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QA News & Updates- IDD Awareness Month

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March is Developmental Disability Awareness Month!

After the deinstitutionalization movement of the 1970’s and 1980’s, in 1987 Ronald Reagan declared March the month for National Developmental Disabilities Awareness.

The campaign seeks to raise awareness about the inclusion of people with developmental disabilities in all aspects of community life, as well as awareness of the barriers that people with disabilities still sometimes face in connecting to the communities in which they live.

Throughout the campaign, individuals with and without disabilities will share their experiences through stories, photos and videos. This year’s campaign theme is “A World of Opportunities”. We’re celebrating people and working together to remove obstacles. The goal is to build a community that’s committed to creating a world where everyone can do well and succeed. Join in making a world where all kinds of people have the chance to thrive. For more information on Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, visit https://nacdd.org/ddam1/

This year, Colorado’s IDD Awareness Day at the capitol will be on March 20th. There are opportunities to attend virtually or in-person.  You can register for the event using this link- 2024 IDD Awareness Day Luncheon (alliancecolorado.org)

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Support Options for Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

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Support, Inc. offers a variety of community-based services and care options for famlies and caregivers who have adult childern 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.

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.

Family Caregiver Program:

Through the Family Caregiver Act, family caregivers may be eligible for both financial and non-financial support. 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

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.

For more information on our residential services, please contact Brian Slusarz at info@supportinc.com or click here to complete our contact form.

HR Corner

HR News and Updates

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As we commemorate Black History Month this February, we are reminded of the invaluable contributions and enduring legacies of Black individuals throughout history. It is a time to honor the remarkable achievements, resilience, and cultural richness of the Black community, and to reflect on the ongoing journey towards equity and justice for all.

At Support Inc., we recognize the importance of diversity, inclusion, equity, and accessibility in fostering a thriving and vibrant workplace and society. This month provides us with an opportunity to celebrate the diverse voices, talents, and perspectives that enrich our communities and drive innovation.

Throughout February, we will be thinking about and discussing the achievements and contributions of Black leaders, innovators, artists, and activists. We invite you to join us in honoring Black History Month by engaging in meaningful conversations about the impact of Black history on our present and future.

Additionally, we encourage everyone to take this month as a call to action to advocate for racial justice, equity, and inclusion in our workplaces, communities, and beyond. By amplifying Black voices, supporting Black-owned businesses, and actively working towards dismantling systemic barriers, we can create a more just and equitable society for all

Together, let us celebrate the rich tapestry of Black history and culture, and commit to building a future where every individual can thrive, regardless of their race or background.

Thank you for joining us in honoring Black History Month.

P.S. If you are interested in celebrating Black History Month, here are links from publications that have information on local events and an article about influential IDD figures:

Kick off Black History Month with these area events starting February 1 | KUNC

10 Things to Do for Black History Month In and Around Denver | Westword

https://denverfilm.eventive.org/films/65b8265a75d37700afcb2c0d

Black History Month and the Disability Rights Movement – NILP

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January Host Home Provider of the Month

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Please join us in congratulating the January Host Home Providers of the month- Agnes and Ron!! They were nominated by the Denver Metro 2 Team and Residential Coordinator, Jillian. This month marks one year of Jillian meeting Agnes and Ron and it has been an absolute pleasure working with them. They do an incredible job of taking care of three individuals who all have high medical needs, while continuously balancing their focus and care for each one of them. It’s clear that our person receiving services (PRS) is taken care of with nothing but unconditional love and support. Our PRS has a contagious smile and seeing him light up every time he looks at Agnes and Ron is the sweetest thing to witness. No matter the task or responsibility, Agnes and Ron work as a team to make sure they are on top of everything. They are always prepared and proactive and continue to advocate for the person receiving services. Agnes and Ron are incredible when it comes to monitoring the PRS’s health, making sure to notify me every step of the way so we are always on the same page. After a year of getting to know them, Agnes and Ron are not only great providers who make the PRS feel like another member of the family, but also two fantastic people with the kindest hearts. Agnes and Ron, I have nothing but appreciation and respect for the care you provide, thank you for all that you do! Congratulations on being named Host Home Providers of the Month!!!

 

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Ryan Takes on Colorado!

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Today we would like to recognize one of our Family Caregivers (FCG), Yuko, and her son Ryan. Yuko is an exceptional FCG who cares deeply for her son and his health. Every day she goes above and beyond to ensure that he is happy and healthy. Yuko credits a healthy diet and the level of involvement in community and extracurricular activities to the low level of medications that he takes every day. Ryan enjoys staying active and doing fun things with his friends and family. Ryan works very hard to accomplish his healthy active lifestyle goals. Every year he trains for Special Olympics bicycling in the 25k and 10k races. He also enjoys skiing, camping, going out to eat and playing games with friends and family, traveling to places like Hawaii, attending sports games, the ballet, swimming, indoor rock climbing and going to the mountains to see the leaves changing. Yuko and her husband work very hard to ensure that Ryan has access to all of the activities he enjoys! Yuko spends countless hours researching and scheduling. If you ever get the chance to meet Ryan the love and attention that his family shows him is obvious by the giant smile on his face! Keep up the exceptional work Yuko and Ryan!

