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Host Home Provider of the Month

by Information & Resources

The Denver Metro 1 Team would like to nominate Nancy Rogers-Fleming as Host Home Provider of the Month for her outstanding care and dedication to the people she serves. Nancy recently took on a new person in her home. As you can imagine, things can get complicated trying to coordinate care and schedules for three individuals. Nancy has taken this challenge head on, and despite some early setbacks has helped this person integrate into her home while never missing a beat with the other two in services. We are so thankful for Nancy’s hard work and diligence. She is truly a person helping people – and we don’t know what we would do without her. Thank you, Nancy! 

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Human Resources November Updates

by Information & Resources

Hi everyone!

We wanted to remind our readers to keep an eye out for Open Enrollment in December. More details will be coming soon!

Also, the Safety Committee is reaching out to bring you some interesting and helpful safety information! Each month you will receive an e-mail from the safety committee regarding different safety topics. If you have topics you think would be helpful to your Support Inc. team, or you would be interested in joining, feel free to connect with anyone on the safety committee!

November Safety Topic:

Safe Travel Tips!

Did you know that during a 6-day period around Thanksgiving, the number of long-distance trips increases in the U.S by 54%!?

And 91% of that is by vehicle!

If you are looking to travel this holiday season (particularly in winter weather), please keep in mind the below tips.

  1. Prepare your car: make sure routine maintenance is followed, tires have a safe tread level and fluid levels are correct.
  2. Plan ahead for any stops, layovers, or overnight stays. This not only helps with finding best prices but allows you to plan ahead for any location specific needs (appropriate clothing, gas stops, emergency services).
  3. Be alert when driving. Take breaks, share driving responsibilities, be cautious of tailgaters or aggressive drivers and finally, if you are tired, find a place to sleep!
  4. Keep a first aid kit and weather specific items in your car. Extra clothing, water, jumper cables, and tire chains are just a few of the items that can be easily kept as an emergency kit.                                https://www.almanac.com/content/winter-car-emergency-kit
  5. If you are traveling to an unfamiliar place: research your destination, make copies of important documents, don’t keep all your money in one place and keep family and friends updated.

There are many helpful articles out there for further tips so do your research and stay safe this holiday season!

Finally, last but not least here are a couple travel memes to enjoy-

In addition, the STAR Committee enjoyed a recent meeting in which we exchanged Halloween photos over Zoom. From dressed up employees to the individuals we serve, there was certainly no shortage of cuteness.

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COVID-19 Communication

by COVID-19

October 27, 2021

To Support, Inc. staff, providers, and families

In this communication we will cover the following:

  1. COVID-19 vaccine updates
  2. Preparing for flu season during COVID-19

COVID-19 operating protocol updates

1. COVID-19 vaccine updates

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends certain people to get a COVID-19 vaccine booster dose including those who received Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson/ Janssen COVID-19 vaccines.

Individuals who received the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine: the following groups are eligible and recommended to get a booster shot at 6 months or more after their initial vaccine series.

  • People aged 65 and older
  • People aged 18-64 at high risk of severe COVID-19
    • Medical conditions that may put people at higher risk of severe COVID-19
      • Cancer
      • Chronic kidney disease
      • Chronic lung disease including COPD, asthma (moderate to severe), interstitial lung disease, cystic fibrosis, and pulmonary hypertension.
      • Dementia
      • Diabetes (type 1 or type 2)
      • Down syndrome
      • Heart conditions (heart failure, coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathies, hypertension)
      • HIV infection
      • Immunocompromised state
      • Liver disease
      • Overweight or obesity (BMI greater than 25 kg/m2)
      • Pregnancy
      • Sickle cell disease or thalassemia
      • Smoking, current or former
      • Solid organ or blood stem cell transplant
      • Stroke or cerebrovascular disease which affects blood flow to the brain
      • Substance use disorders (alcohol, opioids cocaine use disorders)
  • People aged 18-64 whose frequent institutional or occupational exposure to COVID-19 puts them at high risk. Occupations at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission include front line essential workers and health care workers
    • Since risk can vary across settings and based on how COVID-19 is spreading in a community, people aged 18-64 years who are at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission because of occupational or institutional setting may get a booster shot.


Individuals who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine: anyone over the age of 18 who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is recommended to get a booster dose two months or more following the initial vaccine.

