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Nurse Team Updates

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Hello and Happy September to everyone! We recently restructured the Nurse Team following Morgan’s departure. As Brian Farestad (VP of Operations) mentioned earlier this summer-

I wanted to take a moment to acknowledge that Morgan Struck will be stepping down from her role as Associate Director of Nursing, so she can focus on completing her degree. Over the past five years, Morgan has been instrumental in the development of the Nursing team, as well as the overall growth and success of Support, Inc. as a whole. Truly a “People Helping People” person, Morgan always demonstrated a true passion for serving our individuals. Her undeniable knowledge and skill as a nurse, her ability to think strategically and turn vision into reality, her strong work ethic and willingness to go above and beyond, and unique blend of humor, kindness, and ferocity, will be missed.

Morgan’s last full-time day at Support was July 1st. Danyelle Grajeda took over as the manager of the Nurse Team and we are happy to share some additional updates with the organization.

Erin Gordon, a strong addition to the team for the last 11 months, was recently promoted to Lead Nurse Case Manager. We congratulate Erin on her recent promotion and wish her nothing but the best in this new position!

We also have the following members of the team below- we are so grateful to each of them as they continue to support and rally behind the folks we serve with a variety of medial needs.

Lauren Reed – Nurse Case Manager
Moriah Welles – Medical Coordinator
Nicole Jordan – Medical Coordinator

And last but not least, we have a link with more details on the flu. It’s important for everyone to protect themselves as the cold and flu season is upon us, especially if you already have medical needs and concerns. Please click the link below to learn more.

Cold and flu season

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Breast Cancer Awareness Month

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October is breast cancer awareness month, an annual campaign to raise awareness about the impact of breast cancer. The National Breast Cancer Foundation’s campaign this year is Helping Women Now focusing on the importance of early detection. This includes doing monthly self-exams, scheduling regular physical exams and mammograms. Women should begin having a mammogram with their primary care physician at age 40.

Facts about Breast Cancer from The National Breast Cancer Foundation and American Cancer Society:

  • Breast cancer is the most common cancer for women worldwide.
  • 1 in 8 women receive a breast cancer diagnosis.
  • 1 in 726 men will receive a breast cancer diagnosis. While breast cancer in men is rare, it carries a higher mortality rate than women.
  • Breast cancer occurrence and death rates generally increase with age.
  • Only 5-10% of people diagnosed have a family history of breast cancer.
  • Black women are more likely to die from breast cancer at any age.
  • When breast cancer is detected early, and is in the localized stage, the 5-year relative survival rate is 99%

While there are breast cancer risk factors that you can not change such as being born female, getting older and inheriting certain gene changes, etc. there are things you can do to may help lower your risk of breast cancer.

  • Getting to and staying at a healthy weight. Both increased body weight and weight gain as an adult are linked with a higher risk of breast cancer after menopause.
  • Be physically active. Studies have shown that moderate to vigorous physical activity is linked with lower breast caner risk. American Cancer Society recommends that adults get at least 150 – 300 minutes moderate intensity or 75-150 minutes vigorous intensity activity each week.
  • Avoid or limit alcohol. Frequent consumption of alcohol increases the risk of breast cancer.
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Host Home Provider of the Month

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DM4 would like to announce Provider Elly Daly for Host Home Provider of the Month! Elly Daly is a phenomenal provider for our PRS Selena Silva.

Even though Selena is unable to express what she wants or needs using words, Elly is able to understand her through her emotions and specific cues. Elly is organized and keeps an extensive record of Selena`s care.  Recently there had been a change to the team members and within 24 hours Elly updated her binder of information, so she knows who to contact for Selena`s needs. Elly works great with Selena`s family and Guardian. Guardian says “Elly is an awesome provider. She is very caring and thorough with the care she gives. She keeps me updated on any changes and events”

 

This past summer Elly took Selena on her dream vacation to SeaWorld in San Diego and Selena had a blast! Elly says at first she was worried on how Selena would do on the plane but she loved people watching and being out on their adventure! Thank you, Elly, for all that you do and the positive impact you make in Selena`s life and her loved ones.

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Quality Assurance Webinar

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Learn more about our amazing Quality Assurance Department here at Support, Inc.! We discuss why having this department is reassuring for the people we serve, their families and providers. Not all agencies have a QA department and we know that good quality is good care. We strive to work with families within the rules and regulations to provide a person-centered approach to each unique situation we encounter. Today, we discuss the goals of the department and how our employees keep the people we serve safe out in the community.

 

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Frequently Asked Questions Regarding the DD Waiver in Colorado

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Often times we encounter families that are new to the DD waiver in Colorado and services in general. We are always happy to answer any questions you may have, even if it pertains to other waivers we do not serve. Although we may not know the answers to everything, the Intake Team is well-equipped to answer your questions. With a combined 60 years experience in the field, we’re well-connected to community partners along the Front Range and the Eastern Plains.

