Check out this article for strategies to sustain energy and resilience in the demanding role of caregiving.
Microbreaks for Caregivers: Something Is Better Than Nothing | Psychology Today
Check out this article for strategies to sustain energy and resilience in the demanding role of caregiving.
Microbreaks for Caregivers: Something Is Better Than Nothing | Psychology Today
Please join us in congratulating Nancy for Host Home Provider of the Month! The following details were provided by her Residential Program Coordinator-
I would like to nominate Nancy Rogers-Fleming for host home provider of the month! I have been working with Nancy for about three years now, and it’s truly been a privilege! I remember my first time meeting Nancy and PRS Amy, was while I was shadowing another RPC. It had been maybe the 2nd or 3rd visit I had shadowed, and I was nervous jumping into my new role. Nancy, however, was very quick to make me feel comfortable and welcome. She took the time to tell me little details about Amy, the things she liked, disliked, activities she was participating in, shared photos, etc. This was especially important to me, because it allowed me to get to know Amy who’s nonverbal a lot quicker than I could have ever imagined, but also gave me a glimpse into the type of provider Nancy is.
Nancy has been a provider to Amy for 12 years, and as you can imagine Amy is a very important and loved member of Nancy’s family. This is very evident through the family tradition they have started together. One of my favorite traditions they’ve shared with me has been raising caterpillars every year and releasing butterflies on Mother’s Day. Amy looks forward to this every year and it’s a very special moment her and Nancy share together.
Nancy does a phenomenal job making sure Amy is heard and her needs are met. Whether that be through encouraging her to communicate through her DynaVox, ASL, or simply her body language and facial expressions. Nancy always ensures she advocates for Amy and provides unconditional love, support, and quality care. She is a provider that genuinely cares for the PRS in her home. Nancy has also assisted DM2 with respite needs have been very difficult to fill. Allowing other HHPs to receive much needed breaks, all the while providing excellent care for the PRS. Nancy has provided an individual she frequently respites for with an additional home he feels comfortable in, which has not been an easy task. We truly appreciate her dedication and hard work, thank you for being such an amazing provider and someone we know we can count on!
Please join us in congratulating Rigzin on her award! This write-up was produced by Abby on the Loveland Team-
I would like to nominate Rigzin for HHP of the month. After living with her family her whole life, Andrea moved in with Rigzin last November. This was a huge transition and change for Andrea. Since then, Rigzin has given her a safe environment to live her best life. She feels that her and Andrea were “meant to be” when it comes to being a host home provider.
On my home visits, Andrea has been more engaged and smiling more each time I go for a visit. Rigzin also makes sure that Andrea is still able to connect and spend time with her family, who are very important to her. Other than helping Andrea stay happy and healthy, Rigzin also excels on the paperwork side and always ensures that documentation is completed and turned in in a timely manner. She is great at communicating with Andrea’s team, and always stays on top of everything.
Thanks again, Rigzin, for being such a wonderful provider!!
Please join us in congratulating our August Host Home Provider of the Month, Lydia Ayele!!! Lydia was nominated by the Denver Metro 1 team. According to the team, Lydia is more than an HHP for her individuals, she is their family. Lydia is consistent with medical appointments, documentation, and provides a fun and safe environment for everyone to thrive. She is always on top of anything the team needs before they even ask for it. Lydia is dedicated to being compliant and providing the best care for her individuals. She also does a great job taking her individuals out into the community. Lydia took her individuals to Florida this past April, which was a first for them all. This was A’s first plane ride as well. Lydia was supportive throughout this process and understood that this was not only an intimidating experience for A. but also a big accomplishment. Lydia and the girls went on boat rides, had beach days, and took a tour of Miami on a double decker bus. Everyone spoke on having the best time and they are looking forward to their next vacation. Thank you, Lydia, for being a phenomenal Host Home Provider and congratulations on winning HHP of the Month!
