At Hero Homecare, we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to live independently, safely, and comfortably in the place they call home. Through Personal Care Assistance (PCA) and Community First Services and Supports (CFSS), we help individuals with disabilities, chronic illnesses, or age-related conditions receive the daily support they need — while maintaining dignity and choice.
Our mission is to make quality home care empowering, compassionate, and personalized to each individual we serve.
What Is Personal Care Assistance (PCA)?
Personal Care Assistance (PCA) helps individuals who need extra support with daily living tasks due to a disability, illness, or functional limitation.
Our skilled PCA staff offer dependable, respectful assistance to promote independence and comfort.
PCA services include:
- Personal hygiene, grooming, and dressing
- Mobility support and transfers
- Meal preparation and feeding assistance
- Light housekeeping and laundry
- Medication reminders (non-medical)
- Companionship and safety supervision
- Health-related tasks delegated by a nurse or qualified professional
Goal: To help clients live independently, safely, and comfortably in their own homes.
What Is Community First Services and Supports (CFSS)?
CFSS is Minnesota’s new program that modernizes and replaces PCA. It offers all the same services — plus more flexibility and control over how care is provided.
Under CFSS, you decide:
- Who provides your care
- How your care is managed
- Whether you want to use an Agency Model or a Budget Model
CFSS empowers you to participate actively in your care while ensuring you receive high-quality support from trusted professionals like Hero Homecare.
What’s the Difference Between PCA and CFSS?
| Feature | PCA | CFSS |
|---|---|---|
| Program Type | Traditional home care program | Updated program replacing PCA |
| Family Members as Workers | Not allowed | Spouses and parents can be paid support workers |
| Flexibility and Control | Agency-managed only | Choice of Agency or Budget Model |
| Training Budget | Not available | Funding for worker training and development |
| Purchase of Goods | Not available | Funds for goods/services that promote independence |
| Employer Role | Agency only | You or your agency can act as the employer |
What’s New with CFSS
Under CFSS, certain family members — such as a spouse or parent of a minor child — can now be hired and paid as support workers. This recognizes the important role family caregivers already play in providing daily care.
Participants now receive a training budget to ensure their support workers receive the education and skills needed to provide the highest quality of care.
CFSS allows you to allocate funds for assistive devices or personal emergency response systems (PERS) that promote independence and safety at home.
CFSS Service Delivery Models
CFSS offers two ways to receive services: the Agency Model and the Budget Model. Both give you the freedom to direct your care in a way that fits your needs and lifestyle.
Agency Model
With the Agency Model, you choose a provider agency — like Hero Homecare — to act as the employer of your support worker. The agency handles all administrative and employment responsibilities, including:
- Recruiting and hiring workers
- Training and supervision
- Scheduling and coordination
- Payroll and employment documentation
This model allows you to focus on your well-being while we take care of the rest.
Budget Model
The Budget Model lets you serve as the employer of your support worker. You receive a state-approved budget to manage responsibilities such as:
- Recruiting, hiring, and training staff
- Scheduling and supervising employees
- Managing payroll (with assistance from a Budget Model Provider)
You’ll select a Budget Model Provider to help with payroll and compliance — giving you full control with professional guidance when you need it most.
Hero Homecare Supports Both Models
At Hero Homecare, we proudly provide services under both Agency and Budget models. You can choose whichever model best fits your comfort level — without sacrificing the quality, reliability, or compassion of your care.
We understand that program transitions can be overwhelming. Our team is here to guide you through every step of your CFSS journey.
Will CFSS Replace PCA?
Yes. CFSS is gradually replacing the PCA program across Minnesota. Eligibility requirements remain the same, meaning if you currently receive PCA services, you’ll continue to qualify for CFSS.
Your transition typically occurs during your annual reassessment, provided there are no changes in your condition.
CFSS also replaces the Consumer Support Grant (CSG) program, combining multiple supports into one flexible option.
Who Can Receive PCA or CFSS Services?
You may qualify for PCA or CFSS services if you:
- Have a disability, chronic illness, or condition that limits daily activities
- Need help with personal care, mobility, or household tasks
- Live in a home or community setting (not a facility)
- Are eligible for Medical Assistance (MA) or MinnesotaCare Expanded MA
Eligibility is determined through an MnCHOICES Assessment, which identifies your care needs and level of support.
How to Start CFSS Services
CFSS Roadmap to Services
Why Choose Hero Homecare?
- Comprehensive CFSS Options: Choose between Agency and Budget Models.
- Client-Centered Care: Plans built around your goals, preferences, and comfort.
- Experienced Team: Skilled staff and Qualified Professionals guiding you through every step.
- Simplified Process: We handle the details so you can focus on your well-being.
- Commitment to Quality: Trusted, licensed, and compassionate home care professionals.
Start Your CFSS Journey with Hero Homecare
If you or your loved one may qualify for PCA or CFSS services, Hero Homecare is here to help. Our dedicated team will assist you from assessment to service implementation — making your experience smooth, clear, and empowering. Let’s Get Started
Your Care. Your Choice. Your Hero.
At Hero Homecare, we make independence possible — one caring connection at a time.
