Question 1

What services do you provide?

Accepted Answer

Our main service is Homemaker/Personal Care (HPC) — hands-on help with daily living. We also provide HPC Transportation, plus additional services including Ohio Shared Living. Every individual we support has an individualized plan built around their goals.

Question 2

Where are you located and what areas do you serve?

Accepted Answer

We're based in Columbus, Ohio, and able to serve individuals across Ohio.

Question 3

What is Homemaker/Personal Care (HPC)?

Accepted Answer

HPC is our primary service. It provides hands-on help with everyday life — personal care, meal preparation, medication reminders, light housekeeping, and daily routines — so individuals can live as independently as possible.

Question 4

What is HPC Transportation?

Accepted Answer

HPC Transportation provides reliable rides to waiver services, appointments, day programs, and community activities, alongside the individual's caregiver.

Question 5

What is Ohio Shared Living?

Accepted Answer

Ohio Shared Living is in-home support where an individual lives with and receives care from a chosen caregiver in a family-home setting.

Question 6

Who is eligible for your services?

Accepted Answer

We support individuals with developmental disabilities who are enrolled in an Ohio DODD waiver — children and adults alike. Your county board of developmental disabilities can help determine eligibility.

Question 7

What waivers do you accept?

Accepted Answer

We accept all Ohio DODD waivers, including the Individual Options (IO), Level One, and SELF waivers.

Question 8

How are services funded?

Accepted Answer

Our services are funded through Ohio's Medicaid (DODD) Home- and Community-Based Services waivers for eligible individuals.

Question 9

Can I choose First Step Healthcare as my provider?

Accepted Answer

Yes. In Ohio you have free choice of provider — you can choose any qualified DODD provider willing to serve you. Let your SSA know you'd like to work with First Step Healthcare, or contact us and we'll help coordinate.

Question 10

How do I make a referral?

Accepted Answer

You can reach us by phone at 614-256-6558, by email at info@firststepohio.com, or through the Make a Referral option on our Contact page.

Question 11

How quickly will I hear back after I reach out?

Accepted Answer

We respond quickly — typically within 24 to 48 hours, and often the same or next business day.