What Is Individualized Home Supports (IHS)?

Jul 5
3 min read

Finding the right support services can make a meaningful difference for individuals who want to maintain their independence while continuing to live in their own home. One of the most valuable services available through Minnesota's Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) programs is Individualized Home Supports (IHS).

What Is IHS?

Individualized Home Supports (IHS) is a service designed to help individuals with disabilities live as independently as possible in their own homes and communities. Rather than providing the same services to everyone, IHS is personalized to meet each person's unique goals, needs, and daily routines.

The purpose of IHS is to promote independence, build life skills, and provide the support needed for individuals to thrive in their everyday lives.

Who Can Benefit from IHS?

IHS is available to eligible individuals who need assistance with daily living activities due to a disability. These services can benefit people who want to:

Live independently in their own home or apartment.
Develop important life skills.
Increase confidence in managing daily responsibilities.
Participate more actively in their community.
Maintain their health and well-being while remaining as independent as possible.

What Services Can Be Included?

Every support plan is different because every individual has different goals. Depending on a person's needs, IHS may include assistance with:

Meal planning and preparation
Organization
Home maintenance tasks
Budgeting and money management
Grocery shopping
Medication reminders
Personal care support (when appropriate)
Scheduling and attending appointments
Building communication and social skills
Community participation and engagement
Developing healthy daily routines
Problem-solving and decision-making skills

The goal is not simply to complete tasks for someone but to help individuals gain the skills and confidence to do as much as possible on their own.

Building Independence Through Personalized Support

One of the greatest advantages of Individualized Home Supports is its flexibility. Services are tailored around each person's strengths, preferences, and personal goals.

For example, one individual may want to learn how to cook healthy meals independently, while another may focus on budgeting, using public transportation, or becoming more involved in community activities. Support staff work alongside individuals to encourage growth while respecting their choices and independence.

Why Individualized Home Supports Matter

Living independently offers many benefits, including greater confidence, increased self-esteem, and improved quality of life. With the right level of support, individuals can achieve personal goals that may have once seemed out of reach.

IHS helps people:

Build lifelong independent living skills.
Increase confidence in daily decision-making.
Stay connected with family, friends, and the community.
Improve overall health and wellness.
Maintain independence while receiving the support they need.

Choosing the Right IHS Provider

When selecting an Individualized Home Supports provider, it's important to choose a team that values compassion, respect, and person-centered care. A quality provider takes time to understand each individual's goals and creates a support plan that encourages independence while honoring personal choices.

Every individual deserves services that recognize their abilities, celebrate their progress, and provide encouragement every step of the way.