Last Updated: November 24, 2025
Respite Care in Ohio
Ohio family caregivers have access to multiple respite care funding sources and services through state Medicaid programs, the Ohio Department of Aging, and local Area Agencies on Aging. The PASSPORT program provides in-home respite and adult day services for eligible seniors, while veterans can access VA benefits and specialized programs. Understanding Ohio-specific resources helps you access affordable respite care in your community.
Ohio PASSPORT Medicaid Waiver Program
PASSPORT is Ohio's largest home and community-based Medicaid waiver program, providing services to help seniors remain at home instead of entering nursing facilities.
Respite Care Coverage Under PASSPORT
- In-home respite: Up to 40 hours per month of professional caregiver support in your home
- Adult day services: Supervised care in group settings during daytime hours
- Short-term residential respite: Temporary stays at facilities when needed
- Emergency respite: Immediate care for unexpected situations
PASSPORT Eligibility Requirements
- Age: 60 years or older
- Residency: Ohio resident
- Financial: Must meet Medicaid income and asset limits
- Medical: Require nursing home level of care but can safely remain at home with services
- Assessment: Must be evaluated by Area Agency on Aging care manager
2025 Income Limits (approximate)
- Individual: $2,829 per month
- Couple (one applicant): $2,829 per month (individual income)
- Asset limit: $2,000 for individual
Note: Limits change annually. Contact Ohio Department of Medicaid for current figures.
How to Apply for PASSPORT
- Contact your local Area Agency on Aging (see contact information below)
- Request a PASSPORT assessment
- Complete functional assessment with care manager
- Provide financial documentation for Medicaid eligibility
- Receive approval and begin services (or be placed on waiting list)
Assisted Living Waiver
Ohio's Assisted Living Waiver provides an alternative to PASSPORT for those living in assisted living facilities:
- Covers services for residents of licensed assisted living facilities
- Includes personal care, nursing services, and care coordination
- Respite care available for family caregivers of ALW participants
- Similar eligibility criteria as PASSPORT
Ohio Department of Aging Services
National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP)
Administered through Area Agencies on Aging, this federal program provides:
- Respite care: Short-term relief services
- Caregiver training: Education on caregiving skills
- Counseling and support groups: Emotional support
- Information and assistance: Connecting to resources
- Supplemental services: Items like medical supplies or home modifications
NFCSP Eligibility
- Caring for adult age 60 or older, OR
- Grandparent or older relative raising child under 18, OR
- Caring for adult with Alzheimer's disease or related disorder (any age)
- Services provided on sliding-scale basis (donations requested but not required)
Ohio Area Agencies on Aging
Ohio has 12 Area Agencies on Aging serving different regions. They are your primary resource for respite care information and services.
Southeastern Ohio (District 7)
Area Agency on Aging District 7
Counties served: Adams, Brown, Gallia, Highland, Jackson, Lawrence, Pike, Ross, Scioto, Vinton
Phone: 1-800-331-2644 or 740-446-4155
Website: www.aaa7.org
Services: PASSPORT enrollment, caregiver support, respite referrals, options counseling
Southeastern Ohio (District 5)
Area Agency on Aging - Region 5
Counties served: Athens, Belmont, Carroll, Columbiana, Coshocton, Guernsey, Harrison, Jefferson, Mahoning, Meigs, Monroe, Morgan, Muskingum, Noble, Tuscarawas, Washington
Phone: 1-800-542-8008 or 740-373-6400
Website: www.aaapsr.org
Services: PASSPORT, caregiver programs, respite care coordination, care management
Note: Serves Marietta area (Washington County)
Find Your Local Area Agency
- Ohio Department of Aging: 1-866-243-5678
- Website: aging.ohio.gov
- Eldercare Locator: 1-800-677-1116
Veterans Respite Care in Ohio
VA Medical Centers in Ohio
- Chillicothe VA Medical Center: 740-773-1141
- Cincinnati VA Medical Center: 513-861-3100
- Cleveland VA Medical Center: 216-791-3800
- Dayton VA Medical Center: 937-268-6511
Ohio VA Respite Services
- Respite care: Up to 30 days per year at VA facilities
- Adult day health care: VA medical center-based programs
- Home-based primary care: Team-based care including respite
- PCAFC benefits: Monthly stipend and respite for eligible caregivers
- Community care: VA may pay for non-VA respite providers
Contact: Call your nearest VA medical center and ask for Caregiver Support Program or social work services.
