Careforth Enhances Caregiver Support Services in Ohio
Structured Family Caregiving now available to assist family caregivers of Medicaid-eligible individuals.
Careforth, an esteemed name in caregiver support services, has broadened its reach in Ohio, introducing Structured Family Caregiving (SFC). This innovative service is designed for families taking care of older adults and individuals with physical disabilities. For over a decade, Careforth has been an ally for caregivers through the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities' Shared Living service, and this recent expansion ensures that SFC and coaching services are now universally accessible throughout the state.
The SFC service, administered by the Ohio Department of Aging alongside the Ohio Department of Medicaid, aims to assist adults who meet the criteria for various Medicaid waiver programs. This includes adults over 60 participating in PASSPORT, individuals aged 18 to 59 enrolled in Ohio Home Care, and adults aged 18 and above residing in MyCare regions. The mandate is straightforward: the caregiver and the Medicaid recipient must cohabit, with the recipient needing daily assistance that can be provided by the caregiver under the SFC framework. Caregivers can be anyone designated by the member, whether they are family members or friends, as long as they meet state qualifications.
With approximately 63 million people across the nation currently serving as family caregivers, the demand for supportive resources has never been more critical. Marc Russo, CEO of Careforth, emphasizes the importance of recognizing caregivers as vital pillars of the healthcare system, often overlooked and without adequate support. He shares, "From my personal journey, I know that caregiving is not just a role; it's an impactful venture that demands a well of resilience. With Careforth, we aspire to surround families with the necessary tools, facilitating care at home while cultivating a community of support, because no one should traverse this path alone."
Careforth acknowledges the sacrifices made by caregivers by offering a financial stipend and personalized coaching services tailored for families tendering care to eligible Medicaid members. Participating caregivers will work closely with a dedicated team, including registered nurses and social workers, committed to providing continuous education, mentorship, and support. Recognizing the risks of burnout, Careforth also assists caregivers in finding opportunities for respite, ensuring that they recharge and are equipped for the caregiving journey.
Elio Harmon, director of community partnerships at Careforth, advocates strongly for caregivers, stating, "Our teams are essential partners for family caregivers. We provide reassurance and strategies to navigate day-to-day care effectively. Throughout my experiences across various communities in Ohio, I've had the privilege of meeting countless caregivers who feel isolated and unaware of the assistance available. It's fulfilling to now extend our support to their journeys through caregiving."
With a notable history of 25 years in caregiving support services, Careforth is committed to enhancing healthcare outcomes while simultaneously reducing care costs. Recent insights from a partnership with ATI Advisory indicate that those engaged with Careforth’s SFC services experience a remarkable 45% reduction in the likelihood of falls and a 21% decline in emergency department visits compared to individuals receiving dual Medicare-Medicaid benefits.
Should you or someone close to you be caring for a loved one at home in Ohio, you may qualify for Structured Family Caregiving or Shared Living services through Careforth. For more information, contact us directly or visit our website.
About Careforth
Careforth is devoted to empowering family caregivers nationwide to provide care to their loved ones with confidence. Our team of nurses and care coaches engages with caregivers daily, offering emotional and practical support through real conversations and innovative digital tools. Careforth strives to enhance health outcomes and satisfaction for both caregivers and care recipients, leading to improved engagement for healthcare providers and tangible cost savings for payers. We are committed to supporting family caregivers at every stage of their journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Structured Family Caregiving?
Structured Family Caregiving is a service designed to support family caregivers of individuals eligible for Medicaid, primarily helping with daily care needs.
Who qualifies for Careforth's services?
Careforth's services are available to adults eligible for certain Medicaid programs and who reside with their caregivers.
How does Careforth support family caregivers?
Careforth provides financial stipends and coaching services while connecting caregivers with a team of professionals for continuous support.
Why is caregiver support important?
Supporting caregivers is crucial as they play a significant role in the healthcare system, yet often face challenges and isolation without adequate resources.
What benefits does Careforth offer caregivers?
Careforth offers training, emotional support, rest opportunities, and local resource connections to prevent caregiver burnout and improve care quality.
