What is SILS? Semi-Independent Living Services (SILS) is a residential service for people with intellectual disabilities. People that would benefit from SILS are those who live independently either in a home or an apartment of their own, but need assistance to remain in the community. Examples of common areas of assistance include banking, budgeting, shopping, transportation to and from medical and dental appointments as well as support during the appointment. Staff will also help with packing a medication pill box so that people can administer their own medications. Direct Care Professionals also will assist the person receiving services to set up transportation to get to work or social events. The amount of assistance each person with SILS services receives is dependent upon their skills and determined by the person and their Interdisciplinary Team. SILS services are paid for by the individual’s home county.
What is ILS/CADI? Independent Living Services/Community Alternatives for Disabled Individuals (ILS/CADI) is a residential waiver for people with more prevalent medical needs. Some people receiving ILS Services live in adult foster care homes and others are still able to live independently in their own homes or apartments. PFF’s services for people on the ILS waiver commonly consist of assisting with shopping, banking, budgeting and transportation to and from medical and dental appointments as well as support during these appointments. Staff will also help the person receiving services to set up other needed transportation in the community. It isn’t unusual for many of the people who receive ILS services to also utilize a Home Health Care Provider or Homemaker Services. Like SILS, the number of hours each person receives ILS services is dependent upon their skill and determined by the person and their Interdisciplinary Team. ILS/CADI Services is a waiver, and is paid for by Medical Assistance.
What are In-Home Services? This is a service that PFF provides to people who continue to live in their family home. The basic principle of these services is to provide instruction and education to the individual and their family in basic community living skills. These skills areas include basic household cleaning, laundry, basic cooking, and hygiene. Because these services are provided in the home, staff are unable to assist with medical and dental appointments or transportation needs. In-Home Services are a waiver and therefore paid for by Medical Assistance. How many hours In-Home Services are provided is determined by the individual, their family, and the rest of the Interdisciplinary Team.
What kind of Respite Services does PFF provide? The respite services PFF provides are designed to give the regular caregiver for the person with a disability “a break” by taking the person with a disability out of the home for social events and activities. The amount of time that a person can receive PFF’s Respite Services depends upon the team and the county’s agreement with the caregiver. Respite Services are a waiver, and are paid for through Medical Assistance.
How do I get any of these services started for myself or my loved one? The first step is to contact your county case manager, if one is already assigned to you. If not, talk to the county about getting a case manager. They will let you know about eligibility standards. If you are confused about what to do, contact PFF and ask to talk with a Program Director or the Administrator. We can assist you to get started.
If I choose services with PFF, will I have different staff each time? PFF prides itself on providing consistent services. Unless your regular staff is on vacation or ill, you will most likely have one staff who will be assigned to work with you. On average, staff employed by PFF in the SILS or ILS department have 10 years work experience.
What are agency activities and events? PFF is special in many ways and one of them is the activities offered to people receiving services from PFF. Some of the activities scheduled over a typical year include attending a Minnesota Wild game, a Minnesota Twins game, Mall of America, Duluth, The Science Museum, St. Cloud, Alexandria, Valley Fair, the Minnesota State Fair, Minnesota Vikings Training Camp, October Fest, and The Chanhassen Dinner Theatre. All of these activities are offered in addition to local events and activities such as softball, bowling, horseshoes, Elk’s dances, Arc events, community education classes, bible study, People First, and other community opportunities.