Ohio Lifespan Respite Program
Ohio Lifespan Respite helps coordinate respite services across the state:
- Information about respite options for all ages and disabilities
- Connections to local respite providers and voucher programs
- Resources for caregivers of children and adults
- Funded through Administration for Community Living
Contact: Through your local Area Agency on Aging or Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (1-800-617-6733)
Respite Care Providers in Southeastern Ohio
Marietta and Mid-Ohio Valley Area
Professional In-Home Care Provider - Mid-Ohio Valley
Serving Southeastern Ohio including Marietta, Belpre, and surrounding areas. Provides in-home respite care services, personal care assistance, dementia care, and companionship services for family caregivers.
Additional Respite Resources
- Adult day programs: Contact Area Agency on Aging for list of licensed programs
- Residential respite: Assisted living and nursing facilities - inquire about short-term stays
- Faith-based respite: Many churches offer volunteer respite programs
- Alzheimer's Association: 1-800-272-3900 for dementia-specific respite referrals
Ohio Respite Care Costs and Payment
Average Costs in Ohio
- In-home respite care: $18-28 per hour (lower in rural areas)
- Adult day programs: $55-85 per day
- Residential respite: $175-275 per day
Payment Options
- PASSPORT Medicaid: Covers eligible services at no cost to participant
- NFCSP: Sliding-scale fees through Area Agency on Aging
- VA benefits: May cover all or portion of costs for eligible veterans
- Long-term care insurance: Check your policy for respite coverage
- Private pay: Out-of-pocket payment for those not eligible for programs
How to Access Respite Care in Ohio
Step-by-Step Process
- Contact your Area Agency on Aging: They will assess your situation and explain available programs
- Apply for PASSPORT if eligible: Complete assessment and financial application
- Request provider list: Get referrals to licensed respite providers in your area. Many families in Southeastern Ohio work with providers like professional in-home care agencies at (740) 276-8611.
- Interview providers: Meet with 2-3 agencies to compare services and costs
- Check credentials: Verify state licensure, insurance, and caregiver backgrounds
- Start with trial period: Begin with short visits before committing to regular schedule
- Maintain communication: Stay in touch with provider and adjust care as needed
Additional Ohio Caregiver Resources
Support and Education
- Ohio Caregiver Support: Resources at aging.ohio.gov
- Caregiver support groups: Through Area Agencies on Aging and hospitals
- Powerful Tools for Caregivers: Free 6-week education series
- Ohio NAMI: Support for caregivers of those with mental illness (614-224-2700)
Emergency Assistance
- 211: Dial 211 for emergency respite referrals and crisis intervention
- Adult Protective Services: If your loved one is in danger (through county departments of job and family services)
- Crisis hotlines: Available through Area Agencies on Aging
Key Takeaways
- PASSPORT Medicaid waiver provides up to 40 hours monthly in-home respite for eligible seniors
- Area Agencies on Aging are your primary resource for all respite programs and referrals
- Veterans have access to VA respite services through local medical centers
- National Family Caregiver Support Program offers sliding-scale respite services
- Southeastern Ohio residents can contact Area Agency on Aging District 5 or District 7
- Multiple funding sources can be combined to afford needed respite care
Related Resources
- How to Pay for Respite Care - National funding programs that supplement Ohio resources
- Types of Respite Care Services - Compare options available through Ohio programs
- How to Find Respite Care Near You - Questions to ask Ohio providers
- Respite Care for Dementia and Alzheimer's - Specialized care available in Ohio