What Are Home & Community-Based Services (HCBS)?

Home & Community-Based Services, often abbreviated as HCBS, refer to a range of supports that help seniors and people with disabilities live independently at home or in their communities instead of institutional care facilities.

These services can include:

• Personal care and daily living assistance

• Homemaker and meal services

• Adult day health programs

• Transportation for medical appointments

• Home health and therapy services

• Respite care for family caregivers

The main idea is “aging in place” — allowing individuals to receive medical and non-medical care in familiar surroundings while remaining socially and emotionally connected.

Why HCBS Demand Is Rising in Milwaukee County

1. Aging Population

According to the Milwaukee County Department on Aging (Area Plan 2025–2027), the county’s population of older adults continues to grow rapidly.

• Currently, over 17% of Milwaukee County residents are aged 60 and above, and this number is projected to rise sharply by 2030.

• As longevity increases, so does the demand for flexible, affordable, and personalized care options.

2. Shift in Care Preferences

Seniors today are more vocal about how and where they want to age. Most prefer home-based care over nursing homes due to comfort, dignity, and personal control.

• A 2024 AARP survey found that 77% of adults aged 50+ want to remain in their homes as they age.

• In Milwaukee, this trend aligns with county goals to reduce institutional dependency and strengthen HCBS programs.

3. Cost-Effectiveness

HCBS options are generally more affordable than long-term nursing home care.

• On average, home care costs are 30–40% lower than facility-based care in Wisconsin.

• The Wisconsin Department of Health Services reports that Medicaid-funded HCBS programs save the state millions annually by allowing seniors to remain in their homes longer.

4. Improved Quality of Life

Research consistently shows that older adults who receive home-based care experience better emotional well-being, lower hospitalization rates, and greater satisfaction.
For seniors in Milwaukee, these programs mean access to care without sacrificing comfort or community ties.

Types of HCBS Available in Milwaukee County

Milwaukee County offers a robust range of Home & Community-Based Services, many funded through Medicaid waivers and Aging & Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs).

Some of the most common include:

1. Family Care Program – Offers long-term care support for individuals who need help with daily activities.

2. IRIS (Include, Respect, I Self-Direct) – Empowers participants to manage their own care plans and budgets.

3. Meals on Wheels – Delivers nutritious meals to homebound seniors.

4. Transportation Services – Helps seniors reach doctor appointments or community centers safely.

5. In-Home Personal Care – Assistance with bathing, dressing, grooming, and medication reminders.

6. Adult Day Centers – Social engagement programs that reduce loneliness and caregiver stress.

Milwaukee County HCBS by the Numbers (2025)

Based on the Milwaukee County Area Aging Plan 2025–2027:

• Nearly 7% of older adults in the county are currently enrolled in Medicaid-funded HCBS programs.

• Demand has risen by over 15% in the last three years, largely due to post-pandemic care preferences.

• Milwaukee County aims to expand HCBS reach by 10% before 2027 through increased funding and workforce training.

• The top three requested services: in-home care, transportation, and home-delivered meals.

These statistics highlight both the opportunity and the challenge — expanding HCBS capacity to meet rising demand while ensuring quality and affordability.

Key Challenges Facing the HCBS Sector in Milwaukee

1. Caregiver Shortage

Milwaukee, like much of the U.S., faces a shortage of trained home caregivers. Retention and recruitment have become major hurdles, pushing agencies to offer better pay, flexible hours, and training programs.

2. Funding Limitations

Although Medicaid waivers support HCBS expansion, funding caps limit how many people can enroll. Waitlists for certain services remain an issue for low-income seniors.

3. Regulatory and Workforce Pressures

Providers face increased compliance requirements, rising insurance costs, and the need to invest in digital care systems — all while managing tight margins.

The Role of Technology in Expanding HCBS

Technology is playing a huge part in helping Milwaukee scale its home-based care system.
Innovations include:

• Remote health monitoring tools for tracking vitals and medication.

• AI-powered scheduling systems to optimize caregiver assignments.

• Telehealth visits to reduce unnecessary hospital trips.

• Smart home adaptations like fall-detection sensors and automated lighting for safety.

As more seniors embrace digital tools, HCBS providers are integrating technology to offer faster, more personalized care.

How Home Care Milwaukee Supports HCBS Goals

Professional agencies like Home Care Milwaukee perfectly align with the county’s HCBS mission — to keep seniors safe, comfortable, and connected at home.

Their services complement Milwaukee’s public programs through:

• Skilled, trained caregivers for daily assistance

• Personalized care plans based on each client’s health and lifestyle

• Coordination with doctors and therapists

• Support for family caregivers, including respite and education

• Commitment to infection control, nutrition, and mental wellness

By providing these services, Home Care Milwaukee enhances local HCBS initiatives, helping seniors thrive where they’re happiest — in their own homes.

Looking Ahead: The Future of HCBS in Milwaukee County

Milwaukee County’s 2025–2027 Area Plan outlines bold steps:

• Expanding funding for Medicaid Home & Community programs

• Enhancing workforce development through caregiver training incentives

• Integrating digital health tools to improve monitoring and communication

• Promoting community partnerships between public and private care agencies

With continued focus on person-centered care and innovation, Milwaukee is positioning itself as a model city for aging in place.

Final Takeaway

The rising demand for Home & Community-Based Services (HCBS) in Milwaukee County reflects a profound change — seniors no longer see aging as a medical issue but as a lifestyle choice rooted in dignity, comfort, and independence.
With strong local programs and trusted partners like Home Care Milwaukee, families can ensure their loved ones receive the care they deserve — right where they belong.