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Happy Holidays From Your Quality Assurance Department!

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December ushers in the holiday season including Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah and the New Year. This is often a time of reflection as we contemplate our successes and challenges over the last year. If we could sum up 2024 in a few words, it would be a ‘year of change’. Services for people with IDD went through large scale changes in this last year.

  • Case Management Redesign required Colorado case management agencies to provide case management to all 10 Home and Community Based Service (HCBS) waivers as a means to simplify access to long-term services and supports. Within case management redesign, the Community Center Boards (CCB’s) were also transitioning to conflict free casement in which they could no longer provide both case management and direct services. This year the last 2 cohorts of Case Management Agencies (CMA) transitioned.

 

  • Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) abbreviated surveys: CDPHE spent this year conducting abbreviated surveys to catch up on several years of backlogged recertification visits to Program Approved Services Agencies (PASA’s). We had our recertification visit in April.

 

  • Updated/ New Regulations with the changes in Case Management Redesign came the need for the state to revise current regulations to align with the change to CMA’s. While the last minor revisions are going through final approval with the Medical Services Board, these updated regulations include changes for PASA’s.

 

As we look ahead to 2025, our system will have a few more large-scale changes.

  • NEW Person-Centered Support Plan (PCSP) & Colorado Single Assessment (CSA) tool to replace the current service plan (SP) and ULTC 1002. assessment. The new PCSP continues to outline the HCBS and long-term services and supports a person is receiving but the revised plan will be more person-centered and ensure better coordination of services. The new assessment will be a universal tool applicable to all people receiving HCBS services. Both tools will be implemented in 2025, HCPF is exploring a slow rollout and updates to the timing will be provided.

There was a lot of change this last year and our system is slated for more changes in 2025. Thank you for supporting the people we serve through all these changes. If you have questions or need assistance don’t hesitate to reach out, we are here to support you.

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Kenny Ride on the Railroad!

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Kenny recently took a fun weekend trip to the Georgetown loop railroad and had a blast! This has been a goal of his for about three years, so he was ecstatic that he was finally able to go. According to Kenny his love for trains started when he was a kid. He has always enjoyed watching movies that have trains because they look really cool. Kenny also usually likes to spend time watching YouTube videos on trains as well. HHP knew this was a goal of Kenny’s for a while and was able to take him up for the weekend. He even took some awesome pictures with Santa!

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SH is the Change!

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When SH decided to find a therapist for personal counseling last fall, she knew that finding a counselor with disabilities was important to a good fit. She looked for months, through various avenues like her medical providers, her insurance, friends and family, but could not find a single therapist with disabilities. Rather than giving up, SH decided that she would fill that role and become a therapist for others with disabilities, even if she has to be the first one.

She is enrolled at Arapahoe Community College to start her studies in the Spring 2025 semester. This step is just one example of the way she lives her life in determined advocacy for herself and others with disabilities. With the persistence she floods into pursuing her goals, we feel certain SH is going to better the field she studies and we wish her much success.  Thank you SH for inspiring us to be the change we want to see in the world!

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Host Home Provider of the Month

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The Loveland Team would like to nominate Brianna Yakovee for Provider of the Month!

Brianna is an experienced caregiver and provider who has dedicated much of her life to enriching the lives of those around her. From troubled teens to adults in the IDD community, she extends her compassion to any who need it. Recently, she opened her home to one of our PRS, Baylee. It was Baylee’s personal goal to find an HHP to move in with by the end of the year, and she sure found the right fit with Brianna and her home.

From the second Baylee gave her stamp of approval, Brianna started prepping her home. Being blind, there are some extra useful tools that help Baylee use the space around her. Brianna put sticky dots on the microwave for Baylee to be able to independently heat up her food – as well as on the washer and dryer to help her complete laundry. Arguably the coolest thing, though, is also a sound machine that sits outside of Brianna’s bedroom door, across the hall from Baylee’s room, that runs constantly, allowing Baylee to use it a sound locator throughout the house.

Their first weekend together was a girls weekend on the town. The ladies went shopping, had some yummy food and even enjoyed a movie showing together. Even on short notice, Brianna made sure Baylee and her roommate were able to attend our Loveland Halloween party. Brianna is constantly ensuring that Baylee (and her roommates) has access to the activities she enjoys doing while helping to promote independence and safety. Thank you for supporting those who lean on you, Bri. You’re a rockstar!

