How to Prepare for Your Adult Services Worker (ASW) Visit
If you're applying for Michigan’s Medicaid Home Help Program, one of the most important steps is your home visit from an Adult Services Worker (ASW). This visit helps determine the care recipient’s eligibility and the number of caregiver hours that will be approved.
Here's how to prepare so you feel confident, ready, and supported during the ASW assessment.
🧾 What Is an ASW Visit?
An Adult Services Worker is assigned by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). Their job is to visit the care recipient's home, evaluate their needs, and determine how much help is required with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) such as:
Bathing
Dressing
Mobility
Meal prep
Toileting
Medication management
They use this assessment to decide how many hours a caregiver can be paid to help.
✅ Before the Visit: How to Prepare
Here are key steps to take before your ASW visit:
1. Make Sure the Care Recipient Is Present
The ASW must meet with the person receiving care. They’ll observe how the person moves, speaks, and manages daily tasks.
2. Have Medical Records Ready
Bring any paperwork related to the person’s health condition, including:
Doctor’s notes
Medication lists
Hospital discharge summaries
Completed DHS-54A Medical Needs Form
These documents help confirm that the person needs assistance.
3. Walk Through the Home
Make sure the home reflects the care recipient’s true needs:
Medical devices, walkers, or safety bars should be visible.
Avoid “over-preparing” — the ASW needs to see the actual care environment to assess support needs properly.
4. Be Honest About the Challenges
Some families underreport needs out of pride. Be truthful. If the person struggles with walking, using the toilet, or remembering medication, say so. That’s how the ASW determines eligibility fairly.
👥 What the ASW Will Do
During the visit, the ASW may:
Ask questions about medical conditions and daily routine
Observe how the person transfers from bed to chair or navigates stairs
Discuss caregiver support currently provided
Go over forms submitted as part of the application
📄 After the Visit
Once the ASW finishes the visit:
Their notes are sent to the MDHHS central office
You’ll be notified whether you qualify and how many hours were approved
If the application is denied or hours are too low, you can appeal the decision
📞 Need Help Preparing?
At Care Plan Inc., we help families:
Complete the correct forms
Understand ADL-based assessments
Get ready for the ASW visit without stress
You don’t have to go through this alone.