SUPPORTING INDEPENDENT LIVING THROUGH ROUTINE HOUSEHOLD TASKS FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES AND CHRONIC NEEDS

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Delaware Division of Developmental Disabilities Services (DDDS)
Role: Authorizes homemaker services through the Lifespan Waiver and monitors provider performance

Agency: Delaware Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities (DSAAPD)
Role: Offers homemaker services to older adults and adults with physical disabilities

Agency: Delaware Division of Medicaid and Medical Assistance (DMMA)
Role: Administers Medicaid reimbursement and waiver alignment

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Role: Provides federal oversight for Medicaid HCBS homemaker services

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2. HOMEMAKER SERVICE OVERVIEW

Homemaker Services include non-medical assistance with routine household tasks that support health and safety in the home. These services are tailored to individuals who cannot complete such tasks independently and have no caregiver available to assist.

Approved providers may deliver:

• Light housekeeping (vacuuming, dusting, sweeping, mopping)
• Kitchen cleaning, dishwashing, and meal cleanup
• Laundry, linen changes, and clothing organization
• Bathroom sanitation and trash removal
• Bed making and general home tidying
• Documentation of service delivery and observations

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3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

• Register your business with the Delaware Division of Corporations
• Obtain EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2)
• Enroll as a Homemaker Service Provider through the Delaware Medical Assistance Portal (DMAP) and/or DDDS Lifespan Waiver
• Employ trained staff with background checks and service documentation experience
• Carry liability insurance and ensure HIPAA-compliant recordkeeping
• Comply with DDDS or DSAAPD policy requirements for non-medical service delivery

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4. PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Step 1: Register your business and obtain an NPI
Step 2: Apply to become a Medicaid provider via the Delaware Medical Assistance Portal (DMAP)
Step 3: If serving individuals with IDD, complete the DDDS Lifespan Waiver provider application
Step 4: If serving older adults, coordinate with DSAAPD to explore contract opportunities

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5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

• Articles of Incorporation or proof of business registration
• IRS EIN Letter
• NPI confirmation
• Medicaid and/or DDDS provider approval letter

Policy & procedure manual including:

• Client intake, scheduling, and task verification protocols
• Staff orientation and supervision policies
• Cleaning and safety checklists
• HIPAA and client confidentiality procedures
• Emergency contact documentation
• Incident reporting tools and grievance response processes
• Service verification logs and billing support documentation

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6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Homemaker / Home Care Aide
Requirements:

• High school diploma or equivalent (recommended)
• Background check and TB screening
• CPR/First Aid certification (preferred)
• Training in non-medical support services and client interaction

Role: Supervisor / Scheduling Coordinator (for agencies)
Requirements:

• Home care or human services experience
• Familiarity with waiver documentation and staff scheduling

Training Requirements for All Staff:

• HIPAA compliance and privacy protocols
• Abuse prevention and mandatory reporting
• Infection control and sanitation practices
• Safe use of household cleaning products
• Incident documentation and client rights

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7. MEDICAID WAIVER SERVICES

Homemaker Services are reimbursed under:

• Delaware Lifespan Waiver (administered by DDDS)
• DSAAPD Homemaker Program (for eligible older adults and those with physical disabilities)

Approved providers may deliver:

• Authorized non-medical household tasks
• Services scheduled per the individual’s care plan or ISP
• Time-tracked documentation and shift logs
• Observations and reporting of health or environmental concerns

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8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Formation
Timeline: 1–2 weeks

Phase: Medicaid or DDDS Enrollment
Timeline: 30–60 days

Phase: Staff Hiring and Readiness Review
Timeline: 2–4 weeks

Phase: Referral Activation and Service Launch
Timeline: Ongoing

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9. CONTACT INFORMATION

Delaware Division of Developmental Disabilities Services (DDDS)
Phone: (302) 744-9600
Website: https://dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/ddds

Delaware Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities (DSAAPD)
Phone: (302) 255-9390
Website: https://dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dsaapd

Delaware Medicaid Provider Enrollment (DMAP)
Website: https://www.demap.dhss.delaware.gov

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10. SCOPE OF WORK 

• Business registration (LLC, EIN, NPI)
• Medicaid and DDDS/DSAAPD enrollment support
• Policy & procedure manual for service tracking, scheduling, and documentation
• Templates for homemaker logs, incident reports, and intake forms
• Website, domain, and email setup
• Staff credentialing trackers and training records
• Client intake packet, consent forms, and safety protocols
• Incident reporting systems and audit preparation tools
• Referral networking with DDDS, senior centers, and support coordinators

WAIVER CONSULTING GROUP'S START-UP ASSISTANCE SERVICE — DELAWARE HOMEMAKER SERVICES PROVIDER

We support cleaning companies, caregivers, and community service professionals in launching Medicaid-compliant Homemaker Services under Delaware's Lifespan Waiver and aging programs.

To get started, click the link to request portal access.