Champions of Homecare

The podcast for caregivers of all stripes. If you care for yourself but need a little help, if you care for a loved one, if you are a professional caregiver, or even if you are a case manager or social worker whose clients need homecare support, the Champions of Homecare Podcast is for you. Produced by Accra Homecare, the Champions of Homecare Podcast covers everything you need to know about homecare in Minnesota. Each episode features an interview with an industry expert who explains the nuances of a service program or discusses resources that help you unlock greater independence in your community. We also share the latest home care news in Minnesota and provide you with tips and tricks to make your homecare experience as seamless as possible. To catch us twice each month, subscribe to the Champions of Homecare Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Breaking Down Barriers with ConnectAbility of MN 06/06/2025

Breaking Down Barriers with ConnectAbility of MN In this episode, Sheri Wegner, the Executive Director of ConnectAbility of MN, tells us all about the organization and how it’s grown over the years. The group explores how community-driven homecare services are helping individuals transition out of facilities, make home modifications, access essential medical equipment, find transportation solutions, and live more independently. Sheri shares real stories, unique strategies their nonprofit uses, and practical ways people can get involved or find support. /episode/index/show/1d6cde0b-d1e7-4e37-8d6e-4b4ad0777cc1/id/36888770

Homecare & The Capitol 03/19/2025

Homecare & The Capitol In this episode of the Champions of Homecare Podcast, we explore the unprecedented dynamics at the Minnesota Capitol, including power-sharing in the House, the tight majority in the Senate, and what it all means for home care, disability services, and older adults. The group also discusses efforts to address the ongoing workforce shortage in PCA services, the impact of Minnesota’s SEIU contract negotiations, and the importance of building relationships with elected officials through home visits and grassroots advocacy. Finally, learn more about the Polar Plunge, benefiting Special Olympics Minnesota, and the upcoming 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minnesota. /episode/index/show/1d6cde0b-d1e7-4e37-8d6e-4b4ad0777cc1/id/35775650

CFSS Series Part 3: Consultation Services 01/20/2025

CFSS Series Part 3: Consultation Services In the third and final episode of our CFSS miniseries, we are exploring consultation services, which help guide clients as they navigate the options available under the new CFSS program. Peter Noss, the Executive Director of the consultation services provider Asura, joins the podcast to explain what consultation services are, how the transition to consultation services works and more of the nuances of CFSS. /episode/index/show/1d6cde0b-d1e7-4e37-8d6e-4b4ad0777cc1/id/34915835

CFSS Series Part 2: The Budget Model 09/20/2024

CFSS Series Part 2: The Budget Model In episode two of our CFSS miniseries, Accra Program Supervisor Teresa Butler Schmidt does a deep dive on the Budget Model and explains what distinguishes it from the Agency Model. Teresa discusses more of the nuances of CFSS and shares some advice for clients getting ready to make the transition to the new program. /episode/index/show/1d6cde0b-d1e7-4e37-8d6e-4b4ad0777cc1/id/33141017

CFSS Series Part 1: The Agency Model 09/18/2024

CFSS Series Part 1: The Agency Model The transition to the new Community First Services and Supports (CFSS) program is starting in Minnesota on October 1. To help you prepare for the transition, we are dropping a miniseries of episodes dedicated to the three key components of CFSS. In part one, we cover everything you need to know about the Agency Model, and along the way, we share some tips and tricks to help you get ready for CFSS. /episode/index/show/1d6cde0b-d1e7-4e37-8d6e-4b4ad0777cc1/id/33106077

Inspiring Self-Advocates with Partners in Policymaking 08/16/2024

Inspiring Self-Advocates with Partners in Policymaking Partners in Policymaking is an innovative, competency-based leadership training program for adults with disabilities and parents of young children with developmental disabilities, making it an incredible self-advocacy opportunity for many members of the Accra community. To learn more about Partners in Policymaking, we spoke with the program’s current coordinator Brenton Rice. Plus, Ryan Flory, a current Accra client who recently graduated from the program, tells us about his experience with Partners in Policymaking and what he gained by participating. /episode/index/show/1d6cde0b-d1e7-4e37-8d6e-4b4ad0777cc1/id/32608732

