Both paths are legitimate under Home Help. The right one depends less on rules and more on your family's actual bandwidth and situation.
When self-direction tends to fit better
An adult child, sibling, or grandchild lives close by, has some schedule flexibility, and both parties are comfortable with a family member handling the hands-on care. The full hourly rate goes directly to the caregiver rather than being split with agency overhead.
When an agency tends to fit better
No family member is available or willing, the care needs are more complex than one person can consistently manage alone, or your family specifically wants built-in backup coverage for sick days or vacations without a gap in care.
A middle path worth knowing about
Some agencies can hire a family member as their own employee — meaning a relative still provides the hands-on care, but the agency handles payroll, backup coverage, and administrative overhead. This isn't the same as pure self-direction, but it captures some of the benefits of both.
Metro Detroit specifics
Whether you're in Wayne, Oakland, or Macomb County, the underlying program rules are identical — what varies is the local landscape of agencies and community resources. Our county guides cover what's different city to city.
Still weighing it? Tell us your situation and we'll help you think through the right fit.