Resources

As a parent of a child with emotional, behavioral, or physical challenges, things can get pretty overwhelming. You have to juggle work and childcare, keep the home clean, manage within a tight budget, and still make sure your other children also get the attention they deserve. This can easily make a parent feel overwhelmed—especially if you have a child whose condition requires special care or attention.

But don’t let that get you down! Home- and Community Based Services (HCBS) were designed for parents like you. These are free services that help with a range of conditions from autism and ADHD to severe allergies and muscular disorders. Basically, these services make it easier for parents like you to give your child the best possible care – without running yourself into the ground. But many people don’t even know HCBS exists. Those that do, don’t always know how to access these services. In this blog, we’ll explain exactly what HCBS is, how it can help your child, and how to get access to these amazing services.

What is HCBS?

HCBS are free medical services available for people who have Medicaid. This means you can get specialized services from therapists and healthcare workers based on what condition your child struggles with. There are many services that can be provided to address the needs of developing children with physical, emotional, or behavioral limitations. This ranges from respite services to take care of your day-to-day needs, to occupational therapy depending on the condition your child has.

Where are HCBS services provided?

Everything is done either in your home or at facilities in your local community. Not only is this easier for everyone, but it also gives you the chance to see what therapists do with your child during sessions and learn from them. All states have at least one Medicaid HBCS program to cover certain services in a community-based setting.

What kinds of services are available?

HCBS offers health services, human services, or a combination of both.

Health Services for children could include the following:

• HCBS gives home health care. A qualified nurse can provide the necessary nursing care in your home and oversee the general health of your child. Other therapists could include services like occupational, speech, and/or physical therapy to come to your home and assist with your child’s challenge.
• While the type of therapy depends on the condition, these could include: Occupational therapy helps your child develop muscle movement and motor skills by moving around and grasping objects. Speech therapy can help a child from a young age with things like speaking, expressing ideas correctly, or eating and swallowing food correctly without coughing or gagging. Speech therapy also addresses language disorders, when children struggle to communicate and cannot express what they want to say or understand what is said to them.  Physical therapy is the treatment of physical health issues like muscular disorders or other physical disorders.
• Respite Care Services are available to children receiving the HCBS benefit who are residing in a family home. This is meant to provide relief for the primary caregiver of a child with emotional, behavioral, or physical challenges. Respite services provide short-term help for the care of children up to the age of 21. It may include hourly, daily, or overnight support. It also could include assistance with transport to and from community activities, meal preparation, cleaning, and generally, anywhere you might need help.
• A registered dietician can inform you what is the best diet to support your child’s development. Your child might need more food to develop muscle tone or foods that calm down hyperactivity. The dietician will have the background of your child’s challenge and would suggest diets based on their history.
• HCBS has pharmacies where you can get the required medications for your child without having to travel to pharmacies that are far away.
• There is also medical equipment available for children in need of a wheelchair or other special equipment.
• HCBS provides support for you as the caregiver in areas like personal care requirements of children, disease prevention, and health promotion. They can help your child stay healthy and develop well by providing the care and necessary treatments.

Benefits of HCBS

• Firstly, the free services from HCBS are available to you if you have Medicaid or Medicare. This is usually free or less than half the cost you would pay for standard care.
• You will get the right support and diagnosis from professionals. You will finally know why your child struggles, but you will not have to deal with it on your own.
• The treatment is done in your home or at a nearby facility in your community, which makes it easily accessible without excessive transport costs. The place is familiar to you and your child, and you could be more at ease.
• HCBS provides a long-term solution for your child’s development. You will continue to receive these services as long as you need them up until your child turns 21.
• HCBS respite services let parents catch the break they desperately need. Certain tasks can be taken off your plate so that you can continue with your tasks at home or work without feeling guilty or neglecting your other children (or your own health!)
• There are spiritual and cultural activities and support available and you do not need to use or apply treatments that you do not know, understand, or agree with.

Possible challenges with HCBS

The biggest challenge you have in your life is to get the best possible care from HCBS for your child to overcome daily challenges and grow with confidence. When you have the right support and treatment for your child, you can grow as a happy family. Another challenge could be the paperwork process and finding out which HCBS services you qualify for.

However, none of these are a challenge with the support of Progen Care. We’re here to guide you on your HCBS journey. We know that HCBS services can be complicated, especially if you’re a busy parent with little free time. That’s why we make it simple. All you need to do is get in touch with us – then we provide a free assessment with a licensed professional to determine what condition your child has. Once this is determined, we are able to connect you to a healthcare provider who can assess if HCBS is possible for you. Then, we will help you through the whole process until you start receiving the services (if applicable). For the best possible early development for your child, start your journey with Progen Care today.