Family Transition LinkWho we help · Any age
Care for adults with a disability or chronic illness
Needing daily help isn't only an older-adult problem. Younger adults living with MS, ALS, cancer, kidney failure, a spinal cord injury or a developmental disability face the same questions about care at home, housing and money, often with fewer programs built for them. Here's where to start.
This page is for families dealing with
- A progressive illness such as MS, ALS or Parkinson's
- Kidney failure and dialysis
- Cancer treatment that limits daily activities
- A lasting disability after a stroke or injury
- An adult child with a developmental disability whose parent caregivers are aging
Medicare before 65
People under 65 get Medicare automatically after receiving Social Security disability benefits for 24 months. People with ALS get it as soon as their disability benefits start, and some people with kidney failure (ESRD) qualify too (CMS).
Ohio Medicaid help at home
The Ohio Home Care Waiver serves Ohioans from birth through age 59 who qualify for Medicaid and need a nursing-home level of care, so they can get that care at home instead. Services can include a personal care aide, home modifications, home-delivered meals and respite.
To ask about waivers, contact your County Department of Job and Family Services (Ohio Department of Medicaid) or call the Ohio Medicaid Consumer Hotline at 1-800-324-8680.
For a developmental disability, your county board of developmental disabilities is the starting point for services.
Work and independence
Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities offers vocational rehabilitation for people whose disability makes it hard to get or keep a job: counseling, training, job placement and assistive technology. Apply at OODWorks.com or call 800-282-4536.
Free local help
- 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.
- 800-282-4536
Phone numbers checked October 2026. Tell us if one has changed: 513-226-9052.
Questions to ask
- Does my loved one meet a nursing-home level of care? Who does that assessment?
- Which waiver fits: the Ohio Home Care Waiver, or a developmental disabilities waiver through the county board?
- Has an application for Social Security disability been filed? When did benefits start?
- Who will be the backup caregiver if the main caregiver gets sick?
- Are there home changes (ramps, a roll-in shower) the waiver or another program could help pay for?
Common questions
Can someone under 65 get Medicare?
Yes. Medicare starts automatically after 24 months of Social Security disability benefits. People with ALS get it when benefits start, and some people with kidney failure qualify sooner.
Is there Medicaid help at home for adults under 60?
Yes. Ohio's Home Care Waiver serves people from birth through age 59 who qualify for Medicaid and need a nursing-home level of care.
Who helps with jobs for people with disabilities?
Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (800-282-4536) provides vocational rehabilitation services 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.