Care Eligibility Requirements in Serving All of Indiana

Accessing home care services shouldn’t feel confusing, frustrating, or overwhelming. Families often come to us at a moment when they are already stressed, caring for a loved one, balancing work and home demands, and trying to understand what support options exist. At Cuddly Care Personal Care Services, we believe that getting help should be straightforward, compassionate, and easy to understand.



Our goal is to walk you step-by-step through the eligibility process so you know exactly what programs you qualify for, what documents you need, and how to move forward without guessing or feeling lost. Whether you’re seeking non-medical home care, family structure care, or support through waiver-based programs, our team in Michigan City, IN, is here to make the path clear.


This page explains who qualifies, how eligibility is determined, and what to expect along the way.

Understanding Eligibility for Home Care Programs

Eligibility for care depends on several factors, including medical needs, safety concerns, functional limitations, and financial criteria. However, you do not need to have a medical diagnosis or a severe condition to qualify. Many individuals simply need help with daily living tasks to remain safe and independent at home.



We use a person-centered approach that looks at the whole individual, not just paperwork, checklists, or symptoms.

Woman holding hands with another person, walking together outdoors.

Who Typically Qualifies for Home Care Support

Person in wheelchair holds hands with another person. Outdoors.

Although every case is unique, people who qualify for services often include:

Individuals Who Need Help With Daily Activities

These needs may include:

  • Bathing, grooming, or personal hygiene
  • Dressing or undressing
  • Mobility assistance
  • Meal preparation
  • Medication reminders
  • Communication support
  • Supervision for safety

Seniors Living Alone or With Limited Support

Aging adults may qualify if they are:

  • Struggling with falls or balance
  • Forgetting medications
  • Unable to safely prepare meals
  • Feeling isolated or depressed
  • Needing help to stay at home instead of relocating

Adults With Disabilities or Chronic Conditions

Many clients qualify due to:

  • Cognitive impairments
  • Physical disabilities
  • Mobility disorders
  • Long-term illnesses
  • Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
  • Developmental or intellectual disabilities

Family Caregivers Providing Daily Support

For Family Structure Care, eligibility may apply if:

  • You provide regular daily care to a loved one.
  • The care recipient qualifies for a Medicaid or waiver program.
  • You need financial support or structured backing to continue safely caregiving.

If you’re unsure which category you fall into, we can help you determine eligibility quickly.

Financial Eligibility Through Medicaid and Waiver Programs

Many clients qualify for services through Medicaid-based programs, including:

  • Aged & Disabled (A&D) Waiver
  • Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Waiver
  • Structured Family Caregiving programs
  • Other state-approved home and community-based services

Eligibility typically depends on:

  • Household income
  • Assets
  • Disability status
  • Level-of-care needs

If you are unfamiliar with waiver programs, don’t worry; we explain them in everyday language and help you complete all required steps.

Many clients qualify for services through Medicaid-based programs, including:

  • Aged & Disabled (A&D) Waiver
  • Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Waiver
  • Other state-approved home and community-based services

Eligibility typically depends on:

  • Household income
  • Assets
  • Disability status
  • Level-of-care needs

If you are unfamiliar with waiver programs, don’t worry; we explain them in everyday language and help you complete all required steps.

Two women in a kitchen, one wearing purple, one in blue, looking at a book together at a table.

Functional Eligibility—How Needs Are Assessed

Nurse taking blood pressure of a person in a wheelchair indoors near a window.

Functional eligibility focuses on what kind of help the individual needs to safely remain at home. This is usually identified through an assessment performed by a case manager or state-approved evaluator.

What the Functional Assessment May Include

  • Mobility and fall risk
  • Strength and balance
  • Cognitive awareness
  • Ability to cook, clean, or manage medications
  • Ability to dress, bathe, or use the bathroom independently
  • Social and emotional needs
  • Safety concerns within the home

Families often find relief after this assessment because it identifies exactly where help is needed and validates what they have already been experiencing.

Emotional and Environmental Factors Also Matter

Eligibility isn’t only about physical needs. Programs also consider:

  • Isolation or lack of support
  • Caregiver burnout
  • Unsafe living conditions
  • Memory or behavioral changes
  • Mental health concerns impacting daily living

These factors help paint a full picture of what type of care will truly support the individual.

A woman in a wheelchair smiles at a healthcare worker in blue scrubs indoors.

Eligibility for Family Structure Care

An older person in a wheelchair and a person in blue scrubs talking in a bedroom.

Family Structure Care (FSC) has specific criteria. The individual receiving care typically must:

  • Require daily assistance
  • Qualify through a Medicaid waiver
  • Have a family member available to provide care.
  • Need supervision or support to safely remain at home

The caregiver may need to:

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Complete basic training
  • Not be legally responsible (program-dependent)
  • Participate in care planning and documentation

Our team handles all the enrollment details, so no one has to navigate the system alone.

How Cuddly Care Personal Care Services Determines Eligibility

We take a warm, personal, and highly supportive approach.

An older person in a wheelchair and a person in blue scrubs talking in a bedroom.

Step 1: Free Care Consultation

We talk about your needs, concerns, and challenges. This conversation helps us understand which programs you may qualify for and what documentation is required.

Step 2: Eligibility Review and Guidance

We help gather necessary information such as medical notes, proof of income, or functional reports. If documents are missing, we help you locate the appropriate sources.

Step 3: Care Assessment Coordination

We coordinate any required assessments, home visits, or interviews with case managers or state evaluators.

Step 4: Approval and Plan of Care

Once approved, a customized care plan is created. The plan outlines services, hours, caregiver roles, and long-term support goals.

Step 5: Ongoing Support and Reevaluations

Eligibility is not a one-time process. We stay involved, ensuring updates, renewals, and adjustments are completed smoothly.

Not Sure If You Qualify? We Can Help.

Most families who reach out believe they don't qualify, but many actually do. A simple phone call often reveals programs they didn't know were available.



If you’re unsure, overwhelmed, or need clarity, let us guide you.

Young woman hugs older woman seated on a sofa indoors. Both smile.
Woman in wheelchair and another woman smiling and holding hands, indoors near a window.

Call Cuddly Care Personal Care Services at (219) 243-7810.  We’ll help determine your eligibility and support you through every step in Michigan City, IN.