Intake

Intake Department News & Updates

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Greetings from the Intake Department! We are excited to introduce you to our new team structure and provide an update on the Support Inc. Intake Team.

New Team Structure:

Director of Intake and Public Relations- Brian Slusarz

Lead Intake and Marketing Specialist- Cathy Kellogg

Intake Specialist- Cindy Cridlebaugh

Intake Specialist- Kristin Kemp

Intake Team Updates:

The Support Inc. Intake Team continues to work hard with a focus on bringing new individuals, families and providers into our wonderful services. Our job is to make the onboarding process into our services as seamless and as simple as possible. Are team is dedicated to ensuring a smooth transition with a heavy focus on customer service. Our new team structure, with added staff resources has hopefully, enhanced the customer experience when enrolling in our services.

In addition to the above core function, we continue to search for in-home respite providers! If you live anywhere along the Front Range and are open to providing respite in the family’s home, please email us at placement.team@supportinc.com. We also continue to recruit host home providers in Jefferson, Pueblo, El Paso, Larimer, Boulder, Weld, Washington, and Yuma counties. We are also searching for providers with behavioral experience. We will pay a one-time $300 referral bonus to anyone that refers friends or family to us! (For placements that last 90 days or longer). We are also providing sign on bonuses to HHPs in certain locations. Please visit Support, Inc. – Career Page (applytojob.com) for more information.

Lastly, the Intake Team is excited to announce the opening of our new office in Sterling, CO!!! We have been serving individuals and families in Northeastern Colorado for over a decade and we’re excited to finally have a physical location in Sterling. We will be hosting an Open House BBQ Party on June 13th. For more information, please contact info@supportinc.com

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Quality Assurance News & Updates

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June is National Safety Month, and this year the focus is on safety in the workplace.

Preventing injuries at work.

  1. Have good lifting posture.
  2. Before lifting
    • Be aware of the object’s weight
    • Make sure the work environment is flat, dry, and debris-free
    • Check that the lift direction is straight
    • Take care of any tripping risks or debris
    • Look for any muddy or slippery areas
    • Make multiple trips, don’t try to do it all at one time
  3. During lifting
    • Never twist your torso while lifting
    • Stay “nose between your toes”
    • Never lift a heavy item above shoulder level
    • Never carry a load that obstructs your vision
    • Never hold your breath while lifting, moving, and setting the load down
    • Keep the load close to your waist for as long as possible
    • Adopt a stable position
    • Don’t flex your back any further while lifting
    • Avoid twisting your back or leaning sideways especially while your back is bent
    • Keep your head up when handling
    • Get a good handhold and do not twist while lifting
  1. Always follow standard precautions.
    • Standard precautions apply to the care of all people and are applied when there is a risk of exposure to (1) blood; (2) bodily fluids/secretions/excretions; (3) non-intact skin, and (4) mucous membranes.
    • Standard precautions include:
      1. Hand hygiene: wash hands frequently for at least 40-60 seconds.
      2. Use personal protective equipment (PPE) to serve as a barrier to protect skin, mucous membrane, airway, and clothing. This includes gloves, masks and gowns.
      3. Follow respiratory hygiene/ cough etiquette.
      4. Properly handle, clean and disinfect care equipment.
      5. Routinely clean and disinfect the environment.
      6. Follow safe injection practices.
  1. Prevent slips, trips, and falls. Falls can happen anywhere. Whether it’s working at heights or tripping on the same level, you always need to keep your eyes out for hazards.
    • Keep walkways and staircases clear.
    • Practice good cord management! Secure cords and when needed, tape down power cords and cables to prevent tripping.
    • Clean up spills and messes promptly.
    • Ensure there is proper lighting.
    • Keep floors clean and dry.
  2. Be prepared for an emergency.
    • The 1st week of June is national CPR & AED awareness week. Delivering first aid quickly and effectively can be lifesaving as every second counts when someone has lost consciousness. CPR/FA training must be renewed every 2 years, to find a class near you use this link.
    • Have basic supplies: water, flashlight, first aid kit, extra batteries, radio, etc.
    • Be prepared for natural disasters, listen to EAS, NOAA weather radio or local alerting systems for current emergency information and instructions.
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The Hive Community Center

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The Hive Community Center is a new, inclusive space in Parker! Through Mill Levy funding, Developmental Pathways is sponsoring individuals residing in Arapahoe, Douglas, and Elbert Counties to utilize The Hive. Funding is available on a first-come, first-served basis and only for a limited time. Even after sponsorship funding expires, all Health First Colorado members will always receive 50% off reservations. Check out the link below for more information.

https://files.constantcontact.com/b48dec08001/5b77235c-7aae-4f84-8fbe-e3c325afd60a.pdf?rdr=true

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Prader-Willi Syndrome Awareness Month!

