Residential Housing vs. Waiver Services: Understanding the Difference
Residential housing and waiver services can work together, but they are not the same service.
Families often hear terms such as residential housing, Medicaid waiver, DODD services, and HPC during the placement process.
These services may complement one another, but they are not necessarily the same thing.
Residential Housing
Residential housing provides the individual's living environment.
Depending on the residence, housing may include room, meals, supervision, structured routines, household support, and other residential services.
Waiver Services
Eligible individuals may also have authorized services through Medicaid or developmental-disability waiver programs.
Examples may include:
Homemaker Personal Care
Participant-Directed HPC
Non-Medical Transportation
Home Delivered Meals
Services depend on eligibility and the individual's authorized service plan.
Walker Wellness Homes
Walker Wellness Homes provides residential housing, and staff includes independent providers who may deliver authorized DODD and Medicaid waiver services to eligible individuals.
Residential placement does not automatically create waiver eligibility or authorization.
Understanding Residential Housing and Waiver Services in Ohio
Understand the difference between residential housing and Medicaid or DODD waiver services available to eligible Ohio residents.
Understanding Residential Housing and Waiver Services in Ohio
Families and professionals often encounter several different programs when searching for residential housing and support services in Ohio.
One of the most important distinctions to understand is that residential housing and Medicaid or DODD waiver services are not necessarily the same thing.
Understanding that difference can make the referral and placement process easier to navigate.
What Is Residential Housing?
Residential housing provides the individual's living environment.
Depending on the residence, services may include:
Room and board
Meals
Daily structure
Supervision
Household support
Community integration
Assistance maintaining routines
Specific residential services vary by provider and setting.
What Are Medicaid and DODD Waiver Services?
Eligible individuals may receive services authorized through Medicaid or Ohio developmental disability waiver programs.
These services are based on the individual's eligibility, assessed needs, and approved service plan.
Examples may include:
Homemaker Personal Care
Participant-Directed Homemaker Personal Care
Non-Medical Transportation
Home Delivered Meals
Other approved community-based supports
What Is Homemaker Personal Care?
Homemaker Personal Care, commonly referred to as HPC, may provide assistance with activities that help eligible individuals live successfully in their homes and communities.
Supports may involve daily living skills, personal care, household routines, community activities, and other authorized goals.
What Is Non-Medical Transportation?
Non-Medical Transportation, or NMT, can provide transportation for eligible waiver participants when the service is authorized through the individual's plan.
The purpose of NMT is to support access to approved community activities and services.
Who Determines Waiver Eligibility?
Residential providers do not determine Medicaid or DODD waiver eligibility.
Eligibility and authorized services are determined through the appropriate state, county, Medicaid, DODD, SSA, care-management, or other responsible entity depending on the program.
Because program requirements can change, individuals, families, and providers should verify current requirements with the appropriate agency.
How Walker Wellness Homes Can Help
Walker Wellness Homes provides adult residential housing and also has staff who serve as independent providers for authorized DODD and Medicaid waiver services.
If you are considering residential placement and are unsure where to begin, our team can explain our residential services, referral process, and the information that may be needed to explore placement.
Contact Walker Wellness Homes to learn more about residential options and current availability.