HOMEMAKER SERVICES PROVIDER IN DELAWARE

Fatumata Kaba
Jul 7
3 min read

SUPPORTING INDEPENDENT LIVING THROUGH ROUTINE HOUSEHOLD TASKS FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES AND CHRONIC NEEDS

Homemaker Services in Delaware provides essential household support to individuals who are elderly, have disabilities, or are medically fragile and need help maintaining a safe, clean, and functional home environment. These services are offered through the Delaware Lifespan Waiver, and other Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) programs, and may also be available under the Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities (DSAAPD).

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Delaware Division of Developmental Disabilities Services (DDDS)

Role: Authorizes homemaker services through the Lifespan Waiver and monitors provider performance

Agency: Delaware Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities (DSAAPD)

Role: Offers homemaker services to older adults and adults with physical disabilities

Agency: Delaware Division of Medicaid and Medical Assistance (DMMA)

Role: Administers Medicaid reimbursement and waiver alignment

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Role: Provides federal oversight for Medicaid HCBS homemaker services

2. HOMEMAKER SERVICE OVERVIEW

Homemaker Services include non-medical assistance with routine household tasks that support health and safety in the home. These services are tailored to individuals who cannot complete such tasks independently and have no caregiver available to assist.

Approved providers may deliver:

Light housekeeping (vacuuming, dusting, sweeping, mopping)
Kitchen cleaning, dishwashing, and meal cleanup
Laundry, linen changes, and clothing organization
Bathroom sanitation and trash removal
Bed making and general home tidying
Documentation of service delivery and observations

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

Register your business with the Delaware Division of Corporations
Obtain EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2)
Enroll as a Homemaker Service Provider through the Delaware Medical Assistance Portal (DMAP) and/or DDDS Lifespan Waiver
Employ trained staff with background checks and service documentation experience
Carry liability insurance and ensure HIPAA-compliant recordkeeping
Comply with DDDS or DSAAPD policy requirements for non-medical service delivery

4. PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Step 1: Register your business and obtain an NPI

Step 2: Apply to become a Medicaid provider via the Delaware Medical Assistance Portal (DMAP)

Step 3: If serving individuals with IDD, complete the DDDS Lifespan Waiver provider application

Step 4: If serving older adults, coordinate with DSAAPD to explore contract opportunities

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

Articles of Incorporation or proof of business registration
IRS EIN Letter
NPI confirmation
Medicaid and/or DDDS provider approval letter
Policy & procedure manual including:
- Client intake, scheduling, and task verification protocols
- Staff orientation and supervision policies
- Cleaning and safety checklists
- HIPAA and client confidentiality procedures
- Emergency contact documentation
- Incident reporting tools and grievance response processes
- Service verification logs and billing support documentation

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Homemaker / Home Care Aide

Requirements:

High school diploma or equivalent (recommended)
Background check and TB screening
CPR/First Aid certification (preferred)
Training in non-medical support services and client interaction

Role: Supervisor / Scheduling Coordinator (for agencies)

Requirements:

Home care or human services experience
Familiarity with waiver documentation and staff scheduling

Training Requirements for All Staff:

HIPAA compliance and privacy protocols
Abuse prevention and mandatory reporting
Infection control and sanitation practices
Safe use of household cleaning products
Incident documentation and client rights

7. MEDICAID WAIVER SERVICES

Homemaker Services are reimbursed under:

Delaware Lifespan Waiver (administered by DDDS)
DSAAPD Homemaker Program (for eligible older adults and those with physical disabilities)

Approved providers may deliver:

Authorized non-medical household tasks
Services scheduled per the individual’s care plan or ISP
Time-tracked documentation and shift logs
Observations and reporting of health or environmental concerns

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Formation

Timeline: 1–2 weeks

Phase: Medicaid or DDDS Enrollment

Timeline: 30–60 days

Phase: Staff Hiring and Readiness Review

Timeline: 2–4 weeks

Phase: Referral Activation and Service Launch

Timeline: Ongoing

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

Delaware Division of Developmental Disabilities Services (DDDS)

Phone: (302) 744-9600

Website: https://dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/ddds

Delaware Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities (DSAAPD)

Phone: (302) 255-9390

Website: https://dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dsaapd

Delaware Medicaid Provider Enrollment (DMAP)

Website: https://www.demap.dhss.delaware.gov

WAIVER CONSULTING GROUP'S START-UP ASSISTANCE SERVICE — DELAWARE HOMEMAKER SERVICES PROVIDER

We support cleaning companies, caregivers, and community service professionals in launching Medicaid-compliant Homemaker Services under Delaware's Lifespan Waiver and aging programs.

Scope of Work: