Please join us on February 29th, 10am for our monthly Caregiver Support Group. This month will include a guest speaker from the ARC of Weld County, Leticia Arguello. Leticia will come present and discuss advocacy services for IDD individuals in Colorado. Contact info@supportinc.com for more information and to receive the zoom link.
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!!!
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!
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.
Check out pictures below from the trip of a lifetime for Support Inc., Host Home Provider, David Sakul, and our individuals in services, Jeremy and Eric. They recently went on a vacation in Europe!! A true example of innovative, in-home and community-based supportive services.
Café Show by Local Artist and Support, Inc. client- Maria
Maria has many talents. She is an athlete, baker, dancer, skilled with animals and very charismatic. She is also a prolific painter, using art therapy as one way to calm her busy mind. While flamingos in funny situations are a common theme, she also paints other marine life, horses, flowers, holiday settings and landscapes.
During the month of October, Maria was the featured artist at the French Press Café in her neighborhood on Iliff near Buckley. If you have not been there, they have the regular coffee and tea-related faire, as well as an incredible kitchen. (Their chilaquiles are THE BOMB!) Maria’s paintings covered an entire wall, which is really saying something in the small space the café holds. She wrote her own bio, which had a lovely photo of her with a horse attached and even sold two paintings!
Maria’s accomplishments are a source of pride for herself, her family and our community. Here’s to the next show where we have our eye on a certain flamingo wearing a pool floaty and carrying a cocktail. Congratulations to Maria on this amazing accomplishment!
Please join our Operations Team on November 30th, 11am for our Family Caregiver Town Hall. This meeting will occur virtually on Zoom. The agenda is filled with updates regarding Support, Inc., and Pueblo Community Resources news, as well as reminder for upcoming events, staff appreciation and recognition, and an opportunity to connect and ask questions. For more information and the zoom link please contact info@supportinc.com
As summer ends and cold weather settles in so comes cold and flu season. Colorado has also seen an increase in COVID-19 cases. Protect yourself, the person you serve and your family. As a reminder, please do not send people to work or day program if they are sick. If people arrive to day program/work showing signs of illness, you will be asked to pick the person up.
Healthy habits to help protect against illness:
Forget Moves Like Jagger, You Want Moves Like CJ!
Support Inc. Residential Coordinator, Jennifer, went to see individual in services, CJ, in October just like any regular, monthly Home Visit, but he was not just any regular old CJ. He was so excited for the next day that he could not stop grinning. Jennifer has seen CJ many times when he is looking forward to something like a trip to see his family, a dinner at Olive Garden with his girlfriend or even a day at Elitch Gardens, but this was the happiest, most excited she had ever seen him. The next night he was going to see Guns N’ Roses in concert at Ball Arena with his buddy from church. He told his Host Home Provider that he might not come home until after 1:30 in the morning because he would be too busy rockin’. They talked about his favorite song, “Welcome to the Jungle” and there was no convincing him that “Sweet Child of Mine” was better. The next afternoon, Jennifer called CJ to see how the concert went. It was obvious even over the phone that he was still smiling from ear to ear. While he didn’t stay out until the wee hours, he still had an amazing time and said he definitely “rocked out”. When she asked him if he did the famous side to side sway move of lead singer Axel Rose, CJ scoffed and said, “No, I’ve got way better moves than that.” With as happy as he was, that must be true.
SUPPORT, INC. HELPS INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES WITH INNOVATIVE SERVICES THROUGH THE FAMILY CAREGIVER PROGRAM
Aurora, COLO. – October 2023 – Family Caregiver, Dena Lucero cares for her daughter, Tatum, with assistance from Support, Inc., a leading provider of support services for individuals with developmental disabilities. As a part of Support, Inc.’s Family Caregiver Program, the Lucero family receives comprehensive support and financial compensation. The program is designed to recognize and empower family members as caregivers for their loved ones.
The Family Caregiver Program under the Family Caregiver Act acknowledges the dedication and sacrifice made by family caregivers who have been providing care without financial compensation or formal supports. In recognition of their essential contribution, Support, Inc. offers caregivers the opportunity to receive financial compensation and access to formal supports through the program.
“From my first contact with Support, Inc. it has been an amazing experience. The team is so friendly, easy going and open,” says Lucero. “I can’t stress enough what a gift Support Inc. has been to Tatum and our family. It has given us the ability to pay an additional caregiver of our choosing. It is such a relief to be able to provide the care that we find suitable for our daughter, while we continue to work.”
Tatum has mild intellectual disabilities. Lucero serves as Tatum’s primary family caregiver. Support, Inc. gives them access to an additional team of caregivers to provide Tatum with the help and support she needs, when she needs it – from integrated health care services and life skills development to access to community-based social activities and more.
“Support, Inc. understands the challenges and pressures that family caregivers face each day,” said Bentley Smith, CEO at Support, Inc. “We believe that caregivers should be recognized for their invaluable work and have access to the necessary support and compensation they deserve. Our Family Caregiver Program aims to alleviate the stress and burden on caregivers, ensuring they can continue to provide the highest quality care while maintaining their own well-being.”
The Family Caregiver Program offers numerous benefits to support caregivers and their loved ones, including:
Flexibility and Customized Care:
Caregivers have the maximum flexibility to create their own care plans, including the option to be compensated themselves or have a family member compensated for providing care. They can also choose to hire non-family members to provide care. Support, Inc. ensures that each plan is tailored to meet the unique needs and preferences of the family.
Comprehensive Support:
The program provides residential supports, respite care options, and additional resources to meet the individual needs of each family caregiver. These comprehensive supports help to alleviate the burden on caregivers and enhance the well-being of both the caregiver and their loved one.
Training and Professional Development:
Support, Inc. provides caregivers with simple and clear training options at no cost in order to improve their skills. This emphasis on training contributes to the overall quality of care provided and is also a professional development opportunity for caregivers, empowering them to learn and grow.
Competitive Compensation and Benefits:
Support, Inc. values the commitment and dedication of family caregivers and offers a competitive pay rate, and access to a comprehensive employment benefits plan. This ensures that caregivers receive fair compensation for their important work, providing financial stability and security.
24-Hour Support Line:
The program includes a 24-hour after-hours support line, ensuring that caregivers have access to assistance and guidance whenever they need it most. This round-the-clock support gives caregivers peace of mind, knowing that help is always available.
“Here at Support, Inc., we encourage family caregivers throughout Colorado, to explore our creative Family Caregiver Program and take advantage of the comprehensive support and compensation available to them” says Smith.
For more information on the Family Caregiver Program, become a paid family caregiver or inquire about eligibility, please contact Brian Slusarz at info@supportinc.com or click here to complete our contact form.
With more than 33 years of experience, the 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. As a Program Approved Service Agency (PASA), Support, Inc. is Medicaid certified and its programs are approved by the State of Colorado. Support, Inc. is redefining the life experience for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
PHONE: (303) 340-0322
FAX: (303) 340-0385
HOURS: Mon – Thurs: 8:00am – 6:00pm
EMAIL: info@supportinc.com
15591 E. Centretech Pkwy
Aurora, CO 80011
Phone: 303-340-0322