Colin & Kate Kayaking in Detroit LakesThe Improve Group values what has become a long-term relationship working with the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) for the Home and Community Based-Services (HCBS) Waiver Review Initiative. We have worked closely with staff from the Continuing Care Administration since 2006 to evaluate the Home and Community-Based Services in the lead agencies of all 87 counties and two Tribes in Minnesota.

The Improve Group team has enjoyed being an integral part of DHS’s journey in measuring performance of these programs that benefit so many people in Minnesota and providing information that helps them improve resources for those managing the programs. Our work on this project has given the team:

  • Insight into the unique challenges facing different counties across the state in serving people at home or in their own communities as well as learning about and documenting creative ways counties have approached these challenges.
  • An intimate understanding of how legislative changes impact counties and consumers, and DHS’s role in interpreting and providing support to counties as they implement new policies.

In June 2012, we began the second round of reviews for this initiative and by the end of March 2014 the team had already visited 59 counties! In order to achieve this feat, our primary waiver travelers are on the road for up to two weeks each month.In addition to developing expertise in the area of HCBS, the team has also learned to adapt to life on the road. This includes:

  • Colin & Geo eating breakfast in McLeod CountyRemembering to pack EVERYTHING – phone chargers, earplugs, toiletries, etc.
  • Finding out first hand that there is a wide range of comforts in different hotels – the team recalls some favorites as well as some not so great memories!
  • Staying healthy – with less healthy eating options available, they work hard to avoid too much fried food and ice cream. Of course, they do indulge every once and a while and try to squeeze in a little exercise when possible.

     

There are times when the team feels a bit like tourists when they are on the road, and there are a lot of opportunities to explore local attractions in their free time. Some highlights from the waiver trips across Minnesota include:

  • Seeing different parts of the state and socializing with different people in those communities.
  • Discovering small, local restaurants and cafes (eating fresh fish in Grand Marais, discovering amazing tacos in Long Prairie).
  • Trail running at Split Rock State Park and kayaking in Detroit Lakes.

The Improve Group team has had a great experience working on this project that makes a difference in the lives of Minnesotans, and hope to continue learning as they visit the remaining counties and Tribes in the next year.