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Frequently Asked Questions Regarding the DD Waiver in Colorado

by Information & Resources

Often times we encounter families that are new to the DD waiver in Colorado and services in general. We are always happy to answer any questions you may have, even if it pertains to other waivers we do not serve. Although we may not know the answers to everything, the Intake Team is well-equipped to answer your questions. With a combined 60 years experience in the field, we’re well-connected to community partners along the Front Range and the Eastern Plains.

Reach out to Intake@supportinc.com for specific questions concerning unique situaitons. For broader and more general questions, please refer to the guide below.

 1. What is the DD waiver?

The DD Waiver stands for Developmental (and Intellectual) Disabilities and has been a tremendous resource for the people we serve and their families. Some of the benefits you can receive on the waiver include a budget to be spent one of three ways: Family Caregiver, Host Home or PCA (Personal Care Alternative aka an individual living on their own in the community). There’s additional funding as well to cover things such as behavioral/clinical services, job coaching, supported community connections and more.

 

We are happy to chat with you if you have any questions about services. Please contact Intake@supportinc.com for more details. Our Intake Team has a combined 57 years’ experience in the field. We offer free no-pressure consultations over the phone and online and we’re used to dealing with unique situations.

 

2. Brief history on the waiver

The waiver was introduced in the state of Colorado in 1983 as part of a national effort to move people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilites from institutions to community-based settings. Over the last 40 years, the field has grown larger. The Family Caregiver program was specifically introduced back in 2008 and fully implemented in 2010. We still have a ways to go as agencies across the state continue to make improvements by meeting the requirements of the new Case Management Redesign.

 

Support, Inc. is well equipped to handle these changes thanks to our Quality Assurance Department. We seamlessly adapt to change as the landscape for Intellectual and Developmental disability services continues to improve.

 

3. Case Management Redesign

Conflict Free Case Management (CFCM) is a federal mandate from Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS) under the Federal Final Settings Rule. The rule requires there be a separation between case management agencies (formerly known as Community Center Boards, now referred to as Case Management Agencies) and direct services. This means, a company cannot provide both case management services and program services (provided by PASAs- Program Approved Service Agencies) , such as residential, day services or behavioral services to the same person. Many of Colorado’s CCBs had been providing both case management and program services and are now required to eliminate this conflict of interest.

 

The efforts of The Department of Health Care Policy and Finance (HCPF) to comply with federal requirements of (CFCM) have evolved into initiatives called Case Management Redesign.

The implementation of this process is nearly complete for most CCBs, now known as Case Management Agencies. We closely monitor changes and strive to maintain excellent communication with case managers and their agencies.

If you are struggling to reach your case manager in a timely manner, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at intake@supportinc.com We have a wealth of information and can research your questions for you, if you need additional assistance.

 

4. How to apply for the DD waiver

To apply for the DD waiver, you need to contact your county’s Case Management Agency. This website includes a list of counties. Once you find your county, reach out to them to get started. https://hcpf.colorado.gov/case-management-agency-directory

 

5. What happens if myself or my loved one doesn’t fit in the DD category?

Rest assured; Colorado offers access to other waivers for different needs. You can find more information at this link: https://hcpf.colorado.gov/hcbs-waivers

 

Again, please don’t hesitate to contact us about the DD waiver. We’ve helped many families navigate the Case Management Redesign. We are here to help!

 

Sources:

https://coloradosun.com/2020/02/05/colorado-medicaid-waiver-disabilities/

https://hcpf.colorado.gov/developmental-disabilities-waiver-dd#:~:text=The%20Home%20and%20Community%2DBased,Day%20Habilitation%20Services%20and%20Supports.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iUCbO3WD-8PJbU3ckihrsGZYX3FOSsyh/view?pli=1

https://coloradosun.com/2020/02/05/colorado-medicaid-waiver-disabilities/

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BACPAC Camping Trip

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Check out pictures from Support Inc. BACPAC camping trip June 25th through June 27th. This was an amazing experience for all involved!

The group spent a day on the water by renting two pontoon boats at Cherry Creek State Park. From fishing to swimming and hanging out together, it was a great day for all involved.

