Many older adults in Ohio want to remain independent and continue living comfortably in their own homes. However, everyday activities can become more difficult as they age.
Two common types of home care assistance are personal care services and homemaker services.
Although these services may seem similar, they provide different kinds of support.
Understanding the difference can help families choose the right care for their loved ones.
What Are Personal Care Services?
Personal care services help older adults with everyday activities that involve their personal needs.
These services are especially helpful for individuals who have difficulty completing daily routines independently.
Examples of personal care services include:
Assistance with bathing and personal hygiene
Help with dressing and grooming
Assistance with walking and moving around safely
Help with toileting
Assistance with eating
Support with transferring from a bed to a chair
Personal care aides help older adults maintain their dignity, comfort, and independence while receiving assistance at home.
What Are Homemaker Services?
Homemaker services focus on helping older adults maintain a clean, organized, and comfortable living environment.
Unlike personal care, homemaker services primarily assist with household responsibilities.
Examples of homemaker services include:
Light housekeeping
Laundry and changing bed linens
Meal preparation
Washing dishes
Grocery shopping and essential errands, when authorized
Keeping frequently used living areas clean and organized
These services can make everyday life easier for older adults who struggle with household tasks.
What's the Difference Between Personal Care and Homemaker Services?
The main difference is the type of assistance provided.
Personal care services focus on helping an individual with their physical and daily personal needs.
Homemaker services focus on helping an individual manage everyday household responsibilities.
For example, an older adult who needs assistance taking a shower may benefit from personal care services.
An older adult who can bathe independently but struggles with laundry and meal preparation may benefit from homemaker services.
Some individuals may need both types of assistance.
Does Ohio's PASSPORT Program Cover These Services?
Ohio's PASSPORT Medicaid waiver program helps eligible older adults receive approved long-term care services in their homes instead of moving into a nursing facility.
Depending on an individual's assessment and approved service plan, PASSPORT may cover personal care and homemaker assistance.
Eligibility generally includes being age 60 or older, meeting Medicaid financial requirements, and demonstrating a qualifying level of care.
The amount and type of assistance are determined through the program's assessment and care planning process.
Can Families Choose Their Home Care Provider?
Eligible PASSPORT participants generally have a choice among qualified, available providers who are authorized to deliver their approved services.
Families should consider several factors when selecting a home care agency, including:
Reliability and communication
Caregiver experience
Availability in their county
The services the agency is authorized to provide
Whether the agency accepts their PASSPORT service authorization
Choosing a home care provider that understands an individual's needs can help make receiving care at home more comfortable.
Personal Care and Homemaker Services in Franklin and Delaware Counties
Elegant Home Care Agency provides personal care and homemaker services for eligible individuals in Franklin and Delaware counties, Ohio.
Our goal is to help older adults remain comfortable and independent while receiving the assistance they need in their own homes.
Families interested in learning more can visit our local service pages:
PASSPORT Home Care in Franklin County
https://www.eleganthomecareagency.com/passport-home-care-franklin-county
PASSPORT Home Care in Delaware County
https://www.eleganthomecareagency.com/passport-home-care-delaware-county
How to Get Started
If you or a loved one needs assistance with personal care or household responsibilities, Ohio's PASSPORT program may be an option.
Families can contact the Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging (COAAA) to ask about eligibility and the application process.
You can also contact Elegant Home Care Agency to learn more about our available services.
Elegant Home Care Agency
Serving Franklin and Delaware Counties, Ohio
Phone: (614) 500-0733
Website: www.eleganthomecareagency.com
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can an older adult receive both personal care and homemaker services?
Yes. Eligible individuals may receive both services when their needs are assessed and the services are included in their approved care plan.
2. Are homemaker services the same as house cleaning?
Not exactly. Homemaker services provide assistance with approved household tasks that support an individual's ability to remain at home. They are not intended to replace general residential cleaning services.
3. Does PASSPORT pay for personal care services?
Yes, personal care assistance may be covered for eligible participants when authorized through their PASSPORT service plan.
4. Can someone receive PASSPORT services while living with family?
Yes. Living with family does not automatically prevent someone from qualifying for PASSPORT. Eligibility depends on the program's requirements and the individual's assessed needs.
5. How can I find PASSPORT home care services near Columbus, Ohio?
Contact the Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging to learn about eligibility, approved services, and available providers serving your area.
