In December 2020, Indiana’s Family and Social Services Administration launched an initiative to address an increasing need for services and supports for Hoosiers caring for a family member or friend at home during the COVID-19 public health crisis. The initiative expedites the enrollment process for a variety of Home and Community-Based Services, including Structured Family Caregiving, a program designed to support family members, friends, and spouses caring for loved ones at home.

Read on for the answers to your questions about specifics of the program, who meets the criteria, and how to enroll.

What is Structured Family Caregiving?

Structured Family Caregiving is designed to provide you with the resources you need to provide the best possible care for your loved one or friend at home.

Caregiver Homes of Indiana is a provider of Structured Family Caregiving operating in the state since 2013. The program includes:

• Support from a team of trained professionals. Caregiver Homes Care Teams will assist you remotely with any medical or administrative issues related to caregiving. In-person home assessments are restricted during the pandemic, but will resume when it is safe to do so. 
• Vela, a secure collaboration app with texting and file-sharing features. This app allows you to easily communicate with Care Teams on a daily basis, so you can ask questions as soon as they arise and solve problems proactively.  
• A tax-free payment to offset caregiving costs. This can go towards home modifications such as a grab bar in the shower, transportation to medical appointments, and more. 

How Do I Qualify for Expedited Eligibility? 

Enrollment typically takes 60-90 days, but through the expedited eligibility process in Indiana, it’s possible to start receiving these services in as few as 10 days. 

To qualify for the expedited program and start receiving services right away, the person you care for must meet the following requirements: 

• They are 65 or older
• They are eligible for Indiana’s Aged & Disabled Medicaid waiver but are not already receiving Medicaid benefits
• They have an individual income of $2,349 per month or less
• They do not have complex financial assets that would require a detailed review to determine eligibility
• They need assistance with at least three activities of daily living such as eating, dressing, toileting, etc.
• They meet the criteria listed here for the level of care known as a “Nursing Facility Level of Care” on the Aged & Disabled Waiver.
• They live in one of the following counties: Boone, Clark, Elkhart, Floyd, Gibson, Hamilton, Hancock, Harrison, Hendricks, Jasper, Johnson, Joseph, Kosciusko, La Porte St., Lake, Marion, Marshall, Morgan, Newton, Perry, Porter, Posey, Scott, Shelby, Spencer, Vanderburgh, or Warrick

How Do I Apply?

Ready to learn more? If your loved one meets these eligibility requirements, or you’re not sure, please click here and fill out the form to get in touch with us. Caregiver Homes of Indiana will respond promptly to answer your questions and guide you through the process.

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