Thanks to the help of Rich and many families, providers and Support, Inc. employees, this event is typically hosted on an annual basis at no cost to the people we serve. Yard games, a scavenger hunt and tie-dying camp t-shirts were just a few of the activities included in this fun-filled, engaging occasion.

We sincerely extend our warmest thanks and gratitude to everyone that helped with this event recently. Access to BACPAC activities is offered to members of the Support, Inc. community currently served on the DD waiver with in home support services. For more details on future BACPAC events, please reach out to Rich at Richard.Shaw@supportinc.com. And for questions regarding the DD waiver, please reach out to Intake at Intake@supportinc.com.

Thanks and be on the lookout for more BACPAC events hosted by Support Inc.!

Our BACPAC program enables the people Support, Inc. serves to share in experiences firsthand by moving beyond day-to-day life and exploring some of the amazing things Colorado has to offer on specially staffed adapted activities throughout the year. BACPAC is the nonprofit sector of Support, Inc.

To learn more about the BACPAC Program, please follow the link to learn more on our website.

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Caregiver Burnout Resources

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At Support, Inc., we understand how challenging it can be to find resources when dealing with burnout. We offer a variety of community-based services and care options for families and caregivers who have adult children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. These options are also ideal for children with disabilities who are 18 and have previously been receiving services through the Children’s Extensive Support (CES) waiver. Just as no two people are the same, neither are their specific needs for in home care. Whether that’s as a full time resident in a host home, in a family home, or their own home or apartment, Support, Inc.’s spectrum of options and opportunities is designed to offer stability, progress and, of course, safety. Because each situation is unique, and we approach it in this way. Our staff will adapt their approach to each individual and family’s specific needs as our guide, while building a strong partnership for many years to come.

Taking into careful consideration each person’s individual needs, we work with each family and individual we serve to provide the best residential environment for everyone involved. Our residential services include the following three programs. The adults with disabilities programs we provide remain unmatched in the service industry. Colorado disability services are important to us, and we do everything we can to meet each family’s unique and specialized needs.

Host Home:

Our host home providers are committed to providing a nurturing, supportive and safe home atmosphere that allows for growth and discovery. Residents will have an opportunity to thrive in a secure, caring environment and be more engaged in the world around them.

Providers are pre-screened through background and reference checks, as well as home safety inspections. They also receive extensive, ongoing training in the intellectual and developmental disabilities field and have access to additional support and oversight from a residential program coordinator, nurse, clinician and public benefits specialist.

Reach out to us directly to learn more about caretaker pay.

Family Caregiver Program:

Through the Family Caregiver Act, family caregivers may be eligible for both financial and non-financial support. We are often asked “Can a family member get paid to be a caregiver” and the answer is YES. Colorado Family Caregivers have the option to choose between the employee and independent contractor route. The Support, Inc. team gives families maximum flexibility to create an individualized plan tailored to their needs. Families can:

  • Pay a family caregiver to provide care for a loved one
  • Hire a non-family caregiver to provide care
  • Cover or reimburse costs related to life events and needs outside of traditional staffing

We also provide:

  • Screening for non-family caregivers
  • Residential support and respite care options matched to the family’s level of need
  • Training for family and non-family care givers
  • Competitive pay rate, flexible budgets and access to our employee benefits plan and 24-hour support line
  • Support group for family caregivers

Please reach out to learn more about our care taker pay. We’re also happy to relay caretaker documentation samples.

Independent Apartment Living Program:

We help individuals find apartments that meets their unique needs. We also assist with general care and skills development, such as grocery shopping, medical appointments, transportation and provide a 24-hour support line. The assisted living for disabled young adults is something we pride ourselves on providing- it is truly a pleasure to work with individuals living independently in the community.

For more information on our residential services and the DD waiver in Colorado, please contact Brian Slusarz at info@supportinc.com or click here to complete our contact form. The disability caregiver in Colorado is not a position that we take lightly; great disability service providers in Colorado can be hard to come by. But our disability program for adults is absolutely excellent and we hope to hear from you soon! We’re very familiar with home and community based services. It would be an honor to provide disability services to you and your family.

For Caregiver Resources related to burnout, please follow the links below-

Calmerry

Mayo Clinic

Kaiser Permanente

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BACPAC Trip Next Week!

by Information & Resources

Don’t forget- we have our Annual BACPAC Camping Trip coming up next week! We have a group site reserved June 25th-27th.