Honing in on Homemaker Services 06/26/2024

Honing in on Homemaker Services Accra's Senior Program Director of Strategic Development Tyler Langenfeld joins this episode to delve into the intricacies of Homemaker Services. We discuss the three different versions of Homemaker Services, eligibility criteria, the hiring process and why these services play such an important role for many clients who receive other home care services too. /episode/index/show/1d6cde0b-d1e7-4e37-8d6e-4b4ad0777cc1/id/31904432

Mental Health Awareness Month & Breaking the Stigma 06/07/2024

Mental Health Awareness Month & Breaking the Stigma To wrap up Mental Health Awareness Month, we invited Accra’s Senior Program Director of FMS and Mental Health Val Patino and Mental Health Professional Sarah Boyd to discuss the impact of this month, breaking the mental health stigma and much more. Val and Sarah talk about the importance of Children’s Mental Health Awareness Month and how we can keep mental health top of mind in the months ahead. Plus, they detail Accra’s Adult Rehabilitative Mental Health Services and individual therapy offerings, and Sarah helps answer how you know it’s time to speak with a mental health expert. /episode/index/show/1d6cde0b-d1e7-4e37-8d6e-4b4ad0777cc1/id/31583447

How to Hire a Caregiver 05/28/2024

How to Hire a Caregiver Sometimes, the first step is the hardest one to take. For home care services, that first hurdle is finding and hiring a caregiver. On this episode, we’re joined by Rand, an Accra client, and Accra’s Senior Human Resources Director Hannah Rutt to talk about best practices for hiring, interviewing and retaining caregivers. Hannah and Rand also share some pro tips on where to look for qualified caregivers, and David and Jason provide an update on the implementation timeline for CFSS. /episode/index/show/1d6cde0b-d1e7-4e37-8d6e-4b4ad0777cc1/id/31421397

Elevating Autism Acceptance to Autism Appreciation 04/16/2024

Elevating Autism Acceptance to Autism Appreciation In this episode, we delve into the significance of April as Autism Acceptance Month and the pivotal role of organizations like in empowering individuals within the autism community. Our guest, Jillian Nelson, Community Resource and Policy Advocate at AuSM, shares her personal journey and insights into autism acceptance, dispelling myths, and advocating for people with autism. /episode/index/show/1d6cde0b-d1e7-4e37-8d6e-4b4ad0777cc1/id/30847803

Bringing Healthcare Home with HealtheMed and Clinic@Home 03/21/2024

Bringing Healthcare Home with HealtheMed and Clinic@Home To advance a more collaborative and effective approach to healthcare and homecare, Accra recently partnered with HealtheMed to offer clients the Clinic@Home program. This service is an integrated digital system of care that facilitates seamless coordination between a patient and their entire care team, all from the comfort of their home. On this episode of the Champions of Homecare Podcast, we are joined by HealtheMed CEO Steve Pontius and VP of Sales Alisha Miller for a deep dive into the origins of HealtheMed, the development of Clinic@Home, eligibility criteria, legislative initiatives, and much more! /episode/index/show/1d6cde0b-d1e7-4e37-8d6e-4b4ad0777cc1/id/30479348

CFSS 101: The Need-to-Knows on a New Program 02/21/2024

CFSS 101: The Need-to-Knows on a New Program The implementation of a new home care service program called CFSS (Community First Services and Supports) is on the horizon in Minnesota, and Accra is ready to guide you through the changes. On this episode, David and Jason speak with Accra’s Sr. Program Director of PCA Choice and CFSS Rochelle Wodarz and CFSS Consultation Services Director Amanda Whitmore to learn all about this new program. What is CFSS? What is going to change for PCA Choice clients? What do clients and caregivers need to do to prepare for the CFSS transition? The group answers all that and more on our first episode of 2024 /episode/index/show/1d6cde0b-d1e7-4e37-8d6e-4b4ad0777cc1/id/30056388

Private Pay: Not So Private 11/22/2023

Private Pay: Not So Private Private Pay might sound like an exclusive program, but it’s really not that private! The program allows people to buy homecare services with their private dollars when they are not covered by health insurance or other payers. Val Patino, Accra’s Senior Program Director of FMS and Mental Health, and Savanna Barrett, FMS Program Supervisor, join the show to break down how Private Pay works and explain why clients often elect Private Pay over the alternative options. Plus, David and Jason share the latest News & Views, including an exciting new initiative that is making Minnesota State Parks more accessible! /episode/index/show/1d6cde0b-d1e7-4e37-8d6e-4b4ad0777cc1/id/28759958