Individual’s may choose which vaccine they receive for their booster dose. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) allow for ‘mixing and matching’ the booster dose vaccine type. Side effects of the booster shot are similar to the side effects after the second dose series. The most common side effects are fatigue and pain at the injection site. Most side effects are mild to moderate. To relieve side effects, use or exercise the arm you got the shot in, drink plenty of fluids and apply a cool washcloth to the injection site.

If you or someone you support is eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine booster, speak with the primary care physician to determine when and where the person can receive their booster dose.

2. Preparing for flu season during COVID-19

It is important to get a flu vaccine because COVID-19 and the flu may be circulating at the same time, and they cause similar symptoms. You can get the COVID-19 vaccine with other vaccines, including the flu vaccine, during the same visit.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to myself or your supervisor. We will continue to provide updates through email, our website and our Facebook page.

Behind the scenes at Fox31 News- 15 minutes before we went live!

Support, Inc. Featured on Fox31 News

by Information & Resources

Support, Inc. was proud to recently showcase it’s Host Home Provider services on Fox 31 News. Heather, Shaunti and Cathy were recently interviewed before Shaunti and Heather embark on their 6 week road trip across the country.

  • Behind the scenes at Fox31 News- 15 minutes before we went live!

Earlier this year 667 spots became available through Colorado’s developmental disability waiver program. For many eligible Coloradans – who have waited an average of 15 years – this means they are finally be able to access 24-hour community-based services, either at home or in host homes.

With more than 32 years of experience, Support, Inc. a leading provider of community based solutions is here and ready to help. Support, Inc. team offers a wide range of residential, day and clinical services to clients across the front range of Colorado. Support, Inc. has a unique, whole-person approach that allows caregivers to develop a deep understanding of each individual’s needs.

Support, Inc. is redefining the life experience for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Recently, we were thrilled to highlight one of our favorite Host Home matches, Shaunti and Heather. Heather has truly become a part of Shaunti’s family; since beginning their road trip, we have truly enjoyed their adventures from a vicarious standpoint, living through their photos and recent videos.

Check out a few photos from Heather, Shaunti and Brent’s road trip! To learn more information, please follow this link.

You can apply to become a Host Home Provider with Support, Inc. by applying at www.supportinc.com

And if you have a family member or a loved one searching for placement, please email us at placement.team@supportinc.com

Halloween

Spooky Fun in Day Program

by Information & Resources

Recently, our Day Program participants have enjoyed dressing up and getting outside for some Halloween fun! Lucas and Mikey, along with a few others, visited Nick’s Garden Center where they were able to check out the pumpkins and plants.

While we continue to offer services on-sight at our Day Program in Aurora, it’s the outings that we greatly look forward to. The people we serve have a chance to develop their skills, such as learning about new plants, counting back change at the register and socializing with others.

We’re grateful for the fun that was had at Nick’s Garden Center, thanks in part to our wonderful staff. Check out the photos below- for more information on our Day Services, please contact Cathy at cathy.kellogg@supportinc.com

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COVID-19 Communication

by COVID-19

To Support, Inc. staff, providers and families

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) amended the emergency use authorization for Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine to allow for a single booster to select populations. The booster dose is to be administered at least 6 months after completion of the primary two dose series. The following individuals, if they were initially vaccinated with Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine, may get a booster shot at this time.

  • People aged 65 and older
  • People aged 18-64 at high risk of severe COVID-19
    • Medical conditions that may put people at higher risk of severe COVID-19
      • Cancer
      • Chronic kidney disease
      • Chronic lung disease including COPD, asthma (moderate to severe), interstitial lung disease, cystic fibrosis, and pulmonary hypertension.
      • Dementia
      • Diabetes (type 1 or type 2)
      • Down syndrome
      • Heart conditions (heart failure, coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathies, hypertension)
      • HIV infection
      • Immunocompromised state
      • Liver disease
      • Overweight or obesity (BMI greater than 25 kg/m2)
      • Pregnancy
      • Sickle cell disease or thalassemia
      • Smoking, current or former
      • Solid organ or blood stem cell transplant
      • Stroke or cerebrovascular disease which affects blood flow to the brain
      • Substance use disorders (alcohol, opioids cocaine use disorders)
  • People aged 18-64 whose frequent institutional or occupational exposure to COVID-19 puts them at high risk for serious complications of COVID-19 including severe COVID-19.
    • Occupations at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission include front line essential workers and health care workers in the following positions:
      • First responders (healthcare workers, firefighters, police, congregate care staff)
      • Education staff (teachers, support staff, daycare workers)
      • Food and agriculture workers
      • Manufacturing workers
      • Corrections workers
      • U.S. postal service workers
      • Public transit workers
      • Grocery store workers

