The Power of HCBS Programs: Transforming Children’s Lives
Home- and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Programs are set up to provide children with disabilities, chronic illnesses, or functional limitations and their families with various social services to help them cope and thrive. What’s unique about HCBS programs is that they are delivered at home or within communities as opposed to official or clinical settings. This is beneficial for a number of reasons, such as eliminating travel costs, prioritizing the comfort of the child, and disrupting the routine of the family or community as little as possible.
Caucasian father jogging while smiling teenage son with cerebral palsy riding bicycle on path in sunny park. Family relationship and enjoy time together. Disability care, treatment and rehabilitation
In New York State, HCBS Programs are free to children and families who met the qualifying criteria. Here’s everything you can expect to be included in these programs, how they benefit children, and what parents and guardians need to be aware of.
What Services Are Included in HCBS Programs
Data in tablet. Energetic cheerful male doctor grinning while showing tablet to boy and sitting
HCBS Programs don’t take a one-size-fits-all approach to providing services. What a child, family, or community receives will depend on the child’s unique challenges and the dynamics of their environment. However, on a broad level, HCBS programs should services that fall within these categories.
Medical and Healthcare Services
- Regular medical check-ups
- Medication management
- Nursing care
- Rehabilitation services
- Specialized treatments (e.g., chemotherapy, dialysis)
- Assisting with activities of daily living (ADLs)
- Chronic disease management
Therapeutic Services
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Speech therapy
- Behavioral therapy
- Cognitive therapy
- Sensory integration therapy
- ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) therapy
- Play therapy
Educational Support
- Tutoring
- Individualized instruction
- Special education services
- Assistive technology assessment and implementation
- Accommodations and modifications in the classroom
- IEP (Individualized Education Program) development and monitoring
- Transition planning and support
Social and Recreational Activities
- Community-based events and outings
- Group recreational activities (e.g., sports, arts and crafts)
- Social skills training
- Peer support groups
- Summer camps and enrichment programs
- Adaptive sports and inclusive recreation
- Music, art, and dance therapy
Family Support Services
- Counseling and therapy for family members
- Respite care (temporary relief for caregivers)
- Parent training and education
- Support groups for parents and siblings
- Care coordination and case management
- Assistance with navigating support systems and resources
- Financial and legal guidance for families
- Advocacy services
How HCBS Programs Improve Children’s Lives
Hispanic pre-teen boy sitting at table working with his home school tutor, smiling at each other
HCBS programs can give children a better quality of life and address personal, interpersonal, and systemic challenges in a number of ways. These are some of the key benefits.
Increasing Independence
Therapy and other forms of at-home or community-based assistance can give children the confidence they need to manage daily tasks, educational activities, and social interactions.
Better Overall Well-Being
HCBS programs significantly impact mental and physical well-being by taking of children’s healthcare needs. This can also include preventive care or the management of chronic illness symptoms.
Improved Sociability and Community Ties
Social service providers such as counselors, family therapists, and advocates play an important role in making children feel like valued members of their communities, thereby enabling them to connect with peers and form bonds with other people in stress-free ways.
Enhanced Educational Support
Children with learning difficulties get the resources they need to overcome their limitations and achieve their educational goals.
Factors Parents and Guardians Consider
Young black boy playing on dads back in a garden, low angle
Parents, educators, guardians, and wards need to be careful when seeking HCBS programs for children and families. Start by paying attention to these factors.
Qualification
HCBS services can be free, but only if certain conditions are met. In New York State, children under 21 qualify if they have a diagnosis from a licensed professional and have (or have applied for) some form of out-of-home placement or are multi-system involved.
Accreditations
It’s essential that the providers of each of the services in the HCBS program you’re considering have the necessary accreditations. Ensure you conduct comprehensive research online or through interviews.
Finances and Funding Options
As discussed, HCBS services can be free if you qualify but can also come at a cost. It’s essential to know what is available for your child and your family so you don’t pay if you don’t have to.
Are you curious to know which HCBS programs your child and family could benefit from and how to get started? Get in touch with Progen Care, and we’ll closely examine your situation and connect you to the best resources available.