Reach out to Intake@supportinc.com for specific questions concerning unique situaitons. For broader and more general questions, please refer to the guide below.

 1. What is the DD waiver?

The DD Waiver stands for Developmental (and Intellectual) Disabilities and has been a tremendous resource for the people we serve and their families. Some of the benefits you can receive on the waiver include a budget to be spent one of three ways: Family Caregiver, Host Home or PCA (Personal Care Alternative aka an individual living on their own in the community). There’s additional funding as well to cover things such as behavioral/clinical services, job coaching, supported community connections and more.

 

We are happy to chat with you if you have any questions about services. Please contact Intake@supportinc.com for more details. Our Intake Team has a combined 57 years’ experience in the field. We offer free no-pressure consultations over the phone and online and we’re used to dealing with unique situations.

 

2. Brief history on the waiver

The waiver was introduced in the state of Colorado in 1983 as part of a national effort to move people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilites from institutions to community-based settings. Over the last 40 years, the field has grown larger. The Family Caregiver program was specifically introduced back in 2008 and fully implemented in 2010. We still have a ways to go as agencies across the state continue to make improvements by meeting the requirements of the new Case Management Redesign.

 

Support, Inc. is well equipped to handle these changes thanks to our Quality Assurance Department. We seamlessly adapt to change as the landscape for Intellectual and Developmental disability services continues to improve.

 

3. Case Management Redesign

Conflict Free Case Management (CFCM) is a federal mandate from Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS) under the Federal Final Settings Rule. The rule requires there be a separation between case management agencies (formerly known as Community Center Boards, now referred to as Case Management Agencies) and direct services. This means, a company cannot provide both case management services and program services (provided by PASAs- Program Approved Service Agencies) , such as residential, day services or behavioral services to the same person. Many of Colorado’s CCBs had been providing both case management and program services and are now required to eliminate this conflict of interest.

 

The efforts of The Department of Health Care Policy and Finance (HCPF) to comply with federal requirements of (CFCM) have evolved into initiatives called Case Management Redesign.

The implementation of this process is nearly complete for most CCBs, now known as Case Management Agencies. We closely monitor changes and strive to maintain excellent communication with case managers and their agencies.

If you are struggling to reach your case manager in a timely manner, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at intake@supportinc.com We have a wealth of information and can research your questions for you, if you need additional assistance.

 

4. How to apply for the DD waiver

To apply for the DD waiver, you need to contact your county’s Case Management Agency. This website includes a list of counties. Once you find your county, reach out to them to get started. https://hcpf.colorado.gov/case-management-agency-directory

 

5. What happens if myself or my loved one doesn’t fit in the DD category?

Rest assured; Colorado offers access to other waivers for different needs. You can find more information at this link: https://hcpf.colorado.gov/hcbs-waivers

 

Again, please don’t hesitate to contact us about the DD waiver. We’ve helped many families navigate the Case Management Redesign. We are here to help!

 

Sources:

https://coloradosun.com/2020/02/05/colorado-medicaid-waiver-disabilities/

https://hcpf.colorado.gov/developmental-disabilities-waiver-dd#:~:text=The%20Home%20and%20Community%2DBased,Day%20Habilitation%20Services%20and%20Supports.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iUCbO3WD-8PJbU3ckihrsGZYX3FOSsyh/view?pli=1

https://coloradosun.com/2020/02/05/colorado-medicaid-waiver-disabilities/

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Jeremy Finds his Own Apartment

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This July, one of our individuals receiving services, Jeremy, moved to a new apartment! He found the apartment on his own and is located closer to his work. We helped hire movers for Jeremy, and the move went as well as possible. Jeremy and his dog Zeus are very happy to be living in a bigger apartment with a fireplace! They’ll be sure to stay warm through the winter! Congratulations, Jeremy!!

 

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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!

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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

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Clinical Department News and Updates

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This summer, our Clinical Department has welcomed four new interns to our team.  Lindsay and Gillian are our occupational therapy interns, who are working toward their doctoral degrees from Colorado State University.  They were able to work with many of our clients this summer. They brought fresh ideas and perspectives to their person-centered interventions while also utilizing their OT training. Gillian and Lindsay will be moving on to continue their degrees in the fall back at CSU.  We also have two counseling interns, Anne and Madison, who are earning their Master’s degrees at the University of Denver and they will be with us throughout the year. They have been able to jump right into applying the counseling skills they have learned in school. They both bring in their own personal counseling styles, infusing empirically backed interventions with new ideas and enthusiasm.

Our interns have helped us to expand our clinical services and offer fun and unique groups at places such as the aquarium, restaurants, and more! We are also planning to increase our clinical services with our interns taking the lead to facilitate even more opportunities for our clients. We are so excited that they have joined and helped our team. We can’t thank them enough!