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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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DSP Appreciation Week!

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Dear Direct Support Professionals,
During this DSP Appreciation Week, celebrated September 8th – September 14th, we want to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude for the incredible work you do every day. Your dedication, compassion, and commitment to improving the lives of those you serve make an immeasurable difference.
You are the backbone of care and support, offering kindness, patience, and understanding in ways that truly empower individuals to live fulfilling and independent lives. The impact you make extends far beyond the hours you work—it touches hearts, families, and entire communities.
Thank you for your unwavering commitment to helping others thrive. You are appreciated today and every day for the extraordinary care you provide. Thank you so much to all the Direct Support Professionals out there!
With immense gratitude,
The Support Inc. Network
Day Serv.

Day Services News & Updates

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Wow, what a summer it’s been! Though it flew by in a flash, the Aurora Day Program has been buzzing with excitement and unforgettable moments. We had a blast exploring Tiny Town, splashing around at the Splash Park, conquering the Arsenal, and discovering new parks all across the front range. Our annual BBQ was a huge hit, and we’ve been having tons of fun with yard games, scenic walks, and even decorating the pavement with our individuals in services creativity.

But wait, there’s more! As we dive into the rest of the year, we’re gearing up for even more day program parties, engaging clinical activities, and finding new ways to enhance our services. We couldn’t do any of this without our amazing and dedicated staff. You’ve become not just familiar faces, but trusted friends who make all the difference.

Here’s to continuing the fun and making more fantastic memories together!

Support Inc is thrilled to announce the continued growth and expansion of our day services program! We are proud to officially welcome Brandi Rende to our team. Brandi will be instrumental in driving the development and enhancement of our day services, bringing her expertise and passion to our mission.

As we move forward, our commitment remains steadfast in providing exceptional and personalized support services to individuals across Colorado. With Brandi on board, we’re poised to elevate the quality of our services, introduce innovative programming, and further enrich the lives of those we serve.

Stay tuned for exciting updates and new opportunities as we work together to expand our reach and impact. Here’s to a bright future and to making a meaningful difference in the communities we serve!

 

QA COrner

Quality Assurance News & Updates- Fire Preparedness

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

Wildfire season has started in Colorado. This year with the hot and dry weather most of the state is under moderate to high risk for fires. Just this month three fires have erupted along the front range. It’s important everyone be fire aware and be prepared. For more information on how you can prepare for wildfires follow this link.

Each county has an emergency notification system. However, you are not automatically signed up for alerts and must opt in. Some counties have switched notification platforms, and you may no longer be signed up to receive alerts. We encourage everyone to sign up for or check that you are signed up for emergency alerts in your area.

County Emergency Alert Sign Up
Adams Use this link to sign up
Arapahoe Use this link to sign up
Boulder Use this link to sign up
Broomfield Use this link to sign up
Denver Use this link to sign up
Douglas Use this link to sign up
El Paso Use this link to sign up
Elbert Use this link to sign up
Jefferson Use this link to sign up
Larimer Use this link to sign up
Logan Use this link to sign up
Morgan Use this link to sign up
Phillips Use this link to sign up
Pueblo Use this link to sign up
Sedgwick Use this link to sign up
Summit Use this link to sign up
Teller Use this link to sign up
Washington Use this link to sign up
Weld Use this link to sign up
Yuma Use this link to sign up

The air quality around the state has been poor from fires locally and around the United States. Smoke originating from fires or poor air quality can negatively impact all individuals but is especially hazardous for those with compromised respiratory conditions such as: asthma, COPD, lung cancer, cystic fibrosis, and any other chronic or acute respiratory conditions. Everyone, especially people with respiratory issues, should take precautions. Keep all windows in the home closed, reduce or limit outdoor activities, run air purifiers if you have them. It is recommended that sensitive groups wear a mask if they must be outdoors.

If your respiratory symptoms are exacerbated, please reach out to your primary care physician.  Always make sure you have access to respiratory rescue medications such as rescue inhalers (example- Albuterol) if ordered by your physician. Always follow current evacuation orders. If you are experiencing respiratory distress, call 911. IQAir can be a helpful tool in monitoring air quality in your area :https://www.iqair.com/us/usa/colorado

Finally, if you have any questions or need support please don’t hesitate to reach out to info@supportinc.com. If you need assistance after-hours please call on-call at 720-841-3122.

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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!!!