HOME AND COMMUNITY BASED SERVICES
WHAT IS HCS?
HCS is a Medicaid waiver program that supplies services and supports to Texans with an intellectual disability (ID) or a related condition so that they can live in the community. HCS services are intended to supplement rather than replace services received from other programs, such as Texas Health Steps, or from natural supports, including families, neighbors or community organizations.
WHAT AREAS DO WE COVER
A Texas Heart for Families, services the entire state of Texas. From Denton, Gainesville, and Sherman to Dallas Fort Worth, Austin, San Antonio, Houston and Laredo. Speaking both english and Spanish we are prepared and dedicated to serving individuals and families across the entire state.
WHO PROVIDES HCS SERVICES
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) contracts with public and private entities to provide HCS services. HHSC regularly monitors to ensure the quality of services. When enrolling in the HCS program, applicants choose their provider from a list of available providers in their area. Individuals are able to change providers at any time, even if they move to another area of Texas.
WHO CAN GET HCS?
HCS may be available to any Texas resident not living in an institutional setting who:
Has an IQ of 69 or below or has an approved related condition with an IQ of 75 or below.
Has mild to severe deficits in adaptive behavior.
Is eligible for Medicaid benefits.
Is not enrolled in any other Medicaid waiver program.
WHAT SERVICES CAN HCS PROVIDE
Available services are listed and briefly described below. For more information on each service please contact our office.
We can also provide personal assistance services, habilitation or emergency response services through the Community First Choice (CFC) program.
SERVICES UNDER THE HCS WAIVER PROVIDED
ADAPTIVE AIDS
Adaptive aids are devices, controls, or appliances that enable users to retain or increase their abilities to perform activities of daily living or control their environment. Adaptive aids assist with mobility and communication as well as rehabilitating, preventing, or compensating for conditions resulting in disability or loss of function.
BEHAVIORAL SUPPORT
Behavioral support provides specialized interventions that help people overcome behaviors that prevent or interfere with home, family and community life.
COMMUNITY FIRST CHOICE SERVICES
Community First Choice Services helps people living on their own or in their families’ homes to learn, retain or improve skills related to activities of daily living. This includes personal grooming, cleanliness, bed making and household chores, preparing and eating meals, and social and adaptive skills. Personal assistants help with activities of daily living and household chores necessary to maintain clean and safe home environments. Services may include protective supervision and help with performing health related tasks that are delegated by a registered nurse.
DAY HABILITATION
Day Habilitation is a facility where individuals learn, retain, and improve their self-help, socialization, and adaptive skills, so that they can reside successfully in the community.
DIETARY SERVICES
Our dietary services provide by licensed dietician to conduct face-to-face assessment, consultation, and staff training. Services include determining basic or special therapeutic nutritional needs.
EMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE
Employment assistance aids in finding paid employment in the community. This is done through identifying job interests, evaluating skills and support needs, and locating employers offering compatible employment.
HOST HOME OR COMPANION CARE
Host home or companion care is provided to individuals of all ages in a home-like environment as an alternative to living in a group home (formerly called foster care).
Minor Home Modifications
Our team assesses the need for minor home modifications, and makes arrangements to modify or improve individuals’ living quarters. This allows for community living and ensures safety, security and accessibility.
NURSING SERVICES
Nursing services are provided by a licensed nurse. Services include monitoring health conditions, administering and monitoring medication, providing referrals for medical services, and training for individuals, family members and support personnel.
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
Occupational therapy provides skilled treatment to help individuals achieve independent functioning in all aspects of their lives. Services include assessing needs, developing a treatment plan, determining therapeutic intervention, training, helping with adaptive aids, and consulting with the family and provider.
PHYSICAL THERAPY
Physical therapy helps individuals improve their range of motion and physical functioning and retain their physical conditioning. Services include assessing needs, developing a treatment plan, determining therapeutic intervention, training, helping with adaptive aids, and consulting with the family and provider.
RESIDENTIAL SUPPORT SERVICES
Residential support services include supervision and assistance in a group home setting. Our service provider staff remain awake during normal sleeping hours. Most individuals require residential support services to address medical conditions, correct maladaptive behaviors and assist with activities of daily living.
RESPITE CARE
This service provides temporary relief for unpaid primary caregivers or care when the caregiver is absent. Respite services are provided either in or out of the home. For those in the CFC program.
SPEECH THERAPY
Speech therapy includes corrective or rehabilitative treatment for individuals with speech, hearing or language disorders. Services include assessing needs, developing a treatment plan, determining therapeutic intervention, training, helping with adaptive aids, and consulting with the family and provider.
SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT
Supported employment helps sustain paid employment for individuals who require intensive, ongoing support in order to perform in a work setting due to their disability. Supported employment must be provided at work sites in which people without disabilities are also employed. Services include adaptations, supervision and training, as related to the individual’s diagnosis.