In-Home Care Services Offer Freedom and Choice

When Xochil was pregnant, doctors told her that her baby had a rare condition that would require intensive, round-the-clock care.

“Without extended family nearby, Xochil remembered thinking at that time. “How am I going to take care of a little one without my mom, my siblings, and without information about how to take care of our daughter?”

After her daughter Zuleyka was born, she spent most of her first two years in the hospital. Then, a friend told her about PICS (Partners in Community Supports), a nonprofit organization that manages services for individuals who receive care in their homes.

“I called PICS, and they had someone who spoke Spanish. They explained to me how PICS works to support all of Zuleyka’s services.”

As a Financial Management Service (FMS) provider, PICS handles the administrative details for families like Xochil’s – including hiring paperwork for paid caregivers, payroll, budgets and tax reporting.

“Services that PICS offers are a good choice for families who want freedom and control over how they receive their services and supports,” said Alaina Ericksen, senior director of PICS. “They are able to remain independent in their homes and communities, and really pick the supports that meet their needs.”

Benefits of home-based care

Many family members provide caregiving for their loved ones who need extra support to remain in their homes. Individuals with disabilities and older adults may be eligible to pay their family caregivers through Medicaid waiver funding.

In Minnesota, Financial Management Service (FMS) providers are required to help with the details of hiring paid caregivers. PICS, a subsidiary of Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota, is one of 16 FMS providers in Minnesota.

PICS supports more than 2,000 individuals with disabilities and older adults who receive home-based care services.

“With PICS you choose your own caregivers and your schedule,” Ericksen said. “You’re really in control of how you want to receive your care.” She noted that working with an agency that provides staffing does not always allow that freedom.

In addition to choosing caregivers and setting their own schedules, in-home care services can also offer more flexibility in setting wage rates for caregivers. Funding to buy goods and services, like home modifications for increased accessibility, is another benefit.

Zuleyka is now 14 years old, and she’s able to walk and communicate in three languages – English, Spanish and sign language – abilities doctors predicted she would never develop.

“I am so grateful for PICS,” said Xochil. “They help me with whatever Zuleyka needs for services.”

Getting started with PICS

PICS is currently accepting enrollments statewide. PICS offers support for Community First Services and Supports (CFSS), Consumer Directed Community Supports (CDCS) and Individualized Home Supports (IHS). PICS’ enrollment team is available to support families as they start the process by phone at 651.967.5060 or online at picsmn.org/enroll.