When Jason Soledad was born with multiple medical concerns, his parents were understandably overwhelmed and confused about how to choose the best programs and systems to help their son. In early 2021, the Soledad family enrolled 9-year-old Jason in Partners in Care Foundation’s Home and Community Based Alternatives (HCBA) Waiver Program. HCBA supports participants with complex care needs to continue to live at home and ensures they receive services that will sustain their health and safety outside of an institution.
Through the HCBA Waiver Program, the Soledad family was connected to a Partners social worker who was patient and resourceful. The social worker answered all their questions and provided the family with information on types of services available through both Medi-Cal and the waiver program. The social worker referred them to the In-Home Support Services (IHSS) program, which provides in-home assistance to people in need, and the Regional Center, which supports those with developmental disabilities and their families. Because Jason requires 24/7 supervision and care, the social worker advocated for IHSS and Waiver Personal Care Services (WPCS) hours. WPCS assists waiver participants to maintain independence in their home and provides them with adult companionship and care supervision if needed.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continued, and the Delta variant spread across LA County, the Soledad family was naturally concerned about the virus and how they could continue to care for Jason. The social worker worked with the family on Jason’s plan of treatment, which allowed his family to provide care in the safety of their home without financial burden or worry of another care provider bringing the virus into the home.
After months of closely working with a HCBA social worker, Jason’s father shared that his son’s abilities were improving. Jason can move himself around the house and seems to be brighter and livelier now. He said that the family is even considering sending him back to school in-person to improve and enhance his social skills among others.
The Partners social worker continues to provide care management for Jason and will continue to be an additional support system for his parents as his care needs evolve.
Learn about the HCBA Program and download the application HERE
