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Happy Holidays From Your Quality Assurance Department!

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December ushers in the holiday season including Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah and the New Year. This is often a time of reflection as we contemplate our successes and challenges over the last year. If we could sum up 2024 in a few words, it would be a ‘year of change’. Services for people with IDD went through large scale changes in this last year.

  • Case Management Redesign required Colorado case management agencies to provide case management to all 10 Home and Community Based Service (HCBS) waivers as a means to simplify access to long-term services and supports. Within case management redesign, the Community Center Boards (CCB’s) were also transitioning to conflict free casement in which they could no longer provide both case management and direct services. This year the last 2 cohorts of Case Management Agencies (CMA) transitioned.

 

  • Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) abbreviated surveys: CDPHE spent this year conducting abbreviated surveys to catch up on several years of backlogged recertification visits to Program Approved Services Agencies (PASA’s). We had our recertification visit in April.

 

  • Updated/ New Regulations with the changes in Case Management Redesign came the need for the state to revise current regulations to align with the change to CMA’s. While the last minor revisions are going through final approval with the Medical Services Board, these updated regulations include changes for PASA’s.

 

As we look ahead to 2025, our system will have a few more large-scale changes.

  • NEW Person-Centered Support Plan (PCSP) & Colorado Single Assessment (CSA) tool to replace the current service plan (SP) and ULTC 1002. assessment. The new PCSP continues to outline the HCBS and long-term services and supports a person is receiving but the revised plan will be more person-centered and ensure better coordination of services. The new assessment will be a universal tool applicable to all people receiving HCBS services. Both tools will be implemented in 2025, HCPF is exploring a slow rollout and updates to the timing will be provided.

There was a lot of change this last year and our system is slated for more changes in 2025. Thank you for supporting the people we serve through all these changes. If you have questions or need assistance don’t hesitate to reach out, we are here to support you.

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Host Home Provider of the Month

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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!

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DSP Appreciation Week!

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Dear Direct Support Professionals,
During this DSP Appreciation Week, celebrated September 8th – September 14th, we want to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude for the incredible work you do every day. Your dedication, compassion, and commitment to improving the lives of those you serve make an immeasurable difference.
You are the backbone of care and support, offering kindness, patience, and understanding in ways that truly empower individuals to live fulfilling and independent lives. The impact you make extends far beyond the hours you work—it touches hearts, families, and entire communities.
Thank you for your unwavering commitment to helping others thrive. You are appreciated today and every day for the extraordinary care you provide. Thank you so much to all the Direct Support Professionals out there!
With immense gratitude,
The Support Inc. Network
Day Serv.

Day Services News & Updates

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Wow, what a summer it’s been! Though it flew by in a flash, the Aurora Day Program has been buzzing with excitement and unforgettable moments. We had a blast exploring Tiny Town, splashing around at the Splash Park, conquering the Arsenal, and discovering new parks all across the front range. Our annual BBQ was a huge hit, and we’ve been having tons of fun with yard games, scenic walks, and even decorating the pavement with our individuals in services creativity.

But wait, there’s more! As we dive into the rest of the year, we’re gearing up for even more day program parties, engaging clinical activities, and finding new ways to enhance our services. We couldn’t do any of this without our amazing and dedicated staff. You’ve become not just familiar faces, but trusted friends who make all the difference.

Here’s to continuing the fun and making more fantastic memories together!

Support Inc is thrilled to announce the continued growth and expansion of our day services program! We are proud to officially welcome Brandi Rende to our team. Brandi will be instrumental in driving the development and enhancement of our day services, bringing her expertise and passion to our mission.

As we move forward, our commitment remains steadfast in providing exceptional and personalized support services to individuals across Colorado. With Brandi on board, we’re poised to elevate the quality of our services, introduce innovative programming, and further enrich the lives of those we serve.

Stay tuned for exciting updates and new opportunities as we work together to expand our reach and impact. Here’s to a bright future and to making a meaningful difference in the communities we serve!

 

QA COrner

Quality Assurance News & Updates- Fire Preparedness

by Information & Resources

To all Support, Inc. Network, Staff, Providers and Families,

Wildfire season has started in Colorado. This year with the hot and dry weather most of the state is under moderate to high risk for fires. Just this month three fires have erupted along the front range. It’s important everyone be fire aware and be prepared. For more information on how you can prepare for wildfires follow this link.

