Become a Caregiver in Ohio

Caring for a loved one at home can be one of the most meaningful things you do, but it can also feel overwhelming at times. Between the emotional weight of caregiving and the financial pressure it can bring, many families are left trying to navigate a system that feels big, complex, and hard to understand.

In Ohio, some Medicaid programs may offer support for family caregivers. Options like Structured Family Caregiving (SFC) and certain waiver programs can help eligible Ohioans receive care from a trusted friend or family member at home where they feel most comfortable.

How to Become a Paid Caregiver in Ohio for a Family Member

Navigating caregiving support can feel overwhelming. The good news is that Ohio provides several pathways for families. Most often, the journey begins with a Medicaid waiver, which allows individuals to receive care at home or in their community rather than a facility. To get paid to take care of a family member in Ohio, you generally follow a structured process:

1. Confirm Medicaid eligibility: Make sure your loved one qualifies for Ohio Medicaid.
2. Apply for a waiver program: Programs like PASSPORT, Next Generation MyCare, or the Ohio Home Care Waiver may help eligible individuals receive care at home.
3. Choose Your Arrangement: Decide between an agency model or a family-led arrangement through a provider like Careforth.
4. Complete Onboarding: This may include paperwork, background checks, and caregiver training.

As a caregiver, your primary role is likely to help with activities of daily living (ADLs). This typically includes tasks like bathing, dressing, or mobility. Just as importantly, you are helping your loved one stay safe, comfortable, and cared for in the place that feels most familiar: home.

Structured Family Caregiving Ohio: Get Paid to Care for a Loved One

Structured Family Caregiving in Ohio is one of the state’s newest and most supportive options for families. This program is a game-changer because it specifically supports “live-in” family caregivers. Unlike traditional hourly roles, SFC provides a tax-free stipend to provide financial stability so caregivers can focus on providing high-quality care.

To access SFC in Ohio, the person receiving care must be enrolled in a qualifying waiver, such as:

• PASSPORT (for those aged 60+)
• Ohio Home Care Waiver (for those aged 18-59)
• Next Generation MyCare Program (for those aged 21+)

To qualify for SFC, the caregiver must be 18 or older and live in the same home as the person they care for. Spouses and guardians are eligible to provide care with authorizer approval. 

Ohio Shared Living and Other Family Caregiver Programs

For those caring for adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities, Ohio Shared Living offers a similar framework for support. This program is managed by the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD) through the Individual Options (I/O) Waiver. Like SFC, Shared Living allows adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities to get support and care from a trusted caregiver at home.

Both Shared Living and SFC aim to provide consistency for the person receiving care and proper support for the caregiver. These programs often include:

• Tax-free stipends for the caregiver
• Professional guidance and care coordination
• Respite services to ensure caregivers have time to recharge

These programs help Ohio families create safe, stable environments for loved ones to thrive at home.

Who Qualifies for Paid Family Caregiver Programs in Ohio

Qualifying for caregiver support programs in Ohio requires both the caregiver and the person they care for to meet certain criteria. If you are researching how to become a paid caregiver in Ohio, keep these eligibility details in mind.

For the Care Recipient:

• Must be 18 or older
• Must qualify for Ohio Medicaid and be enrolled in a home- and community-based waiver
• Must need help with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as eating, bathing, dressing, or walking
• Must live in the same home as their caregiver

For the Caregiver:

• Must be 18 or older 
• Must pass a background check
• Must complete state-required training and ongoing documentation
• Must live in the same home as the person they care for

Steps to Apply for Structured Family Caregiving

Ready to take the next step? To secure the support you need to get paid to take care of a family member in Ohio, start here:

1. Check Medicaid Status: Verify that your loved one meets Medicaid’s financial and medical thresholds. You can start the process through your local Area Agency on Aging (AAA).
2. Choose a Provider: Select a Structured Family Caregiving provider to help guide you through the enrollment process and provide ongoing support.
3. The Application: We assist with the initial paperwork to get you registered with the state. Careforth can help confirm your family’s Medicaid, level of care, and program fit.
4. In-Home Assessment: A healthcare professional will visit your home to evaluate your loved one’s needs and ensure the home environment is safe.
5. Ongoing Support and Care Management: Once approved, you get paired with a dedicated care coach, begin receiving your stipend and gain access to the Careforth app.
6. Care Plan Development: We work with you to create a customized plan that outlines your caregiving goals and your loved one’s care needs.

Why Families Choose Structured Family Caregiving in Ohio

Families choose Structured Family Caregiving in Ohio because it honors caregiving as an important role that goes beyond familial duty. By staying in the comfort of home, the person receiving care often has better health outcomes and a higher quality of life.

Structured Family Caregiving can also reduce the risk of caregiver burnout. With financial assistance, emotional support, and professional guidance from a care coach, caregivers can find the balance between providing quality care and maintaining their own well-being. 

How Can Careforth Help Ohio Caregivers?

We understand that to provide great care, the caregiver needs to be cared for, too. At Careforth, we provide the resources and connections that ensure caregivers feel supported during their caregiving journey. That includes expert guidance, clinical oversight, and a user-friendly mobile app to keep your day and goals on track.

From initial screening to long-term enrollment on our service, caregivers are paired with a dedicated care team. Through our secure app, you can message your coach for advice, access a library of caregiving resources, and track your loved one’s health updates. This comprehensive support system is designed to prevent caregiver burnout and preserve the independence and dignity for your loved one. Visit the Caregiver Support page on our site to learn more about how Careforth can help, or contact us for more information.

Frequently Asked Questions about Caregiving in Ohio