Aging at Home with Dignity: Minnesota Waiver Programs and CDCS

Client Story: Supporting Independence Through MNCHOICES and CDCS

Mary is an 82-year-old woman living in her longtime home in rural Faribault County. She has always valued her independence, and with the help of her family, she managed daily tasks despite living on a limited income. Her children checked in regularly, bringing groceries and helping with chores. For a while, this worked well.

Over time, Mary's needs began to change. She started having difficulty with bathing, preparing meals, and managing medications. Her family realized that her care was becoming more than they could provide on their own. Concerned about her safety and well-being, they reached out to Health & Human Services of Faribault & Martin Counties for guidance.

The family completed the intake process, sharing important information about Mary's health, living situation, and daily challenges. Mary and her family worked with eligibility workers at the agency and determined she was qualified for medical assistance. This step was crucial to help staff understand Mary's needs and begin planning for services.

Next, the agency scheduled a MNCHOICES assessment, a comprehensive, person-centered evaluation that looks at an individual's strengths, preferences, and care requirements. During the assessment, Mary and her family discussed her goals - she wanted to remain at home as long as possible.

Based on the assessment, Mary qualified for services through Minnesota's Elderly Waiver / Minnesota Senior Health Options program, which provides support for older adults to live safely in their homes. Staff worked quickly to put services in place, including:

• Homemaker assistance for cleaning and meal preparation
• Personal care support for bathing and grooming
• Medication management
• Transportation services for medical appointments

However, finding local providers with staffing and availability, especially in rural areas of Faribault and Martin Counties, continues to be a challenge. Workforce shortages and limited provider capacity often mean delays in getting help started, which can be stressful for families and individuals who rely on these supports.

According to Minnesota Department of Human Services data:

• Nearly 30% of rural counties report waitlists for personal care attendants due to staffing shortages.
• In some rural areas, up to 40% of agencies have reduced service hours or stopped accepting new clients because they cannot hire enough workers.
• Statewide, there are over 60,000 open direct care positions, with rural counties experiencing the highest vacancy rates.

How CDCS Helped Mary

To overcome these barriers, Mary and her family chose Consumer Directed Community Supports (CDCS), a flexible service option under Minnesota's waiver programs. CDCS allowed Mary's family to:

• Hire their own caregivers, including trusted friends or relatives, instead of waiting for agency staff.
• Create a personalized care plan that included homemaking, personal care, and transportation.
• Purchase necessary items and services, such as assistive technology and home modifications, to help Mary remain safe and independent.

By using CDCS, Mary's family was able to bridge the gap caused by provider shortages and ensure she received timely, consistent care. This option gave them control over scheduling and staffing, reducing stress and improving Mary's quality of life.

While rural communities face significant challenges in accessing traditional services, programs like CDCS can help families to take control and find creative solutions to keep loved ones safe at home.