The Benefits of Individualized Home Supports (IHS) Without Training in Minnesota
In Minnesota, Individualized Home Support (IHS) is a traditional Home and Community-Based Service (HCBS) designed to provide personalized assistance to individuals with disabilities, helping them live as independently as possible within their homes and communities.
IHS offers a range of services, including support with daily living activities to assistance with social and community participation. These services focus on meeting each person's specific needs, allowing them to remain in their own homes rather than in institutional care settings. A key aspect of IHS is its flexibility, as services are customized to align with the individual's preferences, goals and needs.
While some IHS services include skills training, IHS without training offers a unique approach to enhancing a person's independence and quality of life. For many, IHS without training is an ideal option because it provides personalized support where it is needed most, such as assistance with daily living tasks like meal preparation, cleaning and medication management. This approach gives individuals more control over their daily decisions, allowing them to live on their own terms.
“Individuals who are good candidates for IHS without training are those who seek assistance to support and enrich their lives in their homes. Parents can work as their support staff, if the person supported is an adult, and the parent may also be the person’s representative. This service can be provided in-person in the community or within a person’s own home or family home,” said Jessika Evans, program director for IHS at PICS.
“Examples of covered support services include assistance traveling safely in the community, planning for social activities, support in household chores, meal preparation, budgeting, providing reminders or supervision for taking medications or engaging in other self-care activities, and developing healthy lifestyle habits and skills.”
“IHS without training empowers people to live more independently in a comfortable and safe home environment,” Jessika noted.
PICS IHS success stories
For Veneta and her daughter Roxie, IHS has made a positive impact on their lives. “Roxie is vulnerable and needs 24-hour care. IHS helped fill in the gaps so that I could take care of my whole family, not just Roxie. Because I had trusted and reliable care for Roxie, I was able to serve as an advocate for families on local and state committees. I do not think our family could have stayed together without IHS support,” said Veneta. “Through PICS, I was able to hire a trusted family member to support Roxie, which was a double win. This person was very familiar with Roxie's way of communicating, and Roxie was very familiar and comfortable with this person. Having this option took a huge load of stress off my shoulders.”
Leneisha, another IHS Participant, said, “I am learning to cook with one of my caregivers. We cook together, and I am learning to eat more healthily. She has inspired me to work on preventive health. I’m going through a health journey, like eating healthy foods to prevent illness. I have been exercising. Since starting with Individualized Home Supports and working with PICS, I have enhanced my health and longevity. My mental, emotional and physical health have improved.”
Learn more about accessing IHS services
If you are seeking a way to maintain or enhance your independence, IHS without training can be a positive and empowering choice.
The first step for someone interested in determining eligibility for Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) is to call your local county or tribal human service agency and ask for a MnCHOICES assessment. The agency can provide you with information about the available programs, eligibility requirements and how to apply. The MnCHOICES assessment is a free, in-person assessment that will determine your needs and identify what programs, services and supports you might be eligible for. The assessor will ask you questions about your daily living activities, where you want to live, how you want to participate in the community, your medical history and any other needs you have. More details about the MnCHOICES assessment can be found on our blog.
To learn more about PICS’ IHS service, contact PICS by calling 651.967.5060. If you are ready to enroll with IHS services, fill out our enrollment form, and a PICS representative will contact you soon.