At this time only the above individuals who received the Pfizer vaccine are eligible for a booster dose. The decision to get a booster dose should be made between the individual and their primary care physician. Over time, we may see additional populations being recommended to receive a booster dose as more data becomes available. People in the recommended groups above who received Johnson & Johnson or Moderna may need a booster in the future, more data on the effectiveness of booster doses with these manufactures is being conducted. The need for a booster dose doesn’t mean the COVID-19 vaccines aren’t working. Current data continues to show all three COVID-19 vaccines are working to prevent severe illness, hospitalization, and death even against the Delta variant. However, public health experts have started seeing a reduced protection, especially among certain populations, against mild to moderate disease. 

If you or someone you support received the initial two dose series of the Pfizer vaccine AND meet the criteria for a booster above, please contact their primary care physician to discuss eligibility criteria and to schedule a booster dose.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to myself or your supervisor. We will continue to provide updates through email, our website and our Facebook page.

Thank you, Laura Viers
Associate Director of Quality Assurance

Laura.Viers@supportinc.com

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Host Home Provider of the Month

by Information & Resources

Please join us in congratulating our recent Host Home Provider of the Month, Diana and Kenny Wijaya!!!

The following write-up was produced by the Denver Metro Three Team: We would like to nominate Diana and Kenny for providers of the month. They have been HHP’s with Support since 2008 and a 3-bed home since 2014. They do such an amazing job that they set a high standard that other providers can look up to. It’s hard to know where to start in saying why these two providers deserve this award. Their file compliance is excellent and needs very little follow up (MAR’s are signed off when medication given and log notes completed according to Agency policy). They know all their individual’s needs very well and support them with the best services a provider can give. Appointments are made before the RPC even needs to ask or remind them and then it is put in Therap well advance of the appointment day. I truly appreciate the communication we have. They let us know right away when they need support or something is needed.

Beyond the incredible work they do with file compliance and taking care of medical needs is the individuals they serve. They provide wonderful access to the community. Kenny has taken D on trips out of state. One of our favorites was a trip to California, where D not only got to enjoy Disney Land but gong to the ocean for the first time. Rich will never forget when D moved into their home. It is a treasured moment working in the field. D was moved from a home that wasn’t supporting his needs and care was questionable. Rich remembers dropping off D at Diana and Kenny’s home and then going back to get the rest of his personal belongings. When Rich returned to Fnu’s home, D was sitting out of his wheelchair and in a recliner with his feet up and being pampered like a king. We knew D had found his home and has been with them ever since (over 10 years).

Rich only has one other individual in the home, but over the years has gotten to witness how the other 2 individuals’ quality of life has improved with the wonderful supports provided to them by Diana and Kenny!! Diane and Kenny, we want to say we appreciate all you do and have the upmost respect for the care you provide to the individuals you serve in your home.

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Jeremy and Mikey Enjoy an Outdoor Outing

by Information & Resources

At Support, Inc. we enjoy our weekend outings; when the weather is warm and the air is clear, what better time to enjoy a trip to the lake?

Richard Shaw looked forward to his annual trip with Jeremy and Mikey recently. For the last 5 out of 7 years, the boys would rent a cabin together and take a trip on the lake with a pontoon boat. Although the trip was cancelled last year due to COVID-19, Rich reports the group had a blast recently getting back together for a late-summer adventure.

Carter Lake, located near Fort Collins, offers a secluded feeling without being too far from civilization. Rich rent a pontoon for 3 hours, so the three of them could fish off the ledge. When asked how Jeremey and Mikey know each other, Rich replied, “They live in separate host homes, but they’ve know each other from BACPAC. Mikey and Jeremey used to participate in horse-back riding together. This eventually transformed into a camping event. They’ve known each other for over 10 years through various activities at Support, Inc.”

When the boys aren’t hanging out at the cabin or fishing on the lake, they’re shopping in downtown Estes Park. Jeremey and Mikey enjoy spending money in the downtown area, walking around and checking out the shops. Going out to eat is also a welcomed reprieve from the midday heat. From fishing and shopping to the overall sense of comradery, it’s the connections in this group that make the weekend trek well worth the trip.  