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May is Prader-Willi Syndrome Awareness Month! Diane Sheeran has been with Support Inc for over a decade and living with her current Host Home Provider (HHP) for over 5 years. Dianne has a diagnosis of Prader-Willi Syndrome, and her Siblings would like to share a positive story and resources for anyone with or supporting a loved one with this diagnosis.

Prader-Willi Syndrome Association USA – Supporting Families
https://www.pwsausa.org/

PWSA | USA’s Residential Providers Conference – Prader-Willi Syndrome Association | USA. This is info on a Residential Providers Conference Aug 18-Aug 20 In-person and Virtual
https://www.pwsausa.org/event/pwsa-usas-residential-providers-conference/

“A positive story is Diane’s success with Support Inc, RPC Richard Shaw and HHP. Richard was with us before our mom passed. Mom pretty much overruled many suggestions and only allowed certain things to happen. Diane could go very few places in public, yet alone to a grocery store or restaurant. Diane only lasted a few months with the first HHP. It was her first time as an HHP so had no experience with anyone, yet alone a person with a diagnosis of Prader-Willi and definitely not Diane! When her HHP was first introduced to her, Di was coming out of the hospital, weighed over 285 lbs, diabetic, diagnosed with congestive heart failure and was given 6 months to live if there were not drastic changes. HHP had a plan, said it will take time, but she needed the family support, so we gave her our 100% support. Now admittedly at times there were questions and concerns, I’m sure HHP had them too, haha, but the results became apparent quickly. Diane is in the best health she has ever been because of her current HHP”.
-Tim Sheeran

“Richard has been with us for so long, he is like part of the family! He knows the family, our quirks and uniqueness. I remember the time Diane was in a play sponsored by Support Inc. and Richard and I just stood there sobbing as Diane actually participated and was so proud of herself. He’s been with us and helped us navigate the death of our mother and again at the death of our brother from COVID.

I can’t express enough gratitude to the HHP for opening her home to accept Diane. We fondly call her Saint HHP. There was more than one time I was sure we would be hunting for a new provider, but HHP would come back and say she and the boys discussed it and they wanted Diane to come back to their home. Prader- Willi Syndrome is very difficult as it changes the life and patterns of everyone living with the person. HHP and her family had to make drastic changes to help Diane. The current HHP has learned how to control Diane’s food and behavior issues but still let’s Diane be Diane! I am so grateful to Matt for being adamant that we enrolled Diane into Support Inc services when we did. There is not a cure for PWS but thanks to the HHP and Support, Inc Diane does have a quality life.”
-Linda Sheeran

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Host Home Provider of the Month!

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Please join us in congratulating our April Host Home Provider of the Month- Jackie Muniz of Pueblo Community Resources! There are so many of our providers that stand out as just all-around amazing humans. Miss Jackie Muniz is just that, an amazing human. She lives next door to her ageing father, who we all affectionately call, Mr. M. He has been a host home provider with Pueblo Community Resources since nearly the beginning, worked with many different people in services and has been a haven for CR for a long time. When Jackie noticed her father was really struggling with his health, she called us at the office to do a little wellness check right away. CR was safe and happy, but it was clear that it was time to make some changes for Mr. M to be able to focus on his own health. Jackie was more than willing to take CR in her home, having been in this field for over 30 years, she knew that she could offer a similar lifestyle and safe place that CR is most used to. He moved in with Jackie, right away and she has worked so hard to make sure he has everything he needs to feel at home. She caught on to our software quickly, she never hesitated to jump right in and has been able to nourish the relationship the CR and Mr. M have. They maintain their close friendship with daily contact and Jackie makes sure neither of them feels the changes too hard. Her home is comfortable, he is very well fed (Jackie is a stellar cook!) and she has CR out running around with her all the time. He is living his best life with Jackie! We are forever grateful to her for her attentiveness to everything with CR and Mr. M. Her care and concern are truly why CR continues to thrive. Thank you, Jackie, and congratulations on being named the April Host Home Provider of the Month!!!

