APA Dictionary of Psychology

care or services provided in a patient’s place of residence or in a noninstitutional setting located in the community. The aim is to help individuals of all ages with disabilities to live in the community, thereby avoiding more costly residential placements. In the United States, the primary means by which such services are funded is the Home and Community-Based Services Waiver (or Medicaid Waiver) program. Through this waiver, the federal government reimburses states for a percentage of their spending on designated community services, such as day habilitation, residential habilitation, and service coordination. These services are defined in a flexible manner; they can be tailored to the specific needs of individuals enrolled in the waiver, allowing appropriate services to be provided to people with greatly varying requirements.