HOW IT WORKS

A clearer path to paid family caregiving

If you already help someone you love at home, you may be wondering where to start. Here’s an overview of the Michigan Home Help process for families in Dearborn.

Check My Eligibility → Call (313) 251-1560

MDHHS makes Home Help eligibility and service authorization decisions.

  • The program

    Michigan Home Help

    A Medicaid-funded program for eligible Michigan residents who need hands-on help with personal care.

  • Who decides

    MDHHS Adult Services

    The state determines eligibility and authorizes services after an in-home assessment.

  • Typical timeline

    Up to 45 days

    MDHHS states the application process can take up to 45 days. Medicaid and enrollment steps can add time.

THE PROCESS

Five steps from first call to approved care

Every family’s situation is different, but most follow the same path. Here’s what to expect at each stage — and what helps things move smoothly.

  1. Step 1: Start with an initial eligibility review

    Tell Caring Family Homecare who needs support, where they live, and what help they need. You do not need to have every answer before contacting us.

    • Who needs support
    • Where they live
    • The help they need each day

    Not sure about something? That’s fine. “Not sure” is a perfectly good starting answer — we’ll talk through what to check next.

  2. Step 2: Confirm Medicaid and submit the required paperwork

    Home Help requires qualifying Michigan Medicaid coverage. If your loved one is not enrolled, Medicaid eligibility must be addressed before Home Help payments can be authorized.

    The Home Help process includes an Adult Services Application (DHS-390) and medical needs certification completed by an approved medical professional. A referral goes to the local county MDHHS office where the person receiving care lives.

    • Qualifying Michigan Medicaid
    • Adult Services Application (DHS-390)
    • Medical needs certification
    • Referral to the county MDHHS office

    Medicare isn’t enough on its own. Someone with both Medicare and Medicaid may qualify; Medicare alone does not.

  3. Step 3: Complete the home assessment

    An MDHHS Adult Services Worker meets with the person receiving care at home to evaluate their needs. This assessment determines eligibility and the tasks and time that may be authorized. Explain the hands-on help your loved one needs during a typical day.

    • In-home visit
    • Needs evaluated
    • Tasks & time authorized

    Before the visit: jot down the hands-on help your loved one needs on a typical day — getting up, bathing, dressing, meals, using the bathroom, and moving around. Specific, honest examples help the worker see the full picture.

  4. Step 4: Complete caregiver enrollment

    The chosen caregiver must meet program requirements, complete applicable enrollment through CHAMPS, Michigan’s Medicaid provider system, and satisfy background screening requirements. Ask our team how enrollment works through Caring Family Homecare.

    • Age 18 or older
    • CHAMPS enrollment
    • Background screening

    Check the relationship rules early. Spouses and parents of minor children can’t be paid caregivers under Home Help. See who qualifies →

  5. Step 5: Begin authorized care and follow reporting requirements

    Once the required approvals are in place, paid caregiving must follow the authorized services and applicable documentation rules. Before starting, confirm the approved start date, pay arrangements, and how to record care.

    • Approved start date
    • Pay arrangements
    • How to record care

    Plan around confirmed dates. Don’t assume care given before approval will be paid — confirm the payable start date for your case.

An adult daughter holding hands with her mother at the kitchen table

GETTING READY

What helps the process go smoothly

You don’t need all of this to start a conversation with us — but having it handy makes each step easier.

  • Your loved one’s Medicaid status — or a note that you’re not sure
  • Their home address, including city and ZIP code
  • A list of the daily activities they need hands-on help with
  • Contact details for their doctor or medical provider
  • The name of the person who plans to provide care
  • Your questions — we’re happy to walk through them
Read common questions →

Let’s talk about your next step

Start with your questions. Contact Caring Family Homecare to discuss paid caregiving for your loved one in Dearborn.

Check My Eligibility → Call Us Today: (313) 251-1560  →

MDHHS makes Home Help eligibility and service authorization decisions. Completing this website’s form is an inquiry, not a state application.