We’re still searching for additional volunteers to help! Even if you can’t attend, donating supplies would be greatly appreciated please. IE veggie trays, fruit trays, desserts, etc. Rich will keep a food list to help prevent duplicate items. Please reach out to Rich at Richard.Shaw@supportinc.com before you purchase anything, so he can chat with you about what’s needed 😊

We have a Campers List below!!

Thanks again to everyone that’s making this trip possible for those we serve. We couldn’t do it without you and looking forward to having so much fun soon!!

Campers List

Recommended: If you don’t have any of the items listed, please let us know 😊 We will have some extra supplies on hand.

Meals, Drinks (water, Gatorade), and Snacks provided

A Day

  1. Mediation (if needed)
  2. Sun Screen
  3. Bug Spray
  4. Light Loose clothing (Hat-if wanted)
  5. Sunglasses
  6. Extra Clothing (sandals) if going swimming: towel
  7. Light Jacket/Hoodie
  8. Individual refillable Water bottle (labeled with name)
  9. Lawn/camp chair
  10. Fishing gear (if needed)
  11. Personal supplies (if needed)

B Overnight: same as above +

  1. Tent
  2. Sleeping bag/Air mattress (if needed)
  3. Extra Blanket
  4. Flashlight/Lantern
  5. Extra clothing
  1. in case we get cooler weather at night
  2. Shoes
  3. Personal supplies (hygiene)

We warmly invite our individuals in services, their caregivers and providers. Please join us if you can!!

Food, drinks and snacks provided!!

The camping area will include

  • Large, covered area with tables and lighting at night
  • Rest room on site
  • Campground has showers available at main office
  • Running water on site
  • Electrical outlets on site

Activities will include:

  • Outdoor yard games
  • Board Games
  • Table games
  • Fishing
  • Music
  • Scavenger hunt
  • Tye Dye your own shirt
  • Camp Fire at night (weather dependent)
  • + much more!!!

Wednesday 26th is the boat day (this will also be the swim day)

  • Two pontoon boats have been reserved for the day
  • Groups will meet on at the marina to go out on the water for an hour ride
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Open House and BBQ in Sterling

by Information & Resources

Check out the fun we had hosting the Open House last week! We are so grateful to the Family Resource Center for hosting us downstairs in the courtyard while families and consumers toured the offices upstairs. We also appreciated Leticia Arguello from the ARC joining us for the Resource Fair! Jeff Rice from the Journal Advocate joined us on site to gather more information. We are grateful to him and the paper for reporting and sharing the news of our new location. And last but not least, a big thanks to Jimmy L’s for catering the event and to the Logan County Chamber of Commerce for facilitating the ribbon cutting ceremony out front.

 

Thanks again to everyone that helped make this event a success. We couldn’t do it without you and look forward to this next step of People Helping People on the Eastern Plains and beyond!

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Navigating IHSS and PASA: A Guide for Colorado Caregivers

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Introduction

As a caregiver in Colorado, you provide essential support, from Medicaid-based health care to community programs, improving quality of life for families and individuals with disabilities. Whether you’re caring for a child, an adult, or both, you may have heard about programs like IHSS (In-Home Supportive Services) and PASA (Program Approved Service Agencies). In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at these valuable resources and how they can help you in your caregiving journey. So, let’s dive in!

Understanding IHSS (In-Home Supportive Services)

IHSS is a state-administered program designed to provide assistance to individuals with disabilities, allowing them to remain in the comfort and familiarity of their own homes. It’s a lifeline for caregivers and their loved ones, offering support in various aspects of daily life. Support, Inc. specifically works with those who qualify for the Developmental Disabilities (DD) Waiver. We provide residential services to adults and their families over the age of 18.