Rich relays how excited Jeremey and Mikey were to catch up-this marked their first face-to-face interaction in over two years. In the midst of this pandemic, we fully support maintaining safe connections and increasing supports for people with IDD. The friendship Mikey and Jeremey have developed over the last 10 years is something we hope all of our People Receiving Services (PRS) can achieve through the events that we host at Support, Inc.

We thank Rich for taking the time to make these trips happen, and we also thank our Host Home Providers (HHPs) for preparing Mikey and Jeremey as the weekend approached. It takes planning and dedication to gather supplies, medications and fishing gear for these weekend excursions; with the help of Linda Johnston and Jim Pendleton over the last 10 years, Rich has been able to provide valuable  and meaningful life experiences to many folks in the IDD community, including Mikey and Jeremy. 

We greatly appreciate the help of our staff and providers that ensure our individuals have a fun and safe weekend. Although Rich attributes most of the work to the HHPs, we wouldn’t have a successful BACPAC program without Rich and our wonderful staff!

For similar events, keep an eye out for BACPAC opportunities. We continue to closely monitor COVID-19 updates at the federal and local levels. As such, health and safety remain the top priority. When Support, Inc. is able to plan additional trips, we will most certainly share details and information on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/supportinc1989

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Jesse’s Successful Placement

by Information & Resources

At Support, Inc. we give a lot of thought to the matches we make, to ensure the health and safety and fulfillment of the people we serve. When Jesse came to us for services, we knew he was looking for a long-term placement, one that’s stable and feels like home. The Intake Team had an idea for the perfect match, and the rest is history! Today, we share a success story that we’re proud to reflect upon. From introductions to placement, Jesse’s story remains a favorite.

Herry and Val (Support, Inc. Host Home Providers) started getting to know Jesse in October of 2019. The Intake Team and providers wanted to respect Jesse and his family’s desire of taking the process slow. We began with short meetings initially and gradually increased the time to overnight visits. Val relayed they practiced several weekend visits before Jesse agreed to move-in. “It was a slow process at first, but we enjoyed getting to know Jesse without the rush or pressure of needing to move right away”, Val relayed. The slow pace was welcomed by all parties involved, to ensure Jesse would be happy in his new home. By the time Jesse moved in with Herry and Val, it was late March 2020, and the pandemic had just begun.

Jesse, Val and Herry were still getting to know each other during quite a tumultuous time. But despite the circumstances, Jesse and Val report that things ran smoothly. Jesse’s mother, Nancy, agrees that the match happened just in time for the couple to shelter in place with Jesse and another individual in the home.

For the last year and a half, Jesse has eased into his new home without a hitch, and we couldn’t be more proud of him for taking this step. When asked about their favorite memories over the last year, Jesse relays he enjoyed the Christmas lights. Val discussed how Christmas in Color, located in Morrison, was such a nice reprieve from the pandemic. Jesse reports that the Christmas lights were really special. “The lights allowed us to step away from COVID”, Val relayed. Christmas was quiet for their family last year, and so the lights were something safe to look forward to from the comfort of their vehicle.

Jesse has also taken the time to work with a writing coach, to hone in on his writing skills. His first assignment was a letter to Herry/Val. In this, Jesse describes his positive experiences since moving in with the providers. The timing couldn’t be better, as this letter was delivered around the time of their one-year anniversary living together.

In the letter, Jesse relayed

Based on our first meeting, the way you treated me and answered my questions, I felt like all these things could work out well. After we had met and talked awhile, for the first time I felt real hope that there could be people I would enjoy living with.

More recently, Herry, Val and her family (who also happen to be providers) took Jesse on a hike in Dillon. Sapphire Point offers beautiful views, but the steep climb was difficult, at times, to manage. Jesse uses a specialized wheelchair and even though it’s manual, the rocky and gravely trail made for a fun and challenging experience for the providers. But Val relays she didn’t mind at all.  “The trail was only one mile long, and it was worth it to see Jesse’s reaction at the top. We took it nice and easy and made sure he was safe and having fun”.

When asked, “What are your favorite things about Jesse?”, Val relays how much she’s enjoyed learning more about him. “His reactions, the way he talks. His sense of humor. How he inserts himself into conversations. Sometimes when I’m having a hard day at work, he listens and feels like a brother to me. He’s lived an incredible life and it’s very been nice having another member of the family. His parents are amazing, and we all get along so well.