Each county has an emergency notification system. However, you are not automatically signed up for alerts and must opt in. Some counties have switched notification platforms, and you may no longer be signed up to receive alerts. We encourage everyone to sign up for or check that you are signed up for emergency alerts in your area.

County Emergency Alert Sign Up
Adams Use this link to sign up
Arapahoe Use this link to sign up
Boulder Use this link to sign up
Broomfield Use this link to sign up
Denver Use this link to sign up
Douglas Use this link to sign up
El Paso Use this link to sign up
Elbert Use this link to sign up
Jefferson Use this link to sign up
Larimer Use this link to sign up
Logan Use this link to sign up
Morgan Use this link to sign up
Phillips Use this link to sign up
Pueblo Use this link to sign up
Sedgwick Use this link to sign up
Summit Use this link to sign up
Teller Use this link to sign up
Washington Use this link to sign up
Weld Use this link to sign up
Yuma Use this link to sign up

The air quality around the state has been poor from fires locally and around the United States. Smoke originating from fires or poor air quality can negatively impact all individuals but is especially hazardous for those with compromised respiratory conditions such as: asthma, COPD, lung cancer, cystic fibrosis, and any other chronic or acute respiratory conditions. Everyone, especially people with respiratory issues, should take precautions. Keep all windows in the home closed, reduce or limit outdoor activities, run air purifiers if you have them. It is recommended that sensitive groups wear a mask if they must be outdoors.

If your respiratory symptoms are exacerbated, please reach out to your primary care physician.  Always make sure you have access to respiratory rescue medications such as rescue inhalers (example- Albuterol) if ordered by your physician. Always follow current evacuation orders. If you are experiencing respiratory distress, call 911. IQAir can be a helpful tool in monitoring air quality in your area :https://www.iqair.com/us/usa/colorado

Finally, if you have any questions or need support please don’t hesitate to reach out to info@supportinc.com. If you need assistance after-hours please call on-call at 720-841-3122.

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Family Caregiver of the Month

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Please join us in congratulating our August Family Caregiver of the Month- Julie Dobler! Julie (and her husband, Dan) are very kind, energetic, attentive, and overall wonderful caregivers to their daughter. Whether it be finding a Summer Camp, or a new Day Program, Julie is continuously trying to find new and fun experiences for her daughter. Julie is an exemplary example of an advocating parent and enjoys sharing things with the team to help us find the services and experiences that are the best fit for her. Julie works hard to ensure that there is no stone left unturned and plays a huge role in ensuring that we have all the information to get HRC packets approved and is very diligent with getting her documentation and tracking turned in. Thank you, Julie (and Dan), for all of your hard work, communication, and most of all the exemplary love and care that you give your daughter! Congratulations again on being named our August Family Caregiver of the month!!!

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July Family Caregiver of the Month!

by Information & Resources

We want to congratulate Rae Jean Lunn-Nix for being nominated as our July Family Caregiver of the month!!!

To meet Rae and her sister Diana and see the love they have for each other as sisters is an undeniable bond. Rae became her sister’s legal guardian after their mother passed. Rae was just 25 years old at the time and did not have any children of her own. It was a promise she made to her mother and has kept to this day. When you go into their home there are so many beautiful arts and crafts projects that Rae has done. She is so creative and talented. She is a strong voice and advocate for Diana as she is unable to verbally communicate for herself.  She is constantly looking at new ways to provide adequate support for Diana. Rae was looking into ways to monitor Diana’s health and safety while she is at day program and taught everyone about an Oura ring that monitors vitals through an app. Rae also published a book herself, and even painted the front cover.  She has lived through so much pain and tragedy and through it all is a warm compassionate person. This book is one that you just can’t put down!  Thank You so much Rae for loving your sister and providing the care you do; you truly are inspiring!!

If you’re interested in Rae’s book, which is a memoir about her life and caring for her sister Diana, please follow the link below.

My Family’s Story of Love and and Perseverance: A Memoir: Lunn-Nix, Rae Jean, Lunn-Nix, Rae Jean: 9798328438568: Amazon.com: Books