For individuals living with blindness or significant vision impairment, everyday activities can become increasingly challenging. Tasks such as preparing meals, organizing medications, reading mail, or navigating the home may require additional support to be completed safely.
California's CalAIM (California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal) initiative recognizes that health is influenced by more than medical care alone. For some eligible Medi-Cal members, Community Supports may include services that help individuals remain safely in their homes when medically appropriate and authorized by their health plan.
Supporting Independence Through Person-Centered Care
Vision loss does not mean a person loses the desire to remain independent.
Community Supports are intended to complement a member's existing healthcare by addressing daily living needs that contribute to overall health, safety, and well-being.
Depending on an individual's needs and health plan authorization, services may include assistance with activities such as:
- Personal care
- Homemaker services
- Meal preparation
- Household tasks
- Mobility support within the home
- Assistance with daily routines
These services are designed to support members while respecting their independence and individual preferences.
Communication is an Essential
Part of Care
For individuals living with vision impairment, communication plays an important role in creating a safe and positive care experience.
Describing surroundings, explaining daily activities, and communicating each step before providing assistance help members remain active participants in their own care. This approach promotes dignity, trust, and confidence.
One Community Supports member recently shared their experience:
"I'm blind, and she explains everything to me. She doesn't keep me in the dark—no pun intended—but she explains it. She's very good. I just wanted to let someone know how extremely happy I am with her."
While every member's experience is unique, this feedback highlights the importance of compassionate, person-centered communication.
Community Supports and Enhanced Care Management
Many individuals receiving Community Supports may also work with an Enhanced Care Management (ECM) provider.
ECM focuses on coordinating medical, behavioral health, and social services for members with complex needs, while Community Supports can address non-medical needs that affect a person's ability to remain safely at home.
Collaboration between healthcare providers, ECM organizations, caregivers, and Community Supports providers helps create a more coordinated approach to care.
A Whole-Person Approach to Health
CalAIM encourages a whole-person approach that recognizes how daily living needs, social factors, and access to support can influence overall health.
Community Supports are one component of that broader care model, helping eligible members receive assistance that promotes safety, independence, and quality of life in the setting that is often most meaningful to them—their home.
About Community Supports
Community Supports are optional Medi-Cal services available through participating managed care plans. Services are authorized based on health plan criteria, medical necessity, and member eligibility. Availability and covered services may vary by health plan.
If you are a healthcare provider, Enhanced Care Management provider, or community organization seeking information about Community Supports or care coordination, Coast Care welcomes opportunities to collaborate in support of eligible members.