is the first step. Contact the Area Agency on Aging relevant to your location to learn more about eligibility requirements, the application process, and how this program can support your needs for in-home care.