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Finance Department News & Updates

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The Finance Department:

Greetings from the Finance Department. We are excited to introduce a new team member and provide an update on HHP payments.

New Team Member:

Please welcome Venita Ogle, our new Receptionist. She joined Support, Inc. in February 2024. She has a background in waitressing and title insurance. She graduated from Hinkley High School. She enjoys quality time with her family. She loves Football and watching movies with her husband of 35 years. Venita has two boys ages 35 and 21. She really loves doing arts and crafts with her 6-year-old granddaughter. In the office, Venita is providing many of the same supports that her predecessor, Tammy, did. Answering your questions or directing concerns to the right department is just one important part of what she does. We are so happy to have her on our team, ensuring we continue to provide the level of customer service we pride ourselves on.

Updates on Moving Host Home Provider Payments to ADP:

ADP is the HR Platform that Support, Inc. uses to track its employee files and run payroll. Over the past several months, we have been working with the HR Department to add our Host Home Providers (HHPs) to the same system.

Moving our HHPs over to the same system not only helps with back-end consistency but will also automate their bi-weekly payments leading to a higher degree of accuracy and fewer errors. HHPs will be able to access personnel files (see when they are coming due), personal data, and pay stubs directly through a secure online portal. In addition, HHPs can see and update direct deposit information securely.

The Finance and HR Teams are still testing the new system and have been working closely with the Operations Team to ensure a seamless transition.

More on HHP Bi-Weekly Pay:

Below is a 2024 pay schedule for HHPs. The first two dates indicate the date range within the pay period. The third date is when funds are directly deposited into bank accounts. Using ACH (or direct deposit) is the most efficient way to receive payment. Physical checks are processed using Bill.com, Support’s payment processing system, and subject to processing times of the US Postal Service.

Please e-mail us at accountspayable@supportinc.com with any questions or requests.

In the Spirit of Gratitude:

We, the Finance Team, want to give a big thank you to all our Department Teammates, Support Leadership, Directors, Associate Directors, Coordinators, Direct Support Professionals, Providers and Caregivers. We are so grateful to each one of you for partnering with us.  We appreciate your patience as we encounter challenges that arise from the implementation and integration of new systems.  As part of the Support Family, you have our commitment to bring you the best customer service possible.

Common Question Topics for Finance and Where to Direct:  

Host Home Provider Payments – accountspayable@supportinc.com & hradmin@supportinc.com

FCG-IC Payments – accountspayable@supportinc.com

FCG or Employee Pay History – Can be found in your ADP Portal under “Myself”- “Pay”- “Pay & Tax Statements”

Bill.com Questions/ Payee Account Set up – accountspayable@supportinc.com

Verification of Income/Employment Requests for HHP  – hradmin@supportinc.com

Verification of Income/Employment Requests for FCG-ICs – accountspayable@supportinc.com

Verification of Income/ Employment Requests for Employees or FCGs – hradmin@supportinc.com

Medicaid Redetermination Questions – Lily.kirkman@supportinc.com

Social Security Benefits & Paperwork Requests – Lily.kirkman@supportinc.com

Cigna and Other Insurance Benefits Questions – hradmin@supportinc.com

 

How do I update my direct deposit information?

  • If you are set up with an ADP account, Log into ADP, under “Myself” – “Pay” – “Payment Options” from there you can add or edit the bank information we have on file.

 

  • If you are not set up with an ADP account, e-mail accountspayable@supportinc.com. Please include your support team in case we need to contact you with any further questions.
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QA Department News & Updates

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Over the Counter (OTC) Medications:

We would like to give a reminder about over the counter (OTC) medications. This could include scheduled medications such as Zyrtec, Claritin, Vitamins, eyedrops or it could be as needed (PRN) medications such as Tylenol, Ibuprofen, Neosporin, etc. When purchasing these items for the person(s) you support please make sure you label the medication and the box with the person’s full first and last name. Because these items usually aren’t being filled by the pharmacy they will not come labeled with the person’s name. The labeling of these medications is a regulatory requirement.

For PRN medications, if the person(s) you support has a prescription medication ordered PRN, such as inhaler, rescue seizure medication, etc. you need to always have these medications available in the home. For over-the-counter PRN medications such as Tylenol, Robitussin, Milk of Magnesia, etc. we do not expect you to have these available in the home. These over-the-counter medications are likely to expire before you need to use them, and they are easy to get when they are needed from any local grocery store or retail pharmacy.

Please reach out to info@supportinc.com if you have any questions.

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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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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!”