Making your own breakfast. Visiting a friend. Having a say in who comes into your home. These choices can seem ordinary until getting the right support becomes difficult. The value of Minnesota’s disability waiver system is easiest to understand through the everyday life a person wants to lead.
Why home and community-based waivers matter
Minnesota’s home and community-based services waivers allow eligible people to receive additional supports in community settings as an alternative to institutional care. Disability programs include the CADI, DD, BI, and CAC waivers, each with its own eligibility requirements.
The opportunity is personal. One person may want help keeping a routine in their apartment. Another may want to participate more comfortably in neighborhood activities. A discussion about support becomes more useful when it starts with what is getting in the way of that person’s day.
Put the person’s choices into the plan
DHS describes person-centered practices as listening to what matters to the person and planning around a meaningful life. That includes relationships, community participation, and the person’s own priorities—not simply fitting someone into an available schedule.
Before a planning meeting, try writing a short description of a good week. Include preferred routines, people you want to spend time with, activities you enjoy, and situations that feel difficult. Bring that description to the conversation, even if it does not use service terminology.
Make the connection between a goal and daily support
Individualized Home Supports can provide assistance or training within defined community-living categories. The appropriate service type depends on assessed needs and the authorized plan. The service name alone does not explain what a useful visit should accomplish.
For an illustrative goal such as preparing a familiar meal, a planning conversation might cover choosing ingredients, following steps, and recognizing when to ask for help. This is an example to discuss, not a promise of coverage or a report of a Truwell client outcome.
Ask how staff will learn your preferences and how you will tell the team when an approach is not working. A small adjustment in timing, communication, or teaching style may matter more to you than a longer list of activities.
Five questions to bring to a support-planning meeting
Use these prompts to make the conversation concrete. You can answer in writing, use pictures, or ask someone you trust to help communicate your preferences.
- What would I like to do more often, or with less difficulty?
- What support already works well for me?
- Which assessed needs could an authorized service address?
- How will I choose a provider and discuss whether the staff are a good fit?
- Who should I contact if my needs or preferences change?
Turn the conversation into a practical next step
The lead agency determines program eligibility and authorizes services. A provider referral does not replace that process, and approval does not guarantee immediate staffing. If you already have a case manager, start with the goal or unmet need you want to discuss.
When contacting Truwell, share the requested service, county, preferred schedule, and relevant authorization information through our referral process. Our team can discuss fit and current availability. The aim is a clear next step toward support that makes sense for your life.
Common questions
Does independence mean no longer needing services?
No. A person may value greater choice, a more manageable routine, or fuller participation while continuing to receive support. Goals should reflect the person’s priorities.
Can Truwell approve someone for a waiver?
No. The lead agency determines eligibility and authorizes services. Truwell can discuss provider fit and availability for requested services.
Explore related Truwell services
Availability depends on authorization, location, schedule, and staffing. Share your requested service through our referral form, or contact our team to discuss a possible fit.
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Official sources
These sources support the program descriptions above. Planning questions and examples are general suggestions, not determinations of eligibility or coverage. Confirm current requirements with your lead agency.