Ohio home care, in plain English.

Does Medicaid pay for home and community services in Ohio?

Yes. Through the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD), Medicaid funds in-home personal care, homemaker services, respite, day services, and more through three waivers: Individual Options (IO), SELF, and Level One.

Which waivers does Reliance Care Solutions accept?

We deliver services under the DODD IO, SELF, and Level One waivers in all 88 Ohio counties. We also work with families on private pay when a waiver isn't in place or doesn't cover what they need.

Are there independent providers for Ohio DODD waivers?

Yes. Individuals on the IO, SELF, and Level One waivers can choose any DODD-certified provider, including independent agencies like Reliance Care Solutions. You can switch providers at any time without losing your waiver.

How long does Ohio DODD waiver approval take?

DODD waiver approval typically takes 30 to 90 days from referral. SELF and Level One often move faster than IO. We can usually start private pay during the approval window so there's no gap in care.

Can I be paid to care for my family member in Ohio?

Yes. Under the IO, SELF, and Level One DODD waivers, adult children, friends, and some other family members can be hired as paid caregivers through participant-directed services. Spouses are generally not eligible.

What does DODD cover in Ohio?

Ohio's Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD) funds services for people with developmental and intellectual disabilities through three waivers: IO, SELF, and Level One. They cover personal care, day services, vocational habilitation, respite, transportation, and residential supports.

How are IO, SELF, and Level One waivers different?

The IO waiver has no annual cap and serves people with extensive needs. SELF is participant-directed with a budget cap, around $40,000 a year for adults. Level One has lower caps and serves people with lighter support needs.

Is there a waitlist for DODD waivers in Ohio?

Yes. Most Ohio counties have a waitlist for IO and SELF waivers. Level One typically clears faster. Your county Board of DD tracks current status weekly.

Who is my SSA in Ohio?

Your Service and Support Administrator (SSA) is assigned by your county Board of DD. The SSA writes the Individual Service Plan and coordinates providers. They are your main point of contact for DODD services.

Can my child stay home and still get DODD services?

Yes. Most Ohio children with developmental disabilities receive in-home and community-based services through DODD waivers while living with their family. Residential placement is one option, not the default.

How much does private home care cost in Ohio?

Private-pay home care in Ohio typically runs $25 to $32 per hour for personal care, with 24-hour care at $250 to $400 per day. Live-in care can cost less than 24-hour shift care for stable clients.

Will I have out-of-pocket costs on a DODD waiver?

Most families approved for the IO, SELF, or Level One waiver pay nothing for authorized services. We show the full breakdown before service starts.

Does long-term care insurance cover home care?

Yes. Most long-term care insurance policies cover non-medical home care. We provide all documentation your policy requires for reimbursement.

Can I pay privately if I don't have a waiver?

Yes. Private pay is a stand-alone option with no waiver, no waitlist, and no county approval. We send a written rate sheet before you commit and care can begin within 48 to 72 hours.

Are your caregivers screened?

Yes. Every Reliance Care caregiver is background-checked, drug-tested, certified for the role, reference-verified, and matched to your loved one by personality, language, and care needs.

Can I meet the caregiver before they start?

Yes. We introduce the primary caregiver to the family before the first shift, and we re-match free of charge if the fit isn't right.

What if my regular caregiver is sick?

We maintain a back-up roster trained on your loved one's care plan, so coverage continues without you having to scramble.

Do caregivers drive?

Yes. Our caregivers can drive clients to appointments, errands, and community activities using either company vehicles or, in some cases, the family's vehicle.

How fast can home care start in Ohio?

Most non-emergency starts happen within 48 to 72 hours of the assessment. Same-day starts are possible for hospital discharges and emergency respite.

Do I need a doctor's referral?

A doctor's referral is not required to start home care or to apply for most Ohio DODD waivers, but we recommend one, especially for dual-diagnosis cases. Call us and we'll walk you through the steps.

What happens at the free assessment?

A care coordinator visits the home (or video-calls if preferred), reviews routines, safety, and goals, screens for waiver eligibility, and proposes a care plan with clear funding options. It takes about 45 minutes.

What areas of Ohio do you serve?

Reliance Care Solutions is Ohio DODD-certified to deliver IO, SELF, and Level One waiver services in all 88 Ohio counties. For hands-on senior care, private pay, and in-person visits, our coordinators cover Lucas County and 11 surrounding Northwest Ohio counties including Wood, Fulton, Henry, Ottawa, Sandusky, Erie, Defiance, Williams, Hancock, Seneca, and Putnam.

What is private pay home care?

Private pay home care is in-home support funded directly by the individual or family rather than by Medicaid or a waiver. You set the hours, the services, and the schedule, and you pay an hourly or daily rate.

How much does private pay cost in Ohio?

Private pay personal care in Ohio typically runs $25 to $32 per hour through Reliance Care Solutions. Overnight and 24-hour rates are quoted per shift. We send a written rate sheet before you commit.

Do I need a DODD waiver to use Reliance?

No. Private pay is a stand-alone option with no waiver, no waitlist, and no county approval. Care can begin within 48 to 72 hours of your free assessment.

Can private pay turn into a waiver later?

Yes. Many families start private pay while a DODD waivers (IO, SELF, or Level One) waiver application is in review. When the waiver is approved we transition you onto it without a gap in care.

What conditions does Reliance Care support?

We support autism, Down syndrome, traumatic brain injury, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, spina bifida, visual and auditory impairment, cancer, dementia, Alzheimer's, and many other developmental, physical, and aging-related conditions.

What is Positive Behavior Supports?

Positive Behavior Supports (PBS) is an evidence-based approach that focuses on understanding why a challenging behavior happens and teaching skills that meet the same underlying need. It's our team's named specialty.

Does Reliance host community activities?

Yes. We run weekly outings to Cedar Point, the Toledo Metroparks, bowling, swimming, and out-of-town trips, plus monthly family nights and annual group vacations open to every client.