Blooming Where You Are: The Power of Home and Community Support

There is a specific kind of anticipation that comes with March in Indiana. We find ourselves looking for those first green buds on the trees and the small pops of color in our gardens. It is a season that reminds us that with the right environment and the right support, everything has the potential to flourish.

In my 17 years at CICOA, I have seen that people are not all that different from the gardens we tend. We all have a deep, fundamental desire to stay connected to the places we call home. We want to remain in the neighborhoods where we are known, near the grocery stores where we know the aisles, and in the houses that hold our history.

However, for many, the environment of home can become challenging due to age or disability. That is where Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) are essential to allow individuals to remain exactly where they want to be.

The Invisible Infrastructure of Independence

HCBS is a bit of a policy term, but at CICOA, we think of it as the invisible infrastructure of independence. It is the collection of services—ranging from home-delivered meals and transportation to home modifications and personal care—that allows a person to stay in their own home rather than moving to a nursing facility.

Think of HCBS as the bridge that connects a person’s desire for independence with the physical reality of their needs.

For an older adult, it might mean having a grab bar installed so they can shower safely. For a family caregiver, it might mean respite care that allows them to take a much-needed break while a professional steps in. Ask anyone who receives these services, and they’ll tell you these services don’t just provide “help”; they provide the freedom to stay rooted in the place they love.

“I want to say thank you very much. Because without this, I couldn’t stay. I wouldn’t be able to stay in my home. I am so grateful!”
                  – Bonnie, who received a wheelchair ramp and bathroom modifications

Expert Navigation for All Abilities

While many know us for our work with seniors, this month that reminds us our mission spans the entire journey of life. March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.

For individuals with developmental disabilities and their families, the system of support can feel like a maze of complex waivers and eligibility requirements. This is where CICOA serves as more than just a service provider; we are expert navigators. Our team specializes in helping individuals of all ages navigate Medicaid waivers and other systems.

We don’t just point the way; we help build a comprehensive roadmap that allows a young adult to transition into their own apartment, find meaningful employment, and get transportation to their job and around their community. At CICOA, we are proud to serve as a guide for individuals with disabilities of all ages, ensuring they have the tools to live, work and thrive right here in Central Indiana.

“I was able to redo my bathroom to make it completely accessible. And I love my care manager. She always makes sure I’m cared for and is on top of anything I might need. I am almost fully independent. I drive my own vehicle, live on my own, run my own business and have traveled the world. Just because I’m in a wheelchair doesn’t mean I can’t live a full life.”
                  – Natalie, CICOA client and Team USA Power Soccer Player

The Economics of Choice

Whether I’m speaking as a CEO or as a daughter who has navigated care for my own mother, I know that “home” is more than just four walls. It is where dignity lives.

Beyond the emotional value of staying home, there is a clear economic reality that we cannot ignore. Helping our neighbors remain in their communities isn’t just the compassionate choice—it’s the fiscally responsible one.

Data from Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) highlights a powerful contrast. In Indiana, the average annual cost to support an individual in a nursing facility is approximately $92,000. In comparison, the average annual cost for someone receiving Home and Community-Based Services is roughly $34,000.

When we invest in HCBS, we are saving millions in taxpayer dollars while honoring the primary wish of almost every person we serve: to stay in their own home.

Strengthening Our Neighborhoods

This March, as we see our community begin to bloom, I invite you to help us ensure that every neighbor has the environment they need to thrive:

• Awareness: Share the news that CICOA is a resource for individuals of all ages and abilities. Our expertise in disability navigation is a lifeline for families who don’t know where to start.
• Advocacy: Support policies that increase funding for HCBS. When we invest in home-based care, we invest in the health of our entire community.
• Connection: If you or a loved one are struggling to stay safe or independent at home, don’t wait for a crisis. Let’s build a plan together.

Just like the first buds of spring, our neighbors have incredible potential to flourish. They just need the right support to keep growing exactly where they are.

Learn how we help people of all abilities stay home and stay connected at CICOA.org.

---

Lisa Schneekloth

As President & CEO of CICOA, Lisa Schneekloth’s vision is shaped by more than 15 years of experience within the organization, from direct client support to establishing robust compliance standards. Driven by a commitment to excellence and innovation, she collaborates with the community to expand CICOA’s impact and ensure individuals have the opportunity to live their lives to the fullest.