What is Day Habilitation? Texas HCS 101

Day habilitation is a service provided in Medicaid programs like Home and Community Services (HCS) that helps people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) live and work in the community. The program provides services and support so that people can develop the skills they need to live as independently as possible.

Day habilitation is associated with HCS and supported living because it focuses on helping people learn new skills so they can participate in their community. The goal of day habilitation is to help people with IDD live as independently as possible.

Key Takeaways

• Day habilitation is a service provided in Medicaid programs like Home and Community Services (HCS) that helps people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) live and work in the community.
• The program provides services and support so that people can develop the skills they need to live as independently as possible.
• Day habilitation is associated with HCS and supported living because it focuses on helping people learn new skills so they can participate in their community.
• The goal of day habilitation is to help people with IDD live as independently as possible.
• Services that may be offered as part of day habilitation include: skills training, community outings, support with activities of daily living, health and wellness services, training in social and communication skills, support with money management

How Does Texas HCS Define Day Habilitation?

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) defines day habilitation as “Day Habilitation services help people with disabilities develop skills and independence. Services include community involvement activities, vocational training, life skills training, and health and wellness education.”

What Services Are Offered As Part Of Day Habilitation?

Services that may be offered as part of day habilitation include:

• Skills training
• Community outings
• Support with activities of daily living
• Health and wellness services
• Training in social and communication skills
• Support with money management and budgeting
• Help finding a job or volunteer placement
• Help with Activities of daily living which are basic self-care tasks, akin to the kinds of skills that people usually learn in early childhood. They include 

-feeding, toileting, selecting proper attire, grooming, maintaining continence, putting on clothes, bathing, walking and transferring (such as moving from bed to wheelchair). 

• Help with instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), which are more complex skills needed to successfully live independently. These skills include the following:

-managing finances, handling transportation (driving or navigating public transit), shopping, preparing meals, using the telephone and other communication devices, managing medications, housework and basic home maintenance.

Who Is Eligible For Day Habilitation Services?

To be eligible for day habilitation services in Texas, you must:

• Be 18 years of age or older
• Have an intellectual or developmental disability
• Be a Medicaid recipient
• Have a need for the services offered by day habilitation

How To Access Day Habilitation Services In Texas

If you think you or someone you know may be eligible for day habilitation services, the best way to get started is to contact your local health and human services office. They will be able to help you determine if you are eligible and connect you with the services you need. You can find your local office by visiting www.hhs.texas.gov/services/locations/.

The benefits of day habilitation include learning new skills that can help people live more independently. Participants in day habilitation often report an increase in their self-confidence and independence. Day habilitation can also help people stay connected to their community, make friends, and find employment or volunteer opportunities.

FAQs About Day Habilitation

Q: What are the benefits of day habilitation?

A: The benefits of day habilitation include learning new skills that can help people live more independently. Participants in day habilitation often report an increase in their self-confidence and independence. Day habilitation can also help people stay connected to their community, make friends, and find employment or volunteer opportunities. 

Q: When is day habilitation available?

A: Day habilitation services are available Monday-Friday during normal business hours.

Q: How long can someone participate in day habilitation?

A: There is no time limit on how long someone can participate in day habilitation, as long as they continue to meet the eligibility requirements.

Q: Will day habilitation services be covered by my insurance?

A: Day habilitation services are covered by Medicaid in Texas. If you have private insurance, you should check with your insurer to see if they cover day habilitation services.

Q: Can I private pay for day habilitation?

A: Yes, you can private pay for day habilitation services. However, Medicaid will only reimburse for services if you receive them from a Medicaid-certified provider.

Q: How do I find a day habilitation provider in my area?

A: The best way to find a day habilitation service is by Googling “Day Hab Near Me” and choosing from the local providers in your area.

Q: Do I have to live in a group home to receive day habilitation services?

A: No, you do not have to live in a group home to receive day habilitation services. Day habilitation services are available to everyone who qualifies for the HCS program.

Q: I’m not sure if day habilitation is right for me. Who can I talk to?

A: If you’re not sure if day habilitation is right for you, the best thing to do is contact your local health and human services office. They will be able to help you determine if you are eligible and connect you with the services you need. Additionally, you can perform a web search for a day habilitation service near you and talk to their administrator.

Q: How do we develop a plan of care for my loved one in day habilitation?

A: A plan of care is developed by the individual’s support team, which includes the individual, their family or guardian, and any other involved professionals. The plan of care outlines the services and supports that will be provided to the individual.

Q: How do I know if my loved one is making progress in day habilitation?

A: Progress in day habilitation is tracked by individual goals and objectives that are outlined in the person’s plan of care. The person’s support team will meet regularly to review the individual’s progress and make any necessary changes to the plan of care.

Q: Can I visit my loved one while they’re in day habilitation?

A: Yes, you can visit your loved one while they’re in day habilitation. However, you should check with the provider beforehand to see if there are any restrictions on visitors.

Q: Will Covid-19 policies be in place to protect my loved one while at day habilitation?

A: Yes, all providers of day habilitation services are required to follow the guidelines set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which includes policies on social distancing, handwashing, and face coverings.

Q: What type of activities will my loved one participate in while in day habilitation?

A: The type of activities that your loved one will participate in while in day habilitation will be based on their individual goals and objectives. However, some common activities include community outings, volunteering, job training, and skill development.

Q: What type of skill-building activities can people learn in day habilitation?

A: Skill-building activities in day habilitation can include learning how to cook, use public transportation, manage money, and communicate with others. Assistance with medications are also provided, in addition to behavioral support training such as learning how to cope with anxiety or grief. These activities are designed to help people live as independently as possible.

Final Thoughts On Day Habilitation In Texas

Day habilitation is a great program for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who want to live and work in their community. It gives them a place to belong and to help the individual learn and improve life and social skills for home, work and the community. The person-oriented services offered can help people develop the skills they need to live as independently as possible. If you or someone you know may be eligible for day habilitation services, contact your local health and human services office to get started.