DODD FAQ | Golden Heartz Home Care

Question 1

What is DODD and what does it do?

Accepted Answer

The Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD) is the state agency that oversees services and supports for Ohioans with developmental disabilities. DODD certifies providers, administers Medicaid waiver programs, sets service standards, and works with county boards of developmental disabilities (county boards of DD) to ensure individuals receive the supports they need to live, work, and participate in their communities.

Question 2

What qualifies as a developmental disability under DODD?

Accepted Answer

Under Ohio law, a developmental disability is a severe, chronic disability that is attributable to a mental or physical impairment (or a combination of both), manifests before age 22, is likely to continue indefinitely, and results in substantial functional limitations in three or more areas of major life activity. Common qualifying conditions include intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, and Down syndrome.

Question 3

Is Golden Heartz Home Care a certified DODD provider?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Golden Heartz Home Care is a certified provider under the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities. We maintain full compliance with all DODD provider standards, documentation requirements, and service delivery regulations. Our certification allows us to deliver waiver-funded services to eligible individuals across Butler, Warren, and Hamilton counties.

Question 4

How do I know if my loved one is eligible for DODD services?

Accepted Answer

Eligibility for DODD services begins with an application to your county board of developmental disabilities. The county board will conduct an eligibility determination, which includes a review of diagnostic records and a functional assessment. If your loved one is found eligible, they will be enrolled with the county board and can then be referred for waiver services. Golden Heartz can help guide your family through this process — contact us and we will walk you through the steps.

Question 5

What is a Medicaid waiver and how does it relate to DODD?

Accepted Answer

A Medicaid waiver is a federal program that allows states to use Medicaid funding for home and community-based services (HCBS) instead of institutional care. Ohio's DODD administers several Medicaid waivers specifically for individuals with developmental disabilities. These waivers "waive" the normal Medicaid requirement that services be provided in a facility, allowing individuals to receive support in their own homes and communities.

Question 6

What is the Individual Options (IO) Waiver?

Accepted Answer

The Individual Options (IO) Waiver is Ohio's most comprehensive DODD Medicaid waiver. It is designed for adults with developmental disabilities who require a level of care equivalent to an Intermediate Care Facility for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICF/IID). The IO Waiver covers a broad range of services including homemaker/personal care, supported living, adult day support, behavioral support, non-medical transportation, and respite care. Golden Heartz is an approved IO Waiver provider.

Question 7

What is the Level One Waiver?

Accepted Answer

The Level One Waiver supports individuals with developmental disabilities who need a moderate level of services to remain safely in their home and community. It is designed to prevent the need for higher levels of care. Services covered include homemaker/personal care, respite care, non-medical transportation, community inclusion, assistive technology, and home modifications. There is often a waiting list for the Level One Waiver.

Question 8

What is the SELF Waiver?

Accepted Answer

The SELF (Supported Employment and Life Fulfillment) Waiver focuses on employment, community participation, and independent living for adults with developmental disabilities who need a lower level of support. It covers services such as supported employment, community inclusion, independent living supports, non-medical transportation, and respite care. The SELF Waiver is a good fit for individuals who are relatively independent but need targeted support to maintain employment or community involvement.

Question 9

What is the Transitions Developmental Disabilities (TDD) Waiver?

Accepted Answer

The TDD Waiver supports individuals who are transitioning from an ICF/IID or nursing facility back into the community. It provides the services needed to establish and maintain a successful home and community-based life, including homemaker/personal care, supported living, community transition services, behavioral support, and assistive technology. The TDD Waiver is time-limited and designed to bridge the gap during the transition period.

Question 10

How do I apply for a DODD Medicaid waiver?

Accepted Answer

Waiver applications are processed through your county board of developmental disabilities. The process typically involves: (1) establishing DODD eligibility with the county board, (2) completing a level of care assessment, (3) being placed on the appropriate waiver waiting list if one exists, and (4) working with a Support Services Administrator (SSA) to develop your Individual Service Plan (ISP) once a waiver slot becomes available. Golden Heartz care coordinators can help you navigate this process and connect you with your county board.

Question 11

What services does Golden Heartz provide under DODD waivers?

Accepted Answer

Golden Heartz provides a comprehensive range of DODD-authorized services including: Homemaker & Personal Care (HPC), Independent Living Supports, Respite Care, Behavioral Support Services, Non-Medical Transportation, Adult Day Support, Supported Living, Medication Administration, and Community Integration. All services are delivered in accordance with DODD regulations and the individual's approved Individual Service Plan (ISP).

Question 12

What is Homemaker/Personal Care (HPC)?

Accepted Answer

Homemaker/Personal Care (HPC) is a DODD-authorized service that provides direct support with activities of daily living. This includes assistance with bathing, grooming, dressing, meal preparation, light housekeeping, and other personal care tasks. HPC is delivered by trained Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) in the individual's home and is covered under the IO Waiver and Level One Waiver.

