Empowering Ohio's Seniors: Exploring the PASSPORT Waiver

What is PASSPORT

Did you know Ohio offers a lifeline for seniors to stay in their own homes rather than entering a nursing facility? If you live in Ohio, you might have heard of the Ohio PASSPORT Waiver. PASSPORT is an acronym that stands for Preadmission Screening System Providing Options and Resources Today. It is a Medicaid Waiver that helps older Ohioans live independently in their own homes for longer by providing options for long-term care services and support.

Servies offered through PASSPORT include:

• Personal Care: Assistance with activities such as bathing, grooming, dressing, and mobility.
• Homemaker and Chore Services: Help with household tasks like cleaning, laundry, and minor repairs.
• Nutritional Counseling and Home-Delivered Meals: Support for maintaining a healthy diet and receiving regular, nutritious meals.
• Adult Day Care: Social and therapeutic activities in community settings to combat isolation and provide respite for caregivers.
• Minor Home Modifications: Adjustments such as grab bars or wheelchair ramps to make homes safer and more accessible.
• Emergency Response Systems: Devices that allow seniors to call for immediate help in case of emergencies.
• Medical Equipment and Supplies: Access to necessary items such as walkers, hospital beds, and oxygen tanks.
• Social Work Counseling: Emotional and mental health support.
• Medical Transportation: Reliable transportation to medical appointments.
• Waiver Nursing: Skilled nursing care in the home.
• Out-of-Home Respite Care: Temporary relief for caregivers when they need time off.
• Structured Family Caregiving: This option compensates family members or friends who provide care, ensuring their efforts are recognized and supported financially.

How Does the PASSPORT Program Work?

Enrolling in the PASSPORT Waiver entails several steps.

1. Eligibility Screening:
   To begin, applicants must qualify for Medicaid. This involves meeting financial and medical criteria set by the state. If you’re unsure whether you qualify, your local Area Agency on Aging can guide you through the process.

2. Assessment of Needs:
   Once Medicaid eligibility is confirmed, the next step is determining the applicant’s care needs. This involves a pre-admission screening conducted by a case manager, often over the phone. The screening evaluates the applicant’s medical condition, daily living requirements, and overall situation to develop a personalized care plan. During this process, the case manager will explain all available long-term care options.

3. Care Plan Development:
   After approval, the participant receives a care plan outlining the number of caregiving hours covered by PASSPORT. This typically ranges from 15–20 hours per week, but higher-needs participants may qualify for additional hours to ensure comprehensive support.

4. Selecting Care Providers:
   One of the most empowering aspects of PASSPORT is the ability to choose how care is provided. Caregivers can be selected through two pathways:

   • Home Healthcare Agencies: Most agencies provide their own professional caregivers to meet your needs.
   • The CareOasis Difference: While many agencies assign caregivers to participants, CareOasis takes a personalized approach. We allow you to choose the caregiver you want to serve you—whether it’s a family member, close friend, or someone else you trust. Even if your chosen caregiver hasn’t performed these duties professionally before, we provide comprehensive training and handle all necessary qualifications, including background checks. Our free training program equips caregivers with the skills they need to provide high-quality, compassionate care, making the process seamless for everyone involved.

5. Receiving Care:
   Once caregiving hours and providers are finalized, participants begin receiving services based on their personalized care plans. Regular check-ins ensure the program continues to meet their evolving needs.

Why Choose PASSPORT? The Benefits of Staying Home

The PASSPORT Waiver is more than just a program—it’s a commitment to dignity, independence, and community. Here’s why so many seniors and families choose PASSPORT:

• Preserving Independence:
  For seniors, staying in their own home often means maintaining a sense of autonomy and control over their daily lives. The familiar environment, coupled with personalized care, helps promote emotional well-being and self-confidence.

• Enhanced Quality of Life:
  By providing services tailored to each participant’s needs, PASSPORT ensures seniors receive optimal care without sacrificing comfort. Activities like home-delivered meals, day care programs, and medical transportation help seniors enjoy a higher quality of life.

• Support for Caregivers:
  Caring for an aging loved one can be both rewarding and challenging. PASSPORT offers respite care and Structured Family Caregiving, giving caregivers the support they need to balance their responsibilities. Programs like CareOasis further empower caregivers by formalizing their roles and providing financial compensation.

• Cost-Effective Solution:
  Compared to nursing home care, PASSPORT is a more affordable option for families and the state alike. It offers high-quality, community-based care at a fraction of the cost, making it a sustainable solution for long-term care.

• Flexibility Through CareOasis:
  At CareOasis, we go beyond standard care. We recognize that trust is key to receiving quality support, which is why we give participants the freedom to choose their caregiver. Whether it’s a family member or someone you know personally, we ensure they’re trained and qualified to meet your needs. This approach fosters stronger relationships and personalized care that’s both reliable and compassionate.

How to Learn More: Take the Next Step

If you or a loved one are interested in the PASSPORT Waiver, resources are readily available to guide you through the process. Contact the Ohio Department of Aging or call us at CareOasis to learn more.