Today's article comes from Mary Jenkins of Above and Beyond Caring, a Texas Home and Community Based Services provider who has been serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the Brazoria and Galveston County areas of Texas since 2007. The article is titled "How to Choose a Texas HCS Provider: The Ins and Outs of Home and Community-Based Services". Here's the article.

If you're a Texan with a slot in the Home and Community-Based Services program, you may be wondering how to choose the right HCS provider. There are many different providers out there, so it can be difficult to decide which one is right for you. In this article, we'll discuss the ins and outs of home and community-based services in Texas. We'll help you understand what to look for when choosing an HCS provider, and we'll give you some tips on how to make the best decision for your needs.

What are Home and Community-Based Services (HCS)?

In Texas, Home and Community-Based Services (HCS) are services that help people with disabilities live in their own homes or apartments instead of in institutions, such as nursing homes. These services can include help with activities of daily living, such as dressing, bathing, and eating; help with household tasks, such as cooking, cleaning, and laundry; and transportation services. HCS can also provide access to community resources, such as recreation and education programs.

HCS is a Medicaid waiver program, which means that it is funded by Medicaid but is not subject to some of the usual Medicaid rules. For example, in most cases, Medicaid will only pay for services that are provided in an institution, such as a nursing home. However, because HCS is a waiver program, Medicaid will pay for services that are provided in the community.

What are the benefits of HCS?

There are many benefits to receiving HCS. Here are some of the most important ones:

You can live in your own home (instead of in an institution).

Living in your own home or apartment gives you more control over your life and allows you to maintain your independence. It also gives you more privacy and allows you to be closer to your friends and family. This helps foster a sense of independence.

Having your own place also allows you to design your space specifically for your needs. For example, if you use a wheelchair, you can make sure that there is enough room for you to maneuver comfortably and that all of the doors and hallways are wide enough for you to get through.

If you live in an institution, such as a nursing home, you may not have the same level of control over your life. For example, you may not be able to choose your own roommates or decide when you want to go to bed. You also may not have the same level of privacy.

About Above and Beyond Caring.

Founded in 2007, Above and Beyond Caring is a Texas-based HCS and day habilitation provider that provides services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the Brazoria and Galveston County areas of Texas. We are dedicated to providing high-quality, individualized care to our clients and their families. Our team of skilled professionals provide a wide range of services, including residential services, community living support services, in-home support services, and day habilitation services. We are passionate about helping our clients reach their full potential and enjoy a life of inclusion and community involvement. Contact us today at (979) 202-0055 to learn more about our program!