DENTAL & VISION INSURANCE VS WAIVER BENEFITS
Below is a breakdown of the dental benefits waver participants are eligible for:
Health First Colorado (Medicaid) provided by DentaQuest
Up to $1,500/ year |
Funded by waiver, billed/ provided by DentaQuest (Preventative & basic services)
Up to $2,000/ service plan year |
Funded by waiver, billed/ provided by DentaQuest Up to $10,000/5-year renewal period |
Annual dental exams & cleanings | Exams, cleaning and x-rays * | Crowns & bridges * |
Diagnostic & restorative dental services (x-rays & fillings) | Mouth guards * | Dentures * |
Extractions (tooth pulling) | Topical fluoride treatment * | Implants when necessary to support a dental bridge or when necessary to increase the stability of crowns, bridges, and dentures. * |
Root canals * | Fillings & root canals * | |
Crowns * | Dentures, crowns, bridge repair * | |
Partial dentures * | Non-emergency extractions * | |
Complete dentures * | Treatment of injuries * | |
Restoration or recovery of decaying or fractured teeth * | ||
Dental insurance premiums and co-pays/co-insurance * |
*These services require prior authorization*.
Health First Colorado has partnered with DentaQuest to help members find a dentist and use their dental benefits. If you need help findings a dentist, you can call DentaQuest at 1-855-225-1729 or visit https://dentaquest.com/
Below is a breakdown of the vision benefits waver participants are eligible for:
Health First Colorado (Medicaid)
|
Funded by waiver (Service Plan) |
Eye exam | Eye exams and diagnosis |
Glasses & contact lenses ONLY after surgery | Glasses & contact lenses, except after surgery * |
Other medically necessary methods used to improve specific dysfunctions of the vision system. ** | |
Lasik and other similar types of procedures |
*Prior to placing an order for glasses or contact lenses, the vendor must submit an invoice to the CMA (Case Management Agency) who will send payment to the vendor so the prescription can be filled.
** Lasik and similar procedures must be medically appropriate and pre-approved by the CMA. Lasik and other similar types of procedures are only prior approved and allowable when the procedure is necessary due to documented specific behavioral complexities (i.e., constant destruction of eyeglasses) that make other more traditional remedies impractical.
Heath First Colorado (Medicaid) members can find an Optometrist through the Health First Colorado website https://www.healthfirstcolorado.com/find-doctors/
The GLOBAL Down Syndrome Foundation Eye Care & Vision in Down Syndrome Conference will occur August 17th and 19th in Denver/Aurora!
Calling all medical professionals, family members and self-advocates— Register now for this FREE first-in-kind conference providing the latest updates and best practices for eye care and vision for children and adults with Down syndrome. Nationally recognized experts Drs. Emily McCourt and Michael Puente will be presenting two conferences opportunities, one for Medical Professionals on Aug 17th with CMEs, and one for family members/self-advocates on Aug 19th. All your questions about eye health and vision will be answered! Free parking, drinks and a sumptuous three-course meal included! Register using the link below.
https://www.globaldownsyndrome.org/eye-and-vision-professional-conference/
Please join us for our monthly Caregiver Support group on Tuesday, August 22nd, 1:30pm-2:30pm. This will occur virtually on zoom. This platform is an opportunity to talk with and meet likeminded IDD caregivers. For more information and for the zoom link please email info@supportinc.com
Recently, a group of Support, Inc. individuals receiving services joined Faith McElroy, Support Inc. Clinician, other Clinical Team members and Direct Staff for a day at the zoo! The individuals in our services practiced community navigation and some travelled to the zoo via Uber, Direct Care Staff, Access-a-Ride, and some drove themselves! Individuals had the opportunity to experience a local destination, interact with community members and meet other persons receiving services. Animals that were highlighted on this trip to the zoo included giraffes, penguins, seals, and the tropical discovery forest. The event was a big success and a great example of true community integration! Thank you, Clinical Team!
Our Clinical Team was also recently highlighted in Colorado State University’s Newsletter. Big thanks to CSU for spotlighting two wonderful doctorate students, Imani and Archana, who work as interns at Support Inc.! They’ve had an amazing impact on our company and most importantly our individual’s receiving services. Read the full article below.