Family Transition LinkWho we help · Any age
Care after an accident or brain injury
Accidents happen to people of every age, and recovery often takes longer than the hospital stay. Families end up coordinating rehab, insurance claims, time off work and changes at home all at once. This page walks through the path and the free Ohio programs that can help.
This page is for families dealing with
- A car or motorcycle crash
- A serious fall or sports injury
- An injury at work
- A traumatic brain injury or concussion that isn't getting better
- A spinal cord injury
The usual path
- Hospital or trauma center, then often an inpatient rehabilitation hospital for intensive therapy (Medicare.gov explains this level of care).
- Short-term rehab in a nursing home if the person needs daily therapy but can't yet handle 3 hours a day. Compare nursing homes and rehab.
- Home with home health visits, then outpatient therapy. Find home health agencies that serve your ZIP.
- Help returning to work or school, if needed.
Who pays
If the injury happened at work, Ohio's Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) pays claim-related medical bills once the claim is allowed and a BWC-certified provider is treating the worker. If the person can't work for 8 or more days, they may also qualify for lost-wage payments (BWC).
After a crash, health insurance usually pays first, and auto insurance may also be involved. Keep every bill and letter. Before signing any settlement, consider talking with an attorney, since future care costs are easy to underestimate.
For adults under 60 who need long-term help at home, the Ohio Home Care Waiver is a Medicaid program for people from birth through age 59 who need a nursing-home level of care. It can pay for things like a personal care aide, home modifications, home-delivered meals and respite.
Free Ohio programs for brain injury and recovery
- 833-783-1495
Brain Injury Association of Ohio Helpline
Statewide
Free, confidential support from brain injury specialists for survivors and families. Answered weekdays 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
- 614-293-7785
Ohio Brain Injury Connection (Ohio State)
Statewide
Free resource advisors who help with planning, support groups, and disability or Medicaid paperwork.
- 800-282-4536
Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities
Statewide
Vocational rehabilitation to help people with a disability get or keep a job.
- 513-721-1025 (option 2)
Council on Aging of Southwestern Ohio, Aging and Disability Resource Center
Butler, Clermont, Clinton, Hamilton, Warren
Free information and referrals for older adults, people with disabilities and caregivers. Weekdays 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
- 937-223-4357
Montgomery, Greene
Information and services for older adults and people with disabilities. Weekdays 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
Phone numbers checked October 2026. Tell us if one has changed: 513-226-9052.
Questions worth asking
- Is an inpatient rehabilitation hospital an option, or only a nursing home? Why?
- Will a brain injury or spinal cord specialist be part of the care team?
- If this was a work injury, has the BWC claim been filed, and who is the claim's managed care organization?
- What symptoms after discharge mean we should call the doctor or go back to the ER?
- What changes at home (rails, ramps, a first-floor bedroom) should be ready before discharge?
Common questions
My loved one is 40. Are there programs for long-term help at home?
Yes. Ohio's Home Care Waiver is a Medicaid program for people through age 59 who need a nursing-home level of care. It can pay for home care and home modifications. Apply through your County Department of Job and Family Services.
Does workers' comp pay for rehab?
When the BWC allows a claim and a BWC-certified provider is treating the worker, approved claim-related medical care is paid, usually with no out-of-pocket cost. Lost-wage payments may also apply if the worker misses 8 or more days.
Where can we get help understanding a brain injury?
The Brain Injury Association of Ohio Helpline (833-783-1495) and the Ohio Brain Injury Connection (614-293-7785) are both free and statewide.
This page is general information, not medical, legal or financial advice. Coverage rules and amounts change, so confirm details with the program or insurer. We're not affiliated with the agencies listed.