HOMEMAKER SERVICES PROVIDER IN OHIO

Fatumata Kaba
Sep 17
3 min read

SUPPORTING DAILY LIVING THROUGH RELIABLE, IN-HOME HOUSEHOLD ASSISTANCE

Homemaker Services in Ohio help individuals with disabilities, chronic illnesses, or age-related limitations by assisting with routine household tasks they are unable to perform independently. These services help individuals remain in their homes safely and comfortably, promoting independence and reducing the risk of institutional placement. Homemaker Services are authorized under Ohio Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver programs.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM)

Role: Oversees Medicaid reimbursement and quality assurance for homemaker services.

Agency: Ohio Department of Aging (ODA)

Role: Manages homemaker supports under the PASSPORT Waiver for older adults.

Agency: Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD)

Role: Certifies providers for homemaker/personal care services under DD waivers.

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)**

Role: Ensures federal compliance with HCBS waiver regulations and person-centered care standards.

2. HOMEMAKER SERVICES OVERVIEW

Homemaker Services provide non-medical assistance with household tasks essential to an individual’s health and well-being in the home environment.

Approved providers may deliver:

Housekeeping: Cleaning floors, kitchens, bathrooms, and living spaces.
Laundry Services: Washing, folding, and putting away clothing and linens.
Meal Preparation: Preparing meals or assisting with cooking to meet dietary needs.
Bed Making and Linen Changes: Ensuring a clean and safe sleeping environment.
Light Organizing: Tidying personal items, organizing groceries or mail.
Trash Disposal: Managing waste removal and sanitation.
Errand Support (if authorized): Grocery shopping, picking up prescriptions, or dropping off mail.
Companionship (incidental): Providing a friendly presence and basic check-ins.
Documentation: Logging daily activities, time spent, and condition of the home.

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

Register the business entity with the Ohio Secretary of State.
Obtain EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2).
Enroll via Ohio Medicaid’s Provider Enrollment Portal or the DODD Provider Certification Wizard.
Maintain general liability and professional liability insurance.
Develop policies for cleaning, infection control, staff safety, and documentation.
Ensure staff pass background checks, complete homemaker training, and follow person-centered service protocols.

4. OHIO PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Initial Application:

Apply to become a Medicaid or DODD-certified homemaker provider through the appropriate portal.

Submit Documentation:

Business license, EIN, insurance, policy manual, staff training logs, and service procedures.

Readiness Review:

Agencies review safety protocols, staff documentation, and service scope.

Approval & Medicaid Billing:

Once approved, providers receive a Medicaid number and authorization to begin services.

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

Articles of Incorporation or Business License
IRS EIN confirmation
NPI confirmation
Liability insurance documentation
Homemaker Services Policy & Procedure Manual including:
- Cleaning protocols and health/safety standards
- Staff credentialing, training, and supervision procedures
- Emergency response and documentation requirements
- HIPAA compliance and client rights policies
- Infection control, supply handling, and safety measures
- Quality assurance tracking and grievance resolution

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Homemaker Program Administrator

Requirements: Experience in home care services or human services administration; knowledge of waiver operations and documentation.

Role: Homemaker Staff / Aides

Requirements: High school diploma or GED preferred; training in housekeeping and infection control; background check clearance; CPR/First Aid certification encouraged.

All staff must complete: