Navigating Home Care with Confidence: Your Guide to Safeway's 245D Services

When it comes to caring for yourself or a loved one, knowing your options isn’t just helpful—it’s empowering. At Safeway Home Healthcare, we understand how personal the decision is to seek support at home. Whether you’re planning ahead or navigating a new diagnosis, we’re here to help you feel informed, supported, and confident every step of the way.

First, what Are 245D Services?

In Minnesota, many home care programs fall under what are known as 245D services—a set of state-licensed supports created to ensure that individuals with disabilities and seniors receive safe, person-centered care in their homes and communities. The name comes from Minnesota Statute 245D, which outlines the licensing standards for providers like Safeway. Put simply: 245D services exist to give you or your loved one the flexibility to live as independently as possible while still having the right supports in place.

This article is meant to be a comprehensive but brief guide—something you can use to understand the basics of 245D, see which services may be the best fit, and feel ready to take the next step in your care journey. Whether you’re in Minneapolis, Saint Paul, or anywhere across Minnesota, these services can make a meaningful difference for you or your family.

1. Community First Services and Supports (CFSS)

CFSS, formerly known as Personal Care Assistance (PCA), is more than just a program—it’s a pathway to independence. Designed for individuals with disabilities and older adults, CFSS is a Medicaid-funded service that allows you to receive care in the comfort of your own home rather than an institution. One of the biggest benefits? You can choose your own caregiver, even a trusted friend or family member.

At Safeway, we guide you through every step of the CFSS journey—from enrollment to ongoing care coordination—ensuring you feel confident and supported from day one.

2. Homemaking Services

A tidy, well-managed home does more than look nice—it creates a sense of peace, safety, and well-being. Our homemaking services support daily life with tasks like:

• Light housekeeping (laundry, dishes, vacuuming)

• Meal preparation

• Grocery shopping and errands

• Companionship and routine check-ins

For seniors or individuals who live independently but need occasional support, these services can make all the difference in preserving autonomy while easing daily responsibilities.

3. Overnight Supervision

Nighttime can feel uncertain—especially for those with health or mobility challenges. Our overnight supervision services provide a trusted presence throughout the night to:

• Assist with bathroom visits

• Offer reassurance and companionship

• Respond immediately in case of emergency

Whether for short-term recovery or ongoing support, overnight care brings families peace of mind knowing their loved one is never alone.

4. 24-Hour Emergency Services

Life is unpredictable—but your care shouldn’t be. Safeway’s 24-hour emergency services ensure that whenever a crisis arises, you’ll have a team ready to respond. Whether it’s a sudden health concern or an urgent change in care needs, we’re here—day or night—to coordinate, support, and act fast.

5. In-Home Support (IHS) Services

Every person’s care journey is unique—and so is our approach. In-Home Support (IHS) gives clients flexibility in how they receive care at home, with several customizable options:

IHS Without Training

• Direct support in daily living (help with meals, dressing, staying active in the community).

• Available for children and adults.

• No formal training required—just dependable, caring support.

IHS With Training

• Combines support with hands-on skill-building for independence.

• Available for adults learning to manage medication, prepare meals, or handle money safely.

• Meets habilitation requirements for those on the Developmental Disabilities (DD) Waiver.

IHS With Family Training

• Support and training for both the individual and their family.

• Helps create a safe, stable home environment.

• Especially useful when the whole family needs tools to provide care together.

IHS Remote

• Virtual check-ins and support for individuals living independently.

• Keeps care flexible while maintaining connection.

6. Individual Community Living Supports (ICLS)

Individual Community Living Supports (ICLS) is a bundled service designed specifically for adults 65 and older who may need occasional reminders, gentle supervision, or light physical help throughout the day.

ICLS is available to those enrolled in the Alternative Care (AC) program or the Elderly Waiver (EW) and focuses on maintaining independence while supporting health, safety, and well-being.

Services include:

• Active Cognitive Support – reminders, redirection, and task guidance

• Adaptive Support Services – adjusting to changes in ability or routines

• Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) – bathing, dressing, grooming, eating

• Household Management – light cleaning, meal prep, organization

• Health, Safety, and Wellness – medication reminders, well-being checks

• Community Living Engagement – staying socially connected and active

7. Respite Care

Even the most dedicated caregivers need a break sometimes. Respite care provides short-term support for a person when their primary caregiver is unavailable or simply needs time to rest and recharge.

Two types of respite care are available:

• In-Home Respite – Care provided at home, sometimes including outings to familiar community places like parks, libraries, or shops.

• Out-of-Home Respite – Care in a licensed or unlicensed setting outside the home, with optional community activities.

Taking the Next Step

Making care decisions can feel overwhelming—but you’re not alone. At Safeway Home Healthcare, we’re committed to walking beside you with care that’s respectful, reliable, and rooted in community.

Whether you’re in Minneapolis, Saint Paul, or elsewhere in Minnesota, our team is here to help you explore what’s possible. If you’re interested in learning more about the 245D program, reach out to us at admin@safewayhhc.com, or give us a call at 651-500-1157. If you’re ready to start services, fill out our Referral Form and we’ll be in touch shortly. Together, we’ll find the right supports to help you or your loved one thrive at home.