Support Planners: Trusted Guides for Self-Directed Homecare in Minnesota
Designed for individuals and families in Minnesota who are considering or already using self-directed homecare programs such as Consumer-Directed Community Supports (CDCS).
Support Planners: A Trusted Guide for Self-Directed Homecare in Minnesota
Designed for individuals and families in Minnesota who are considering or already using self-directed homecare programs such as Consumer-Directed Community Supports (CDCS).
Self-directing programs allow people to take charge of their own care, hire their own staff, set their own schedules, and direct how their budget is used.
For many individuals and families, working with a Support Planner is one of the best ways to make the most of self-direction. A Support Planner serves as a professional guide through the planning process, helping clients design and manage a budget plan that fits their unique goals, needs, and lifestyle.
What Is a Support Planner?
A Support Planner is a trained professional who helps develop your person-centered Community Support Plan (CSP). This plan outlines how your budget will be used to support your needs, including services, staffing, equipment, therapies, and more. A Support Planner helps ensure your plan meets state guidelines and will be approved by your county or lead agency.
Unlike Case Managers — who are assigned by the county and make decisions about authorizing services — Support Planners work directly for you. You choose your own Support Planner, and their role is to help you organize, document, and submit your plan — not to supervise your care or make any choices on your behalf.
While hiring a Support Planner isn’t required in Minnesota, it’s often a smart choice, especially for those who are new to homecare services or are managing complex care needs.
What Do Support Planners Help With?
Support planners can assist with a wide range of tasks, depending on your needs. Most commonly, they help you:
- Develop or revise your Community Support Plan (CSP)
- Create a realistic and balanced CDCS annual budget plan
- Identify and define appropriate services and supports
- Organize emergency plans and backup staffing solutions
- Assist with writing job descriptions and staff schedules
- Communicate with county staff during the approval process
- Help you follow state rules while tailoring the plan to your life
Some Support Planners offer more in-depth help than others. While some focus on completing the plan and paperwork, others go the extra mile by helping you recruit staff, find community resources, or navigate changes over time. This is why it’s important to interview potential Support Planners and ask about the scope of their services.
When Do You Need a Support Planner?
A Support Planner may be especially helpful if:
- You’re new to homecare services or are feeling unsure about how to get started
- You or your loved one have complex needs that require careful planning
- You’re responsible for someone else’s care and need professional support
- You’ve had trouble getting a plan approved or managing a budget
- Your county has recommended working with a planner for added structure
While counties cannot legally require you to hire a Support Planner, they may strongly encourage it if there are concerns about health, safety, or whether the person managing the plan is able to self-direct successfully. Having a knowledgeable Support Planner involved can make the process more efficient and help you avoid common mistakes.
What Support Planners Don’t Do
It’s equally important to understand the limits of a Support Planner’s role. They are not Case Managers, and they don’t provide hands-on care or handle your payroll and employment paperwork.
A Support Planner also cannot:
- Hire or fire staff on your behalf
- Approve your plan or services (only your county or lead agency can do that)
- Serve as your paid caregiver
- Directly manage your budget once it’s approved
A Support Planner’s role is to empower you to manage these responsibilities with confidence — not take over for you.
Choosing the Right Support Planner
Since you get to choose your own Support Planner, it’s a good idea to interview a few and find someone who feels like a good fit. Many families prefer planners who have personal or professional experience with disability services, such as former Case Managers, educators, or family caregivers. You may also want to ask about their availability, communication style, and whether they provide additional support beyond writing the initial plan.
Some planners work independently, while others are part of agencies that may offer multilingual support, cultural expertise, or extra tools for medically complex situations. No matter what your needs are, there is likely a Support Planner out there who can meet them.
To assist in your search, consider the following approaches:
- Reach out to Accra: We often collaborate with Support Planners and can provide referrals.
- Consult with your Case Manager: They may have recommendations or be aware of certified Support Planners in your area.
- Connect with advocacy organizations: Groups such as The Arc Minnesota offer resources and may help connect you with certified Support Planners.
- Network with other families: Engaging with local support groups or online forums with individuals who can offer personal recommendations and experiences.
Support That Puts You in Control
At Accra, we believe in helping people live independently at home. Support planners are one of the many tools available to help individuals and families make the most of their homecare journey.
Whether you’re just getting started with homecare services or are looking to improve an existing plan, a Support Planner can bring structure, clarity, and peace of mind to the process.
Because Support Planners, Case managers, and Financial Management Services all play different roles, having a provider like Accra that understands how these pieces work together can make self-direction feel more manageable.
Start your homecare journey with Accra today!
About Accra
Accra provides individualized homecare services and support to people and families across all 87 counties in Minnesota. By focusing on choice, independence, and high-quality care, Accra helps people with care needs live safely and comfortably, while strengthening the broader homecare system. Learn more at www.accrahomecare.org.