Home care terms, explained simply

245D

The chapter of Minnesota law setting licensing standards for Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS). "245D services" are the basic supports delivered under it. Learn more →

Activities of Daily Living ADLs

Basic self-care tasks such as bathing, dressing, grooming, eating, toileting, and moving around. Difficulty with ADLs is a common reason people qualify for home care.

CADI Waiver

Community Access for Disability Inclusion — a Minnesota waiver for people with disabilities who need the level of care provided in a nursing facility.

Case Manager / Care Coordinator

The professional who coordinates a person’s services, assessment, and care plan and connects them with providers like Kalkaal. Learn more →

Community First Services and Supports CFSS

Minnesota’s self-directed home care program replacing PCA. It offers more choice and control, including the ability to hire your own workers and direct a service budget. Learn more →

Consumer-Directed Community Supports CDCS

A flexible waiver option that lets participants design and direct their own services within a budget.

DD Waiver

The Developmental Disabilities waiver, funding services for people with developmental disabilities or related conditions.

Elderly Waiver EW

A Minnesota waiver funding home and community-based services for people 65+ who need a nursing-facility level of care.

Electronic Visit Verification EVV

A federally required system that electronically records when and where home care visits happen, confirming services were delivered.

Financial Management Services FMS

A service that handles payroll, taxes, and budget paperwork for people who self-direct their care (such as under CFSS budget model or CDCS).

Home and Community-Based Services HCBS

Services that help people live in their own homes and communities instead of institutions, funded through Medicaid waivers.

Homemaking

A 245D service providing help with cleaning, laundry, meal preparation, and shopping to keep the home safe and comfortable. Learn more →

Individual Community Living Support ICLS

A 245D service for adults 65+ that provides cueing, supervision, and help with daily tasks to support independent living. Learn more →

Individualized Home Supports IHS

A 245D service supporting independence and life skills at home and in the community — offered with or without training goals. Learn more →

Instrumental Activities of Daily Living IADLs

Tasks needed to live independently but not strictly personal care — cooking, cleaning, laundry, shopping, and managing medications.

Lead Agency

The county, tribe, or managed care organization that manages a person’s assessment, eligibility, and service authorization.

Medical Assistance MA

Minnesota’s Medicaid program. Most home care services are covered by MA for people who qualify.

MnCHOICES

Minnesota’s assessment used to determine eligibility and needs for long-term services and supports, usually conducted through your county or tribe.

Night Supervision

A 245D service where awake staff provide overnight monitoring and assistance in the person’s home. Learn more →

Personal Care Assistance PCA

A Minnesota Health Care Programs benefit providing in-home help with daily activities. PCA is transitioning to CFSS. Learn more →

Respite Care

Short-term care that gives family caregivers a temporary break while their loved one is cared for. Learn more →

Responsible Party

A person who helps a participant make decisions about their care when needed — often a family member.

Waiver

A Medicaid program that "waives" certain rules to fund home and community-based services. Minnesota waivers include CADI, DD, BI, and the Elderly Waiver (EW).

Still have questions about a term or program? Call 612-333-1690 or send us a message — we explain everything in your language.