Community Support (CS) is a service designed to support individuals in overcoming or managing functional problems in the home, community, and school. The focus is helping each individual meet their own goals for rehabilitation and recovery. Thus the key to the service is the Person-Centered Plan (the PCP). This is a living document written jointly by the consumer, family members and others the consumer may wish to have involved. This plan will reflect the choices made by the consumer, the goals of the consumer, and resources that may be available to assist the consumer reach the goals. A Qualified Professional from HOMECARE Management coordinates the development of the plan and monitors its implementation, linking the individual and family with community resources, arranging for needed services, and making referrals to other agencies. The PCP will be updated frequently as goals are met and needs and desires change.

If appropriate, HOMECARE also assigns a Behavioral Technician to work one-on-one with the consumer. All Technicians are skilled in working with individuals with disabilities and are trained not only in general interventions and activities but also in the needs of the specific individuals with whom they work. This Technician will provide opportunities for the individual to learn and apply new skills and unlearn behaviors which serve as barriers to independent functioning. Skills taught may include those necessary for daily living, socialization, adaptation, development of leisure time interests and activities, and behavior and anger management. The Technician will also monitor symptoms and may assist caretakers by providing information about the consumer’s disability and helping them develop additional skills to meet the needs of the consumer.

The primary objectives of these community-based activities identified in the PCP are for individuals to:

• Understand themselves and others better.
• Acquire an increased range of adaptive and functional skills.
  
• Apply the new skills in everyday life situations.
• Reduce inappropriate or dysfunctional behaviors and coping strategies.
• Learn to enter into positive age-appropriate relationships with peers.
• Enter into trusting, caring and loving relationships with caretakers.

Community Support is a community-based service and is provided at a time and place of the consumer and family’s choosing. Thus there is no need for travel to a HOMECARE office; services are brought to the consumer.

When providing Community Support, HOMECARE Management Corporation serves as the “clinical home” of the consumer, coordinating and providing access to needed services. HOMECARE has established relationships with psychiatrists and other health care professionals, but is happy to work with others you may select.