HOMEMAKER SERVICES PROVIDER IN VERMONT

Fatumata Kaba
Apr 9
3 min read

SUPPORTING INDEPENDENT LIVING BY ASSISTING INDIVIDUALS WITH NON-MEDICAL HOUSEHOLD TASKS AND DAILY ROUTINES IN THE COMFORT OF THEIR OWN HOMES

Homemaker Services in Vermont provide essential non-medical support that helps individuals with disabilities, chronic conditions, or age-related needs maintain a clean, safe, and healthy living environment. These services are designed to delay or prevent institutional care and promote independence in the community. Homemaker Services are covered under Vermont’s Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waivers when authorized in the participant’s Individual Support Plan (ISP). Oversight is provided by the Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living (DAIL) and the Department of Vermont Health Access (DVHA), often in collaboration with Designated Agencies (DAs) or Specialized Service Agencies (SSAs).

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1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Vermont Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living (DAIL)

Role: Authorizes homemaker services through HCBS Waivers and monitors provider compliance.

Agency: Department of Vermont Health Access (DVHA)

Role: Manages Medicaid enrollment and reimbursement for homemaker services.

Agency: Designated Agencies (DAs) / Specialized Services Agencies (SSAs)

Role: Coordinate ISP development, authorize homemaker tasks, and oversee service quality.

2. HOMEMAKER SERVICES OVERVIEW

Homemaker Services support individuals in completing non-medical household tasks they are unable to manage independently due to a physical, cognitive, or developmental condition.

Examples of covered tasks:

Light housekeeping (vacuuming, dusting, sweeping)
Laundry and linen changes
Meal planning and preparation
Grocery list development (shopping support may be allowed with approval)
Dishwashing and kitchen clean-up
Bed-making and organizing living spaces
Basic errands (as approved in ISP)

These services are goal-oriented and must directly relate to the participant’s functional needs as documented in the ISP.

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

Register the business with the Vermont Secretary of State
Obtain EIN and Type 2 NPI
Contract with a Designated Agency or SSA for waiver service delivery
Complete Medicaid enrollment with DVHA (if billing directly)
Maintain general liability and workers’ compensation insurance
Develop a Homemaker Services Policy & Procedure Manual
Train staff in privacy, safety, and ISP-based documentation

4. VERMONT PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Step 1: Register your business and secure EIN and NPI

Step 2: Apply to contract with a DA/SSA or seek approval from DAIL

Step 3: Enroll with DVHA for Medicaid billing (if applicable)

Step 4: Submit Policy Manual and staff credentials

Step 5: Complete required staff training and background checks

Step 6: Begin providing services upon ISP authorization

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

EIN, NPI, Articles of Incorporation
Medicaid enrollment confirmation (if applicable)
DA/SSA service contract or DAIL approval
Homemaker Services Policy & Procedure Manual, including:
- Task list and service scope definitions
- Cleaning and safety protocols
- Emergency procedures and incident reporting
- Documentation and billing forms
- HIPAA compliance and client confidentiality policies
- Staff orientation and supervision guidelines
- Client rights and grievance procedures

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Homemaker / Home Support Worker

Requirements:

High school diploma or GED (recommended)
Background check clearance
CPR/First Aid training (preferred)
Knowledge of safe cleaning practices and respectful communication

Optional Role: Service Coordinator / Supervisor

Responsibilities: Staff scheduling, quality assurance, and DA/SSA communication

All staff must complete:

Training on client dignity and person-centered care
HIPAA and privacy best practices
Household safety and universal precautions
Documentation and time tracking procedures

7. MEDICAID WAIVER PROGRAMS

Homemaker Services may be covered under:

Choices for Care (CFC) Waiver – Primary waiver for older adults and adults with physical disabilities
Developmental Disabilities Services Waiver (DDSW) – In specific cases, based on functional needs
Brain Injury Program – May include homemaker supports to maintain community living
Attendant Services Program (ASP) – When homemaker tasks are part of an approved service plan

All services must be pre-approved in the ISP and support health, safety, and independent living goals.

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Setup & Policy Manual Development

Timeline: 2–3 weeks

Phase: DA/SSA Contracting & Medicaid Enrollment

Timeline: 1–2 months

Phase: Staff Hiring & Training

Timeline: 2–4 weeks

Phase: Service Launch

Timeline: Upon ISP authorization and participant assignment

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

Vermont Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living (DAIL)

Website: https://dail.vermont.gov

Department of Vermont Health Access (DVHA)

Website: https://dvha.vermont.gov

Designated Agencies Directory

Website: https://mentalhealth.vermont.gov/services/designated-agencies

WAIVER CONSULTING GROUP’S START-UP ASSISTANCE SERVICE — VERMONT HOMEMAKER SERVICES PROVIDER

WCG helps agencies and entrepreneurs build reliable, person-centered Homemaker Services programs that meet Medicaid standards and promote dignity and independence for Vermont’s waiver participants.

Scope of Work: