#United States #Columbus #Careforth #Structured Family Caregiving #Ohio Caregivers

Careforth Expands Services in Ohio

Careforth, a prominent provider of caregiver support solutions, has recently announced an expansion of services in Ohio aimed at bolstering support for family caregivers. This initiative includes the introduction of Structured Family Caregiving (SFC), a program specifically designed to assist older adults and individuals with physical disabilities along with their family caregivers. Since 2011, Careforth has been instrumental in aiding caregivers through Ohio's Department of Developmental Disabilities' Shared Living service.

The new SFC services are now accessible statewide, ensuring that family caregivers who provide live-in care for Medicaid-eligible loved ones have the resources they need to succeed. This program is specifically available to those who qualify for Medicaid and fall under various waivers such as PASSPORT for individuals aged 60 and over, Ohio Home Care for individuals aged 18-59, or MyCare for those aged 18 and above living in specific regions.

To qualify, both the Medicaid recipient and the caregiver must reside in the same household, and the individual receiving care must have daily needs met by their primary caregiver through the SFC program. These caregivers can be relatives or unrelated individuals meeting the state's eligibility criteria. As Marc Russo, CEO of Careforth, pointed out, caregiver support is increasingly vital amid the reality that over 63 million Americans are currently tending to loved ones in need.

“Family caregivers are truly the backbone of our healthcare system,” said Russo. “Despite facing immense challenges, they often go unnoticed and unsupported. Based on my own experiences, I can attest that caregiving is one of the most demanding yet rewarding roles. Careforth aims to provide families with the essential support they require to deliver care at home while cultivating a community around them throughout their caregiving journey.”

Alongside structured support, Careforth provides a financial stipend to family caregivers alongside coaching services for those caring for eligible Medicaid members. Caregivers will be equipped with support from a dedicated team, including licensed nurses and social workers who offer continuous education, coaching, and assistance. Recognizing the critical need for caregiver respite, Careforth actively connects caregivers with local resources that can provide them the breaks they require to prevent burnout.

“One of our main goals is to facilitate essential support for caregivers,” stated Elio Harmon, Careforth's Director of Community Partnerships and a caregiver himself. “In my experiences across various Ohio communities, it’s heartbreaking to find so many caregivers who feel isolated and unequipped to seek help. I’m thrilled that we are now in a position to support them on their caregiving journeys.”

Having provided caregiver support for over 25 years, Careforth is dedicated to improving healthcare outcomes while reducing care costs. A recent study in collaboration with ATI Advisory revealed that participants in Careforth’s SFC program experience a 45% decrease in fall incidents and a 21% reduction in emergency department visits compared to a similar group of dual-eligible beneficiaries.

If you or someone you know is caring for a loved one at home in Ohio, Careforth is available to assist. You might qualify for the Structured Family Caregiving program or Shared Living. For more details, call 866-797-2333 or visit Careforth’s official website.

About Careforth

Careforth is on a mission to empower family caregivers across the United States, enabling them to confidently care for their loved ones at home. Daily, Careforth's teams of nurses and care coaches connect with caregivers both personally and through their proprietary digital collaboration platform, providing emotional backing, personalized guidance, and community resource connections. Careforth strives to enhance health outcomes, drive satisfaction for both caregivers and recipients alike, and deliver cost efficiencies for healthcare providers, all while standing by family caregivers at every stage of the caregiving journey.