Michigan Home Help
Care at home • Support for families
What is Michigan Home Help?
Michigan Home Help is an MDHHS program that provides personal care services to eligible individuals who need hands on assistance with activities of daily living and may also authorize assistance with certain instrumental activities of daily living.
Get Paid to Care for a Loved One Learn how eligible family caregivers may receive financial support while providing care at home. Learn How It Works →- MDHHS Administered
- Personal Care (ADLs)
- Care In Your Own Home
- Trusted Caregiver Option
Who May Qualify?
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Does the person have Michigan Medicaid?
Coverage Requirement -
Do they live at home?
Residence Requirement -
Do they need hands on help with everyday activities?
Functional Need
Coverage
Is Medicaid Required?
Home Help is a Medicaid funded program.
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Medicaid
A person must have qualifying Michigan Medicaid coverage and meet the program's other requirements.
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Medicare
Medicare alone is not the same as Medicaid Home Help coverage.
Authorized Help
What Assistance May Be Authorized?
Depending on MDHHS authorization, services may include hands on help with bathing, dressing, grooming, eating, mobility, toileting, and transfers, plus certain household tasks such as meal preparation, laundry, light housework, medication assistance, and shopping.
Personal Care / ADLs
- Bathing and personal hygieneHands on assistance with bathing and hygiene needs when authorized.
- Dressing and groomingAssistance with dressing, grooming, and routine personal care.
- EatingAssistance with eating/feeding when part of the authorized plan.
- MobilityAssistance moving safely within the home.
- ToiletingAssistance with toileting and related personal care.
- TransfersAssistance moving between beds, chairs, and other surfaces.
Household / IADL Support
- Meal preparationHelp preparing meals consistent with the authorized care plan.
- Light houseworkBasic household tasks that support a safe living environment.
- LaundryAssistance with routine laundry needs.
- Medication Reminders & Authorized SupportAuthorized assistance/reminders within program and agency requirements.
- ShoppingAuthorized shopping for food and medications.
Can a Family Member Provide Care?
Some family members, friends, and other trusted adults may be eligible to provide care, subject to Michigan Home Help rules and caregiver requirements. Certain relationships and situations have restrictions. Contact Next Step so we can review the general pathway with you.
See If You May Qualify-
Can my spouse be my paid Home Help caregiver?
Michigan Home Help has restrictions on who may be paid as a caregiver, including restrictions involving spouses. Next Step can explain the current caregiver requirements before onboarding.
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Can a parent be paid to care for a child under 18?
Home Help rules restrict payment to a parent for care provided to their minor child. Other qualified caregivers may be possible depending on the situation and program requirements.
Our Role
How Next Step Helps
Initial Screening and Guidance
Initial screening and explanation of the Home Help pathway.
Application and Documentation
Guidance on required steps and documents.
Caregiver Onboarding
Caregiver onboarding, CHAMPS and agency association support, payroll and employment administration, and EVV training once applicable.
Ongoing Agency Support
Ongoing agency support after services begin.
Our role is to provide dependable home assistance and help families navigate the administrative side of care with clarity and respect.
Next Step can help explain the process and required steps but does not make the eligibility decision.
See If You May Qualify4 Simple Steps
How to Get Started
Talk with Next Step.
Complete/coordinate the required Home Help application and medical documentation.
MDHHS assesses eligibility and authorized needs.
If Next Step is chosen and authorization requirements are completed, care begins with the approved caregiver/agency arrangement.
What happens after I choose Next Step?
The Home Help client informs their MDHHS Adult Services Worker. Before agency payment can be authorized, the worker must meet with the client and an authorized agency representative or assigned caregiver(s), and required caregiver/agency enrollment steps must be complete.
Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb Counties
Caregivers
Caregiver Requirements
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Can a family member or friend be my caregiver?
Some family members, friends, and other trusted adults may be eligible to provide care, subject to Michigan Home Help rules and caregiver requirements. Certain relationships and situations have restrictions. Contact Next Step so we can review the general pathway with you.
-
Can my spouse be my paid Home Help caregiver?
Michigan Home Help has restrictions on who may be paid as a caregiver, including restrictions involving spouses. Next Step can explain the current caregiver requirements before onboarding.
-
Can a parent be paid to care for a child under 18?
Home Help rules restrict payment to a parent for care provided to their minor child. Other qualified caregivers may be possible depending on the situation and program requirements.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hours will I receive?
There is no number Next Step can promise in advance. MDHHS assesses the individual's needs and determines authorized services and time.
What happens after I choose Next Step?
The Home Help client informs their MDHHS Adult Services Worker. Before agency payment can be authorized, the worker must meet with the client and an authorized agency representative or assigned caregiver(s), and required caregiver/agency enrollment steps must be complete.
How do caregivers record visits?
Michigan Home Help agencies use Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) when required. Next Step trains assigned caregivers on the required process.
What counties do you serve?
Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb Counties.