Structured Family Caregiving: How It Works

The goal is to determine if the person requires assistance with at least 3 Activities of Daily Living (ADLs).

• "Can you bathe, dress, eat, or use the restroom independently, or do you need someone to physically help you?"

  Checks for ADL impairments — the core eligibility criterion.

• "Do you have a history of falls or wandering?"

  Checks for supervision needs beyond basic ADL assistance.

• "What are your current medical diagnoses?"

  You will need to provide medical records from a primary physician.

• "Are you already enrolled in a specific Medicaid waiver?"

  e.g., PASSPORT in Ohio, CCSP in Georgia, or the Health and Wellness Waiver in Indiana.

The "Structured" part of the program refers to the caregiver's role as the primary, full-time support system.

• "Do you live full-time in the same private residence as the person receiving care?"

  SFC requires shared residency — this is non-negotiable.

• "Do you have any other employment or attend school outside the home?"

  In most SFC states (like Georgia and Indiana), the caregiver must make this their primary focus and cannot have another job.

• "What is your relationship to the patient?"

  Verifies if you are a spouse, adult child, or another relative. Rules on spouses vary by state.

• "Are you physically and mentally capable of performing tasks like lifting or transferring?"

  Ensures the caregiver can safely provide hands-on care.

SFC requires ongoing accountability — daily tracking, monthly oversight, and a clean background.

• "Are you willing to submit daily electronic care notes?"

  SFC requires daily tracking of the recipient's health and activities to justify the stipend.

• "Are you willing to participate in monthly coaching and home visits?"

  Regular oversight from a nurse or health coach is a mandatory part of the program.

• "Will you pass a criminal background check?"

  This is non-negotiable for all paid family caregivers.