Now that things are slowly beginning to re-open, Herry and Val are planning a trip soon-to either Vegas or San Diego or both. Jesse looks forward to future plans with his providers and we look forward to hearing of their adventures!

To conclude, Jesse has found a wonderful, long-term placement with Herry and Val. Both parties agree that the match feels like family, and Jesse reports feeling happy in his new home. We thank Herry and Val for not only welcoming Jesse into their home, but truly integrating Jesse into their family and plans, such as weekend hikes and traveling across the country.

If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a provider, let’s chat! Please email our Intake department at placements@supportinc.com

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COVID-19 Communication

by COVID-19

August 16, 2021

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

We continue to monitor the spread of COVID-19, including the Delta variant, in our communities. We have updated our operating protocol to require all employees, providers, and participants to wear a mask or face covering. Please continue reading for more information.

In this communication we will cover the following:

  1. COVID-19 Delta variant, what we know
  2. Support, Inc.’s COVID-19 Operating Protocol Updated 8/16/21

COVID-19 Delta variant, what we know

The Delta variant is the predominate strain of the COVID-19 virus circulating in the United States. This prompted the CDC to give updated recommendations regarding mask wearing for all people, regardless of vaccination status, in areas where there is substantial to high transmission rates.  The CDC was prompted to make these changes as the United States 7-day moving average went from 12,000 reported cases in late June to 60,000 reported cases the week of July 27th. Additionally, new data began to come out showing the Delta variant is more infectious which leads to increased transmissibility even among those who have received the COVID-19 vaccine.

The Delta variant is spreading faster and more easily between people than the variants we have seen thus far throughout the pandemic.  This variant is nearly twice as contagious as previous variants of COVID-19. Early data suggests the Delta variant causes more severe illness than other variants of COVID-19 in those who are unvaccinated.  As we have discussed in previous communications, most vaccines, including the COVID-19 vaccines authorized in the United States, are not 100% effective. This means even a fully vaccinated person can contract COVID-19, including the Delta variant, these are called break through infections. However, evidence continues to show the COVID-19 vaccine to be highly effective, , in preventing severe disease and death from COVID-19 including the Delta variant. Breakthrough cases in fully vaccinated people happen much less frequently than infections in unvaccinated people. Unvaccinated people are far more likely to contract and spread COVID-19 including the Delta variant. Fully vaccinated people are likely less infectious for less time than unvaccinated people.

Previous variants of COVID-19 produced less virus (or a lower viral load) in the body of infected people who have been fully vaccinated. In contrast the Delta variant seems to produce the same high amount of virus in both unvaccinated and fully vaccinated people. However, the viral load produced by Delta breakthrough infections in fully vaccinated people also goes down much faster than infections in unvaccinated people. Individuals infected with the Delta variant including fully vaccinated people with symptoms can transmit to others. The CDC is working to assess if fully vaccinated people who are asymptomatic are able to transmit the Delta variant to others. The greatest risk of transmission is among unvaccinated people who are much more likely to contract COVID-19 including the Delta variant and therefore are more likely to transmit the virus as well as experience severe illness and hospitalization.

The COVID-19 vaccine continues to provide the strongest protection against serious illness and death. Vaccines have played a crucial role in limiting the spread of COVID-19 and minimizing severe disease and strain on hospital systems. Low vaccination rates in some communities have caused rapid surges in cases associated with the Delta variant. This also increases the chances that new and even more concerning variants could emerge.

If you haven’t received the COVID-19 vaccine, it’s not too late to do so. There are many opportunities across the state to get the COVID-19 vaccine. If you need assistance finding or scheduling your COVID-19 vaccine, please reach out to your supervisor or residential program coordinator to help.

Support, Inc.’s COVID-19 Operating Protocol Updated 8/16/21

Beginning Monday August 16th our updated COVID-19 operating protocol goes into effect. Masks or face coverings are required by all employee’s, contractors, and individuals in our office, during in-person visits and during day services. Administrative office staff will continue to work from home when possible. We will continue to do symptom screening prior to service delivery or in-person contact.

This update will allow us to continue to operate and provide our essential services including day program, in-person home visits and pother in-person contacts while ensuring the health and safety of our employees, individuals served and providers.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to myself or your supervisor. We will continue to provide updates through email, our website and our Facebook page.