Understanding the Role of the Adult Services Worker (ASW) in Michigan’s Home Help Program
If you’re applying for Michigan’s Medicaid Home Help Program, you’ll likely work with someone called an Adult Services Worker, or ASW. This person plays a key role in the approval process and helps determine the amount of care your loved one may receive.
In this blog, we’ll break down what an ASW does, how to work with them during the home visit, and what happens after their assessment.
👥 What Is an Adult Services Worker (ASW)?
An Adult Services Worker is a representative of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). Their job is to:
Review applications for the Home Help Program
Visit the home of the person needing care
Assess their ability to complete daily tasks (Activities of Daily Living, or ADLs)
Determine how many caregiver hours are needed
Monitor services over time through reassessments
They act as the “eyes and ears” of the program — gathering the information needed to make decisions about eligibility and level of support.
🏠 What Happens During the ASW Home Visit?
Once your application and medical forms (DHS-390 and DHS-54A) are submitted, the ASW will schedule a home visit. During this visit, they will:
Meet with the care recipient in their home environment
Ask questions about their daily routine
Observe how the person moves, dresses, eats, and handles hygiene
Ask about the caregiver’s role
Confirm whether additional supervision or redirection is needed
The ASW may take notes or use a laptop during the visit. They’ll also review documentation and verify that Medicaid is active.
📋 How the ASW Determines Caregiver Hours
The ASW uses a point system to score the care recipient’s needs based on:
The number of ADLs they need help with
The level of assistance required (verbal cueing, some help, or full assistance)
The need for supervision or redirection due to cognitive or mental health conditions
Based on this, they calculate the total hours the caregiver can be paid for each week.
🔄 Reassessments and Updates
Your ASW may reassess the case every 6 to 12 months, or sooner if:
The person’s condition changes
There’s a change in caregiver
Medicaid is interrupted or reinstated
Requested by MDHHS
They may do this in person, over the phone, or by reviewing updated paperwork.
💬 Tips for Working With Your ASW
Be honest and clear about the person’s needs
Don’t “over-prepare” or hide assistive devices — let the ASW see how care is really provided
Ask questions if you don’t understand something
Let them know if you have changes in contact info, Medicaid status, or caregiver availability
Your ASW is not there to judge you — their job is to help the state understand what kind of support is truly needed.
🧭 Final Thoughts
The Adult Services Worker is a key part of Michigan’s Home Help Program. Understanding their role — and what they’re looking for during the home visit — can help families feel more prepared and confident throughout the process.