Kayla Lanes
Building Blocks for Independence: Understanding ...

Individualized Home Supports provide services for people living in their own homes or family homes, offering support and training in community living areas including community participation, health and wellness, household management, and adaptive skills. For Minnesota residents with disabilities enrolled in BI, CADI, CAC, or DD waivers, IHS represents a flexible option for building independence while receiving needed support.

This article explains what IHS services are, who qualifies, and how they differ between "with training" and "without training" options. We discuss recent Minnesota policy changes affecting IHS, including 2026 service limitations and rate adjustments, and explore research suggesting independent living settings may be associated with positive outcomes for some individuals.

Written by BrightPath, a 245D service provider in West St. Paul, this article includes transparent disclosure of our role while providing evidence-based information about Minnesota's IHS programs, eligibility requirements, the four community living service categories, and practical considerations for families exploring support options.

Read time: 10 minutes

Kayla Lanes
Supporting the Supporters: Why Caregiver ...

As Minnesota enters the heart of winter and the holiday season arrives, family caregivers face compounding pressures that research shows can significantly impact their mental and physical health. Recent data reveals that approximately 20% of family caregivers experience depression—roughly twice the rate found in the general population—with rates considerably higher among those caring for individuals with specific conditions.

This article examines caregiver mental health research, explores why many caregivers struggle to access support despite clear need, and discusses both individual wellness strategies and structural factors affecting caregiving sustainability. We look at the current federal and state policy landscape, including FMLA coverage limitations, state-by-state variations in support programs, and Minnesota resources available to family caregivers.

Understanding that BrightPath is a 245D service provider with a professional interest in connecting families with support services, we've prioritized evidence-based information and transparency. The article addresses both individual coping strategies and broader support systems that research suggests contribute to sustainable caregiving arrangements.

Read time: 8 minutes

IHS

Building Blocks for Independence: Understanding Individualized Home Supports in Minnesota

Individualized Home Supports provide services for people living in their own homes or family homes, offering support and training in community living areas including community participation, health and wellness, household management, and adaptive skills. For Minnesota residents with disabilities enrolled in BI, CADI, CAC, or DD waivers, IHS represents a flexible option for building independence while receiving needed support.

This article explains what IHS services are, who qualifies, and how they differ between "with training" and "without training" options. We discuss recent Minnesota policy changes affecting IHS, including 2026 service limitations and rate adjustments, and explore research suggesting independent living settings may be associated with positive outcomes for some individuals.

Written by BrightPath, a 245D service provider in West St. Paul, this article includes transparent disclosure of our role while providing evidence-based information about Minnesota's IHS programs, eligibility requirements, the four community living service categories, and practical considerations for families exploring support options.

Read time: 10 minutes