services for elderly and disabled

Home and Community Based Services (HCBS), also known as Waiver Funded Services or Waiver Programs, provide supports and services that enable a person to remain at home or in a community setting rather than being admitted to a Long Term Care Facility. Home and community based services supplement, but do not replace other funding sources. Examples of home and community based waivered services include skilled nurse visits, home health aide services, homemaking services, home delivered meals, supplies and equipment, foster care, assisted living, personal care assistant, and more.

MN Waiver Programs Overview

Assessment for Services

Public Health offers a comprehensive needs assessment, called a MN Choices, to all interested individuals, without regard to income. The assessment provides information to persons so they can learn more about what services are available in their area. The assessment normally takes place in the individual’s home with a Public Health Nurse or Social Worker. During the assessment, the assessor asks a variety of questions related to physical and mental health, safety, and ability to manage day-to-day needs. The assessor will also ask questions directed toward your specific needs, strengths and desires and will then recommend services that are appropriate along with a review of eligibility for programs that may pay for those services, one of which includes a Personal Care Attendant (PCA). The assessor will be able to answer questions and make other referrals to agencies that might also be of assistance.

You can find more information about Personal Care Attendant (PCA) by calling Public Health your county Department of Human Services or by visiting the following link: Click Here

If you are interested in having an assessment completed for yourself or a loved one, contact your Public Health Department.

Services for Elderly and Disabled

Elderly Programs support individuals age 65 and older who choose to live independently at home or within their community setting. Elderly programs offer services and supports that meet individual needs while preventing or delaying the need to transition to a nursing home or alternative living setting. These services and supports are not generally covered by basic health insurance.

To be eligible for Elderly Programs, individuals need to be over age 65 and in need of care similar to the care someone may receive in a nursing home. There are also income and asset guidelines in order to qualify for these programs. Interested persons should call their local Social Services office or Public Health for more information.

You can find more information about the two Elderly Programs by calling Public Health  your county Department of Human Services or by visiting the following links:

Elderly Waiver (EW)
https://edocs.dhs.state.mn.us/lfserver/Public/DHS-5357-ENG

Alternative Care (AC)
https://edocs.dhs.state.mn.us/lfserver/Public/DHS-4720-ENG

Programs for the Disabled support those individuals who are under 65 and require the level of care offered in an institutional setting. These programs promote optimal health, independence, safety and integration of a person who is chronically ill or medically fragile while delaying, preventing, or providing an alternative to institutionalization.

You can find more information about the Programs for the Disabled by calling your Public Health or by visiting the following links:

Community Alternative Care (CAC) Waiver:
For those individuals who require the level of care provided in a hospital.
https://edocs.dhs.state.mn.us/lfserver/Public/DHS-5711-ENG

Community Access for Disability Inclusion (CADI) Waiver:
For those individuals, who require the level of care provided in a nursing facility
https://edocs.dhs.state.mn.us/lfserver/Public/DHS-5712-ENG

Brain Injury (BI) Waiver:
For those individuals with a diagnosis of brain injury who require the level of care provided in a specialized nursing home or neurobehavioral hospital. https://edocs.dhs.state.mn.us/lfserver/Public/DHS-5714-ENG

Developmental Disabilities (DD) Waiver: 
For those individual with Developmental Disabilities who require the level of care provided in an Intermediate Care Facility.
https://edocs.dhs.state.mn.us/lfserver/Public/DHS-5713-ENG