Home Community Based Services

Aitkin County Health & Human Services Home & Community Based Services provides opportunities for aging and disabled individuals to receive supports and services in their own home or in the community rather than institutions or other isolated settings.

Program Participation:

These programs are available and serve a variety of population groups, including those with intellectual or developmental disabilities, physical disabilities and/or mental illness.

Disability Services

To include:

• Children & Adults with Disabilities
• Waiver Cases Management

The State of Minnesota offers disabled individuals, under the age of 65, the following waiver programs to receive in home supports and services. Eligibility for all waivers and services is determined using the MnCHOICES Assessment.

Waivers:

Brain Injury Waiver (BI) – provides funding for individuals, under the age of 65, with an acquired brain injury.
Community Alternative Care Waiver (CAC) – designed to support chronically ill children and adults by providing supports and services that will help them live successfully in the community.
Community Access for Disability Inclusion Waiver (CADI) – provides funding for individuals, under the age of 65 and need supports and services that will help them avoid or delay institutional living.
Developmental Disabilities Waiver (DD) – provides funding for children and adults with developmental disabilities or related conditions.

Services:

Developmental Disability Case Management (Rule 185) – a child or adult may be eligible to receive case management services through the Disability and Aging Services Unit.
Consumer Directed Community Supports (CDCS) – a support option for both children and adults with disabilities and seniors who have an approved waiver or Alternative Care program.
Personal Care Assistance Program (PCA) – provides services to individuals who need assistance with day-to-day activities to encourage more independence in their own home.
Consumer Support Grant – a consumer directed alternative to PCA
Family Support Grant –provides family-centered services and supports to families who have children with disabilities.

Services for Seniors

To include:

• Personal Care Attendant Assessments

The State of Minnesota offers individuals, 65 and older, the following programs to receive in home supports and services. Recipients of the Alternative Care (AC) Program and Elderly Waiver (EW) receive case management services and a choice of services and supports that will best meet their needs based on assessment outcomes. Eligibility for all programs is determined using the MnCHOICES Assessment.

• Alternative Care (AC) Program – is for individuals over the age of 65 with low income and assets, who do not qualify for Medical Assistance (MA).
• Elderly Waiver (EW) – promotes community living and independence with services and supports that address each person’s individual needs and choices.
• Essential Community Supports (ECS) – a program available to individuals, over the age of 65, who are not eligible for Alternative Care (AC) or Elderly Waiver (EW).
• Personal Care Assistance (PCA) Program – provides services to individuals who need assistance with day-to-day activities to encourage more independence in their own home.
• Minnesota Senior Health Option (MSHO) Care Coordination – Aitkin County holds a contract with Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) to provide care coordination and case management services for individuals over the age of 65 who have selected BCBS as their Medicaid Health plan and may be interested in supports and services in managing healthcare needs.
• Minnesota Senior Care Plus (MSC+) – a health care program that pays for medical services for low-income people in Minnesota who are age 65 and older.

MnCHOICES Assessment

To include:

• Coordination and Referrals for in-home services and supports

Working with Long Term Service and Supports

If you or a loved one need assistance at home, a MnCHOICES Assessment will help to determine what long-term care programs and services are best for you. Even if you are not eligible for public benefits, a certified assessor can assist you in understanding what services, accommodations, and resources exist.

What is it?

A MnCHOICES Assessment is a visit that can assist in determining an individual’s eligibility for home and community based services.

A certified assessor can assist you in making decisions about the supports and services that will help you stay in the community, while also focusing on your needs and preferences. The assessment is of no cost to you and usually occurs where you are living – it will be scheduled withing 20 calendar days from the date you agree to be assessed.

I know me. What does person-centered mean for me?