Question 13

What is Behavioral Support under DODD?

Accepted Answer

DODD Behavioral Support Services are person-centered services designed to address challenging behaviors through positive, evidence-based strategies. Services include functional behavior assessments (FBA), development of Positive Behavior Support Plans (PBSP), and direct implementation of behavior support strategies. Our behavioral support staff are trained in Positive Behavior Support (PBS) and crisis prevention techniques. All behavioral support plans must be approved by the individual's ISP team.

Question 14

What is respite care and how is it funded through DODD?

Accepted Answer

Respite care provides temporary relief for primary caregivers of individuals with developmental disabilities. It can be provided in the individual's home, in a respite provider's home, or in a facility setting. Respite is funded through the IO Waiver, Level One Waiver, and SELF Waiver, with the number of approved hours determined through the ISP process. Both planned and emergency respite may be available depending on the waiver and the individual's assessed needs.

Question 15

Does Golden Heartz provide services to children as well as adults?

Accepted Answer

Yes. While many DODD waiver services are designed for adults (age 18 and older), Golden Heartz also supports children and youth with developmental disabilities through appropriate DODD-authorized services. We work with families, county boards, and SSAs to ensure that children receive the right supports at the right time, including behavioral support and family-centered services.

Question 16

What is an Individual Service Plan (ISP)?

Accepted Answer

An Individual Service Plan (ISP) is the official planning document that guides all DODD-funded services for an individual. It is developed through a person-centered planning process that includes the individual, their family or guardian, their Support Services Administrator (SSA), and their service providers. The ISP documents the individual's goals, preferences, strengths, and the specific services and supports authorized to help them achieve those goals. All services Golden Heartz provides must be authorized in the individual's ISP.

Question 17

What is a Support Services Administrator (SSA)?

Accepted Answer

A Support Services Administrator (SSA) is a professional employed by or contracted with the county board of developmental disabilities who coordinates services for individuals enrolled in DODD waivers. The SSA helps develop the ISP, monitors service delivery, connects individuals and families with providers, and serves as an advocate within the DODD system. If you are new to DODD services, your county board will assign an SSA to your loved one.

Question 18

How does Golden Heartz participate in ISP meetings?

Accepted Answer

Golden Heartz actively participates in ISP meetings as a member of the individual's support team. Our care coordinators and Direct Support Professionals contribute information about the individual's progress, strengths, and areas where additional support may be needed. We collaborate with the SSA and family to ensure our services are aligned with the individual's goals and that the ISP accurately reflects the supports being provided.

Question 19

Can services be changed if my loved one's needs change?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The ISP is a living document that can be updated when an individual's needs, goals, or circumstances change. Changes to services require an ISP amendment, which is coordinated through the SSA and must be approved before the new or modified services can begin. Golden Heartz will communicate any observed changes in an individual's needs to the SSA and family so that the ISP can be updated in a timely manner.

Question 20

How do I start services with Golden Heartz?

Accepted Answer

Getting started is straightforward. Contact us by phone at (513) 526-5768 or through our online intake form. A care coordinator will reach out within one business day to discuss your loved one's needs, confirm waiver eligibility, and explain next steps. If your loved one already has an active waiver and ISP, we can typically begin the provider enrollment process quickly. If you are new to DODD, we will help guide you through the eligibility and waiver application process.

Question 21

What counties does Golden Heartz serve?

Accepted Answer

Golden Heartz Home Care serves individuals and families in Butler County, Warren County, and Hamilton County in Southwest Ohio. This includes the greater Cincinnati metro area and surrounding communities. If you are unsure whether we serve your specific location, please call us and we will be happy to confirm.

Question 22

Does Golden Heartz accept Medicaid?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Golden Heartz accepts Ohio Medicaid through the DODD waiver programs, including the Individual Options (IO) Waiver, Level One Waiver, SELF Waiver, and TDD Waiver. We also accept private pay for families who are not yet enrolled in a waiver or who wish to supplement their waiver-funded services. Contact us to discuss your specific situation.

Question 23

What should I bring or prepare for the initial consultation?

Accepted Answer

For your initial consultation, it is helpful to have: your loved one's DODD eligibility documentation, their current ISP (if one exists), their Medicaid ID number, the name and contact information for their SSA, and any relevant medical or behavioral records. If you do not have all of these, do not worry — our care coordinators can help you gather what is needed and connect you with the right people.

Question 24

How are Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) selected and trained?

Accepted Answer

All Golden Heartz Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) undergo thorough background checks including BCI and FBI fingerprinting as required by DODD. They complete DODD-required training including Medication Administration (if applicable), CPR/First Aid, and Positive Behavior Support. We carefully match each individual with a DSP based on compatibility, skills, and the specific supports outlined in their ISP. We prioritize consistency so that individuals can build trust and routine with their assigned DSP.

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