PCA Wage Increases & The Caregiver Career 11/16/2023

PCA Wage Increases & The Caregiver Career PCA wage increases are coming to Minnesota in 2024 and 2025, and we are breaking down the details! Phillip Cryan, Executive VP of SEIU Healthcare MN & IA, joins to talk about recent union negotiation wins, including retention bonuses wage increases for caregivers working with PCA Choice providers. Additionally, Accra-employed PCA Gail Larson shares what these developments mean for caregivers and how increases in PCA wages are making caregiving a more feasible career. /episode/index/show/1d6cde0b-d1e7-4e37-8d6e-4b4ad0777cc1/id/28667658

Bringing Mental Health Services Home 10/30/2023

Bringing Mental Health Services Home The Champions of Homecare Podcast is back, and we’re diving into Accra’s Mental Health Services program with Mental Health Professional Sarah Boyd. Sarah explains the differences between individual therapy and adult rehabilitative mental health services (ARMHS), as well as how and where you can access these services. Plus, she goes in depth on Accra’s individualized and holistic approach to treating mental health conditions. /episode/index/show/1d6cde0b-d1e7-4e37-8d6e-4b4ad0777cc1/id/28463981

Community Resources & MN State Fair Accessibility 08/23/2023

Community Resources & MN State Fair Accessibility The Champions of Homecare Podcast is ready for the Great Minnesota Get Together! Accra’s Community Resources Coordinator (and in-house State Fair expert) Kevin Lamminen is here to detail the accessibility services available at the fair and share some of his favorite State Fair tips and tricks. More importantly, Kevin explains how Accra connects clients with community resources and partners, which can improve their quality of life at home. In our News & Views segment, we cover the ABLE program, which allows people with disabilities to save more than the $2,000 asset limit required in many Federal assistance programs, and a proposed addition to the program called the ABLE MATCH Act. This addition could help people with lower incomes participate in the ABLE program by creating a Federal dollar-for-dollar match for new and existing ABLE accounts held by individuals that make $28,000 annually or less. /episode/index/show/1d6cde0b-d1e7-4e37-8d6e-4b4ad0777cc1/id/27834780

Autism Back to School Tips 08/04/2023

Autism Back to School Tips The Champions of Homecare Podcast is getting ready to go back to school! Ellie Wilson, the executive director of the Autism Society of Minnesota (AuSM) joins the show to share her top three recommendations for families to prepare their children with autism and other disabilities for the new school year. Ellie discusses routine building, coalition building and the challenges of transitions, as well as home care options for individuals diagnosed on the autism spectrum. Ellie also details the resources available at AuSM for families who have an individual with a disability. /episode/index/show/1d6cde0b-d1e7-4e37-8d6e-4b4ad0777cc1/id/27662763

FMS: The Ultimate Self-Direction Program 07/20/2023

FMS: The Ultimate Self-Direction Program Valerie Patino, Accra’s Director of Financial Management Services, joins the podcast to detail how FMS enables clients to hire their own staff, manage their budget and choose what services they receive. Then, there is lots of home care news to cover, including a new first of its kind conference, an hours increase for parent caregivers and an update on the Medicaid enrollment renewal process. /episode/index/show/1d6cde0b-d1e7-4e37-8d6e-4b4ad0777cc1/id/27521241

245D or Not 245D, That is the Question 06/29/2023

245D or Not 245D, That is the Question On the first episode of the Champions of Homecare Podcast, David and Jason talk to Tyler Langenfeld, Accra’s Director of 245D Waivered Services, about the 245D program. Tyler explains the wide variety of 245D services available at Accra, who qualifies for these services and how to get started with 245D. Plus, he shares his best tips and tricks for clients in the 245D program. After chatting with Tyler, David and Jason cover the latest news affecting the homecare landscape in Minnesota. They touch on an upcoming increase to PCA Choice wages, an extension for parents and spouses performing PCA services and how the end of the public health emergency affects the renewal process for Medicaid and MinnesotaCare enrollees. /episode/index/show/1d6cde0b-d1e7-4e37-8d6e-4b4ad0777cc1/id/27324546

Champions of Homecare

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