How to Prepare for Your First Michigan Home Help Visit
After applying for the Michigan Home Help Program, your next step is a visit from an Adult Services Worker, often called an ASW. This visit is an important part of the approval process. It allows the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) to confirm your medical and daily living needs before deciding how many hours of care will be approved.
Knowing what to expect helps make the visit smoother and faster.
Care Plan Inc. helps Michigan caregivers prepare for this step by explaining what forms and details are required. Once hours are approved, we pay caregivers $17 or more per hour weekly for the care they provide.
What the Adult Services Worker Does
The Adult Services Worker represents MDHHS. Their role is to meet the care recipient, verify that the information in your application is correct, and determine how much assistance is needed at home.
During the visit, the worker will review your medical forms, living situation, and daily activities. They will use this information to recommend how many hours of care may be approved.
The visit is not an inspection. It is a standard part of the approval process that helps the worker understand the type of help required.
What to Have Ready Before the Visit
Before your first visit, make sure you have all important documents ready. Having complete paperwork helps the worker finish the assessment quickly and avoid follow-up visits.
Documents to prepare include:
A completed and signed DHS-54A Medical Needs Form from your doctor
Proof of Medicaid coverage
Identification for the care recipient and caregiver
Any recent medical updates or records
A list of daily tasks the caregiver assists with
If any information changes after the visit, such as a new diagnosis or address, report it to your ASW right away. Learn how to do that in How to Report Changes That Affect Your Michigan Home Help Eligibility
How to Prepare the Home
The worker will need to see the main living areas where care takes place. They look to confirm that the environment supports safe in-home care.
To prepare, make sure that:
The home is clean and clear of hazards
Walkways and bathrooms are easy to access
Medical equipment or assistive devices are available if needed
The care recipient can demonstrate their level of independence or need
For example, if the recipient uses a walker or wheelchair, make sure the worker can observe how they move safely through the space.
What Questions the Worker Might Ask
The ASW will ask about daily routines to understand what tasks require help. Common questions include:
What do you need help with during the day
How often does your caregiver assist you
Are there activities you can do on your own
Have there been any recent changes in your health
These questions help determine the number of hours needed. Be honest and detailed about daily challenges.
What Happens During the Visit
The visit usually lasts about an hour. The worker will:
Review your medical documentation
Observe your ability to perform daily tasks
Ask questions about your routine and health
Confirm your Medicaid coverage is active
Discuss next steps for approval
They may also review your DHS-54A form to make sure it matches your current condition. Learn more about that form in How to Update or Replace Your DHS-54A Medical Needs Form
How the Visit Differs for Renewals
For first-time applicants, the ASW visit is focused on confirming eligibility and creating a new care plan. For families renewing the program, the visit is more about reviewing what has changed since the last assessment.
If needs have increased, MDHHS may approve more hours. If needs have stayed the same, hours are usually renewed at the same level.
Learn more about renewals in What to Expect During Your Michigan Home Help Reassessment
What Happens After the Visit
After the ASW completes the visit, they submit their findings to MDHHS. The department reviews the medical documentation and the worker’s notes before sending a decision letter.
This letter confirms whether you are approved and how many hours of care will be covered each month. It also includes the start date for services.
Read about understanding this letter in How to Read and Understand Your Michigan Home Help Approval Letter
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Not having a current DHS-54A form signed by your doctor
Forgetting to show medical equipment or proof of need
Missing the visit or not being home during the appointment
Leaving out important details about daily care tasks
If you miss a visit, contact your ASW immediately to reschedule. Rescheduling quickly prevents delays in approval or pay.
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 stay organized, complete paperwork correctly, and understand each step of the Home Help Program.
Once MDHHS approves the hours, we pay caregivers $17 or more per hour weekly for the care they provide.
Read Common Mistakes When Reapplying for the Michigan Home Help Program and Understanding the Home Help Program
Care Plan Inc. helps caregivers across Michigan stay prepared, compliant, and paid weekly for approved Home Help hours.
Check your eligibility or enter your information through the Contact form for inquiries.