Community First Services and Supports: Empowering Home Care in Minnesota

New Choice for Home Care: Community First Services and Supports

For individuals with disabilities, chronic conditions, or older adults in Minnesota, staying at home while receiving personalized care just became more accessible. The state’s Department of Human Services has introduced Community First Services and Supports (CFSS), a groundbreaking program designed to empower individuals to remain in their homes with the support they need.

CFSS allows participants to choose their caregivers—often family members or friends—and decide how and when they receive care. This person-centered approach ensures that each individual’s unique needs are met, offering flexibility and control over their care journey.

“Home-based care services give families more choice over their care,” said Alaina Ericksen, senior director of Partners in Community Supports (PICS), a service of Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota. PICS helps families navigate CFSS and provides ongoing, personalized support.

To qualify for CFSS, individuals must be enrolled in one of Minnesota’s health care programs, live in their own home, and be able to direct their own care or have a representative who can do so on their behalf. An eligibility assessment is required to determine the level of support needed.

Care Options Under CFSS

CFSS offers two service delivery models: the agency model and the budget model.

Under the agency model, a provider agency hires, supervises, and sets the wage rate for caregivers. The budget model, on the other hand, gives individuals more control as the employer of their caregivers. A Financial Management Services (FMS) provider, such as PICS, assists with hiring paperwork, payroll, expense reimbursement, and tax reporting. Both models allow participants to purchase goods and services with the help of an FMS provider.

“With PICS, families have a direct contact who is there to guide them through any question about services, big or small,” Ericksen said. “We are here to be your partner every step along the way.”

Getting Started with CFSS

CFSS became a service option in October 2024 and will eventually replace Personal Care Assistance (PCA) and Consumer Support Grant (CSG) services. Individuals currently using PCA or CSG can transition to CFSS during their next annual assessment.

PICS is currently accepting statewide enrollments for CFSS, as well as other home care services like Consumer Directed Community Supports (CDCS) and Individualized Home Supports (IHS). Families can start the enrollment process by calling 651-967-5060 or visiting picsmn.org/enroll.

For 25 years, PICS has been a trusted partner for families seeking home-based care solutions. Their services are available in all languages, ensuring accessibility for diverse communities.

This innovative program marks a significant step forward in empowering individuals to live independently while receiving the care they need in the comfort of their own homes.

Ior policy advisor ⁤at the Minnesota Department of Human services. “CFSS is about putting‌ the individual first, ensuring they can live with dignity and independence in the comfort ⁢of their own home.”

The introduction of CFSS marks a significant step forward in redefining home care for Minnesotans. By prioritizing personal choice,flexibility,and community-based support,the program​ not onyl ⁣enhances quality of life but also strengthens the bonds of care within families and communities.

As more‌ individuals and families explore the benefits of CFSS, it is clear that this innovative approach is‌ more ⁤than just a service—it’s⁤ a movement toward a more inclusive, compassionate, and empowering future for home care. For those seeking a way to‌ maintain independence while receiving the support they ​need, CFSS offers a promising new path forward.

To learn more about eligibility and how to enroll in ‌the Community First Services and‍ Supports‌ program, visit the Minnesota Department of Human Services ⁢website or contact a local CFSS ‌provider today. Your journey to personalized, home-based care starts here.
the introduction of Community First Services and Supports (CFSS) marks a transformative step forward for individuals with disabilities,chronic conditions,and older adults in Minnesota. By prioritizing person-centered care, CFSS empowers participants too take control of their care journey, offering the adaptability to choose caregivers and tailor services to their unique needs. Whether through the agency model or the budget model, CFSS ensures that individuals can remain in the comfort of their homes while receiving the support they need to thrive.

With organizations like Partners in Community Supports (PICS) providing expert guidance and personalized assistance, navigating CFSS becomes a seamless and empowering experiance. This innovative program not only enhances quality of life for participants but also strengthens the bonds of community by enabling families and friends to play an active role in caregiving.

as Minnesota continues to lead the way in redefining home-based care, CFSS stands as a testament to the power of choice, flexibility, and collaboration in creating a more inclusive and supportive future for all. For those eligible, CFSS offers not just care, but the possibility to live life on their own terms—right at home.