How to Choose the Right Caregiver for the Michigan Home Help Program
Once you are approved for the Michigan Home Help Program, you will need to choose who will provide care. Some people select a professional caregiver, while others choose a trusted family member or friend. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) allows both options as long as the caregiver meets program requirements.
Selecting the right caregiver ensures that care is consistent, safe, and properly documented for MDHHS approval.
Care Plan Inc. helps Michigan caregivers enroll, complete all paperwork, and get paid $17 or more per hour weekly for hours approved by MDHHS.
Who Can Be a Caregiver
The Home Help Program allows most family members or friends to be paid caregivers as long as they are not the legal guardian or spouse of the person receiving care.
Common examples include:
An adult child caring for a parent
A grandchild or close relative assisting with daily tasks
A family friend or neighbor helping with personal care and household activities
If you are married, your spouse cannot be paid under the Home Help Program. However, a different family member or friend can apply.
Learn more in Can a Spouse Get Paid to Care in Michigan
What to Look for in a Good Caregiver
Choosing a caregiver is both a personal and practical decision. The caregiver must be dependable, trustworthy, and capable of assisting with daily tasks like bathing, dressing, meals, and mobility.
A good caregiver should:
Be reliable and available for the scheduled hours
Communicate clearly with both the care recipient and MDHHS worker
Keep accurate records of hours worked and care provided
Be willing to complete the required enrollment and background process
Care Plan Inc. can help families identify if a chosen caregiver is eligible and guide them through the approval steps.
Background Check and Enrollment Requirements
Before any caregiver can begin receiving payment, MDHHS requires a background check and verification through the CHAMPS system. This process confirms that the caregiver is eligible to work in the program and has no disqualifying offenses.
Care Plan Inc. assists with the CHAMPS registration and enrollment steps to make the process easier.
To get started, the caregiver must:
Complete required forms and identification verification
Submit to a background check
Register in CHAMPS through the MDHHS system
Be linked to the care recipient’s case for payment setup
Learn more about CHAMPS in Simplifying CHAMPS, Your Key to Getting Paid
Training and Orientation
While the Home Help Program does not require formal certification, it is helpful for caregivers to understand how to provide safe, consistent care.
Care Plan Inc. provides educational resources to help new caregivers learn about tasks, safety, and record-keeping. We also explain how to complete timesheets accurately to prevent delays in payment.
How to Decide Between Family and Professional Care
Some families prefer to hire a professional caregiver through an agency, while others want to keep care within the family. Both options can work well, depending on the situation.
For example, if the care recipient requires help only a few hours per day, a family caregiver may be the most convenient option. If the person needs care for longer hours or medical tasks, a trained professional might be better suited.
MDHHS allows flexibility as long as the caregiver’s tasks match the approved care plan.
How to Change Caregivers Later
If the caregiver cannot continue, you can change caregivers at any time. It is important to notify MDHHS and Care Plan Inc. right away so new paperwork can be completed.
Learn how to make this change in How to Change or Update a Caregiver in the Home Help Program
When a new caregiver is selected, the same steps apply: background check, CHAMPS registration, and MDHHS approval.
Keeping Accurate Timesheets
Caregivers are responsible for recording their hours accurately each week. Timesheets are reviewed to confirm that hours match the care plan approved by MDHHS.
Errors or missing signatures can delay payment. Care Plan Inc. provides guidance on how to fill out and submit timesheets properly to keep payments on schedule.
How Care Plan Inc. Supports Families
Care Plan Inc. is not part of MDHHS and does not decide who qualifies or how many hours are approved. Our agency helps Michigan caregivers understand program rules, complete enrollment, and receive weekly pay once MDHHS approves hours.
We pay caregivers $17 or more per hour weekly for the hours approved by the state. Our team helps families stay organized, compliant, and confident throughout the process.
Read Get Paid as a Family Caregiver in Michigan and How to Understand the Home Help Provider Agreement
Care Plan Inc. helps caregivers across Michigan start and succeed in the Home Help Program. We provide education, support, and timely weekly pay for approved hours.
Check your eligibility or enter your information through the Contact form for inquiries.