  1. Eligibility for IHSS

To qualify for IHSS in Colorado, your loved one must meet eligibility criteria, including a medical condition requiring personal care and in-home health support.:

  • Having a disability or medical condition that requires assistance.
  • Residing in their own home or a family member’s home.
  • Demonstrating a need for in-home care services.
  1. Services Covered by IHSS

Once eligible, your loved one can access a range of services under IHSS, including:

  • Personal care services (bathing, dressing, grooming).
  • Homemaker services (meal preparation, light housekeeping).
  • Accompaniment to medical appointments.
  • Respite care for caregivers.
  • Assistance with mobility and transfers.
  1. How IHSS Benefits Caregivers

IHSS isn’t just about the care recipient; it also greatly benefits caregivers. By providing necessary support, IHSS:

  • Relieves caregivers of some caregiving responsibilities.
  • Allows caregivers to maintain employment or pursue education.
  • Reduces the financial burden associated with caregiving.
  • Enhances the overall quality of life for both the caregiver and care recipient.

Understanding PASA (Program Approved Service Agencies)

PASA is another valuable resource for caregivers in Colorado, offering a wide range of support services for individuals with disabilities. These services are aimed at improving the quality of life for both caregivers and care recipients.

  1. Services Offered by PASA

PASA agencies provide a variety of services, including:

  • In-home care and support.
  • Assistance with daily living activities.
  • Community integration and recreational activities.
  • Transportation services.
  • Behavior therapy and counseling.
  • Respite care for caregivers.
  1. Choosing the Right PASA Agency

When selecting a PASA agency for your loved one, it’s essential to consider:

  • The specific needs of the care recipient.
  • The agency’s reputation and track record.
  • Compatibility with your caregiving schedule.
  • Availability of trained and compassionate staff.

Combining IHSS and PASA: A Comprehensive Approach

Many caregivers in Colorado find that combining IHSS and PASA services offers a well-rounded approach to caregiving. By utilizing both resources, you can create a customized care plan that addresses your loved one’s unique needs and your own.

  1. How IHSS and PASA Work Together

IHSS and PASA can complement each other in various ways:

  • IHSS can provide basic personal care and homemaker services.
  • PASA can offer specialized services, therapy, and recreational activities.
  • Together, they provide a holistic support system.
  1. Planning and Coordination

As a caregiver, you’ll need to coordinate the services offered by IHSS and PASA. Here are some tips:

  • Communicate openly with both service providers.
  • Share your loved one’s goals and preferences.
  • Develop a comprehensive care plan that integrates both services.

Navigating the Application Process

Getting started with IHSS and PASA may seem daunting, but Colorado offers resources to help you through the process:

  1. Contact Your Local County Department

Reach out to your local county department or human services office to initiate the application process for IHSS. They can provide guidance on eligibility criteria and the application procedure.

  1. Research PASA Agencies

Explore the different PASA agencies in your area. Conduct interviews, ask for references, and make an informed decision based on your loved one’s needs.

  1. Seek Support

Don’t hesitate to seek support from caregiver support groups, online forums, or local advocacy organizations. These resources can offer valuable insights and emotional support.

Conclusion

As a caregiver in Colorado, you have access to a wealth of resources like IHSS and PASA to support your loved ones with disabilities. By understanding the eligibility criteria, services offered, and the potential for combining both programs, you can create a comprehensive caregiving plan that enhances the quality of life for both you and your care recipient. Remember, you’re not alone on this journey, and there are numerous organizations and support networks ready to assist you every step of the way. Caregiving is a rewarding endeavor, and with the right resources, it can be made more manageable and fulfilling for everyone involved.

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New Year Exceptional Services

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Join us for DD services between now and January 31st to access these wonderful opportunities.
 
97% of our Employees and Family Caregivers in 2023 agreed that Support, Inc., offers high quality services. And 94% would recommend Support, Inc. as a place to work.
 
So what are you waiting for? Our experienced Intake Team remains well-versed regarding DD topics and concerns. We’re available now and happy to answer any questions you may have!!
 
 
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Patrick Goes to Camp

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When Patrick was younger, doctors told his family that he would never be able to show emotion or smile. As you can see from the photos, Patrick proved them wrong!

Every year since he was a kid, Patrick has attended Adam’s Camp. He knows everyone there and they all know him. It is one of Patrick’s favorite places to be, and it always puts a smile on his face. This year, he got to spend some time in the mountains and enjoy a gondola ride, go swimming with his favorite camp counselor, and even help make some music for everyone.

Patrick’s family caregivers, Kelly and Steve, know how important camp is to Patrick and always make sure everything is ready, so he is able to go each year. Kelly keeps photo albums of each year, and it is always so great looking through them and seeing how happy camp makes Patrick.

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