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Clinical Department News and Updates

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The Clinical Department has been busy refining our processes and delivery of our counseling services over the past year. We are excited to begin offering new groups later this year in addition to our current offerings. One other area where our Clinical services have expanded is to be able to offer more Behavior Line Staff to support those adapting to new situations in their life.

Behavior Line Staff is used when persons receiving services are experiencing heightened clinical symptoms. Behavior line staff is a service that can be added to a service plan in addition to the other counseling services. It is used temporarily to support these individuals to remain in the community and to make choices with the support of a trained staff􀆯 member. This can look like going on shopping trips, safely riding in a vehicle, or adapting to a new day program. Behavior Line Staff utilize different interventions that have been selected by and overseen by one of our Clinicians to ensure positive outcomes. An example of this could be prompting someone while out shopping in a store each time they get in someone’s personal space or to assist in emotional regulation by co-regulating together by modeling the use of a coping skill. If you have any questions about Behavior Line Staff services or would like to request this service, please contact your team at Support Inc.

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QA Corner: Case Management Redesign & Conflict Free Case Management

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CONFLICT FREE CASE MANAGEMENT (CFCM): In 2014 Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services published the Federal Final Settings Rule requiring home and community-based services (HCBS)  meet certain criteria. As part of the rule, there must be a separation of case management services and direct services (residential, day program, employment, behavioral services, etc.). Entities cannot provide both case management and direct services to the same person. The efforts of the Department of Health Care Policy and Finance (HCPF) to comply with federal requirements of Conflict Free Case Management have evolved into several initiatives called Case Management Redesign.

CASE MANAGEMENT REDESIGN (CMRD): Case Management Redesign requires a Case Management Agency (CMA) to provide case management to all 10 Home and Community Based (HCBS) waivers offered in the State of Colorado. CMRD will simplify access to Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) by having one entity manage all HCBS programs. We are about halfway through the case management redesign process. Some transition timelines have been updated. Below is a graphic explaining each service area we work with, who the new case management agency (CMA) will be and which phase they are transitioning in.

 

Catchment Case Management Agency Transition Phase
Catchment Area 5:  

Arapahoe, Douglas, and Elbert Counties

 Developmental Pathways (DP) Phase 1:

Aug. 1-Oct. 31, 2023
Catchment Area 6:  

Adams and Denver Counties

 Rocky Mountain Human Services (RMHS) Phase 1:

Aug. 1-Oct. 31, 2023
Catchment Area 11:  

El Paso, Park, and Teller Counties

 The Resource Exchange (TRE) Phase 1:

Aug. 1-Oct. 31, 2023
Catchment Area 1:  

Cheyenne, Kit Carson, Lincoln, Logan, Morgan, Phillips, Sedgwick, Washington, and Yuma Counties

 Northeastern Colorado Association of Local Governments (NECALG)  Phase 2:

Nov. 1, 2023 – Feb. 29, 2024
Catchment Area 9:  

Weld County 

 Weld County Area Agency on Aging Phase 2:

Nov. 1, 2023 – Feb. 29, 2024 
Catchment Area 12:  

Pueblo County 

 The Resource Exchange (TRE)  Phase 2:

Nov. 1, 2023 – Feb. 29, 2024
Catchment Area 10:  

Larimer County 

 Foothills Gateway, Inc.  Phase 2:

Nov. 1, 2023 – Feb. 29, 2024
Catchment Area 7:  

Clear Creek and Jefferson Counties

 Jefferson County Phase 3:

March 1-June 30, 2024
Catchment Area 8:  

Boulder, Broomfield, and Gilpin Counties

 Adult Care Management, Inc. (ACMI) Phase 3:

March 1-June 30, 2024

 

Along with the change in Case Management Agencies, the state will also be transitioning to the Person-Centered Support Plan (PCSP) which will serve as the plan for all HCBS services and is relacing the current Service Plan (SP). HCPF has also created a new level of care screening and needs assessment. The state anticipates these new tolls will be implemented in February 2024.

 

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New Residential Program Coordinator!

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Please join us in giving a warm welcome back to Denver Metro-4’s newest Residential Program Coordinator (RPC), Brett Lopez!!

“Hello everyone! My name is Brett Lopez, and I am excited and grateful to be back. I previously worked at Support Inc. from 2011 to 2019. I worked in Day Program as a DSP and eventually worked my way up to the RPC position. After 5 years away, I realized how much I missed being with a company that truly cares about people. My hobbies include a lot of dancing. I currently dance with a Bollywood/Bhangra dance company, and we do different gigs throughout Denver. I am also in the process of being a dance instructor for the studio I dance at. When I’m not tied up with that, I enjoy being up in the mountains hiking or camping. 2024 is going to be a great year and I’m excited to be working with such a great team!”