IDD Awareness Day at the Capital- Tomorrow!!! Follow the link below for in-person and virtual options.
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- News & Updates
Navigating IHSS and PASA: A Guide for Colorado Caregivers
Introduction
As a caregiver in Colorado, you provide essential support, from Medicaid-based health care to community programs, improving quality of life for families and individuals with disabilities. Whether you’re caring for a child, an adult, or both, you may have heard about programs like IHSS (In-Home Supportive Services) and PASA (Program Approved Service Agencies). In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at these valuable resources and how they can help you in your caregiving journey. So, let’s dive in!
Understanding IHSS (In-Home Supportive Services)
IHSS is a state-administered program designed to provide assistance to individuals with disabilities, allowing them to remain in the comfort and familiarity of their own homes. It’s a lifeline for caregivers and their loved ones, offering support in various aspects of daily life. Support, Inc. specifically works with those who qualify for the Developmental Disabilities (DD) Waiver. We provide residential services to adults and their families over the age of 18.
- Eligibility for IHSS
To qualify for IHSS in Colorado, your loved one must meet eligibility criteria, including a medical condition requiring personal care and in-home health support.:
- Having a disability or medical condition that requires assistance.
- Residing in their own home or a family member’s home.
- Demonstrating a need for in-home care services.
- Services Covered by IHSS
Once eligible, your loved one can access a range of services under IHSS, including:
- Personal care services (bathing, dressing, grooming).
- Homemaker services (meal preparation, light housekeeping).
- Accompaniment to medical appointments.
- Respite care for caregivers.
- Assistance with mobility and transfers.
- How IHSS Benefits Caregivers
IHSS isn’t just about the care recipient; it also greatly benefits caregivers. By providing necessary support, IHSS:
- Relieves caregivers of some caregiving responsibilities.
- Allows caregivers to maintain employment or pursue education.
- Reduces the financial burden associated with caregiving.
- Enhances the overall quality of life for both the caregiver and care recipient.
Understanding PASA (Program Approved Service Agencies)
PASA is another valuable resource for caregivers in Colorado, offering a wide range of support services for individuals with disabilities. These services are aimed at improving the quality of life for both caregivers and care recipients.
- Services Offered by PASA
PASA agencies provide a variety of services, including:
- In-home care and support.
- Assistance with daily living activities.
- Community integration and recreational activities.
- Transportation services.
- Behavior therapy and counseling.
- Respite care for caregivers.
- Choosing the Right PASA Agency
When selecting a PASA agency for your loved one, it’s essential to consider:
- The specific needs of the care recipient.
- The agency’s reputation and track record.
- Compatibility with your caregiving schedule.
- Availability of trained and compassionate staff.
Combining IHSS and PASA: A Comprehensive Approach
Many caregivers in Colorado find that combining IHSS and PASA services offers a well-rounded approach to caregiving. By utilizing both resources, you can create a customized care plan that addresses your loved one’s unique needs and your own.
- How IHSS and PASA Work Together
IHSS and PASA can complement each other in various ways:
- IHSS can provide basic personal care and homemaker services.
- PASA can offer specialized services, therapy, and recreational activities.
- Together, they provide a holistic support system.
- Planning and Coordination
As a caregiver, you’ll need to coordinate the services offered by IHSS and PASA. Here are some tips:
- Communicate openly with both service providers.
- Share your loved one’s goals and preferences.
- Develop a comprehensive care plan that integrates both services.
Navigating the Application Process
Getting started with IHSS and PASA may seem daunting, but Colorado offers resources to help you through the process:
- Contact Your Local County Department
Reach out to your local county department or human services office to initiate the application process for IHSS. They can provide guidance on eligibility criteria and the application procedure.
- Research PASA Agencies
Explore the different PASA agencies in your area. Conduct interviews, ask for references, and make an informed decision based on your loved one’s needs.
- Seek Support
Don’t hesitate to seek support from caregiver support groups, online forums, or local advocacy organizations. These resources can offer valuable insights and emotional support.
Conclusion
As a caregiver in Colorado, you have access to a wealth of resources like IHSS and PASA to support your loved ones with disabilities. By understanding the eligibility criteria, services offered, and the potential for combining both programs, you can create a comprehensive caregiving plan that enhances the quality of life for both you and your care recipient. Remember, you’re not alone on this journey, and there are numerous organizations and support networks ready to assist you every step of the way. Caregiving is a rewarding endeavor, and with the right resources, it can be made more manageable and fulfilling for everyone involved.
Host Home Provider of the Month
Please join us in congratulating our February Host Home Provider of the Month- Atea Linga!!! Atea was nominated by the Denver Metro 4 Team who wrote the following: “Atea has been nothing but AMAZING during this year with a person receiving services (PRS). There are far too many amazing things to list about Atea, but we appreciate her continued care and commitment to make sure our PRS is safe and cared for. She continuously advocates for her PRS to make sure that she has the best quality of life possible. Atea has always been a rockstar Host Home Provider and is well deserving of this nomination. Thank you for all that you do, Atea!!
Sasha Hits the Slopes!
While many of us have been feeling the winter blues, one of our individuals in services, Sasha, has been enjoying the winter at Breckenridge Resort hitting the slopes! When Sasha isn’t water skiing in the summer, he is skiing the wonderful Colorado mountains in the winter. We love to see the opportunities Sasha’s Family Caregivers provide him. If you see Sasha on the mountain, say hello! That is, if you can catch him 😉!
Kyle Gets His Car Back!
We are happy to announce that one of our individuals in services, Kyle, got his car back recently! Over the past year, Kyle has worked extremely hard to maintain stability in his current host home, use his coping skills, and continue to be an active member in his community. Kyle has continued to show persistence, determination, and his eye on the prize – his car! Kyle’s team could not be prouder of him and his accomplishments throughout the past year. Congratulations Kyle, we are excited to see what the next steps toward your goals will be!
Day Services News and Updates
Site and Community Based Day Program:
The Aurora Day program is very excited as we begin the new year. Our individuals have been having a blast as we further integrate our programs into the community. Some of our recent outings that have been a hit are going bowling, seeing animals at the arsenal, watching how candy is made at Hammond’s candy factory as well as celestial seasoning where they can taste a variety of teas and learn how the process of tea making is accomplished.
As far as our onsite activities, we are continuing to offer Chill Club where our individuals learn creative coping skills to decompress as well as moving and grooving where the importance of exercise and physical activity are accomplished through music and dancing. A fun activity we began last year is cooking class where we recently have made air fried pickles, air fried Oreos, multiple chip dips, and so much more. As spring is quickly approaching our individuals have begun a gardening course where we are successfully growing cilantro, parsley, basil and onions which we will use for future cooking classes.
To celebrate the holidays, we had a Valentine’s party where the individuals exchanged cards, played Valentine’s themed bingo with candy, broke a pinata, had pizza, prizes and much more. Moving forward, we have a St Patrick’s and Cinco De Mayo parties which the individuals are working closely with staff to plan. We wouldn’t be able to achieve such success without the consistent staff which work diligently every day to make day program a great experience for all our individuals. We welcome you all to come by and witness our growing day program and options we have available to all who we serve.
1:1 Direct Support Professional Program:
Our Direct Support Professional (DSP) Supervisor conducted a Community DSP meeting that went really well and we rolled out the productivity report. We’re also starting biweekly check ins with our 1:1 DSPs to provide more oversight and support! One of our 1:1 DSPs took her individual to our Day Program and the individual loved it so much that they didn’t want to leave! The DSP said nothing but good things about Day Program and the staff there! Another one of our 1:1 DSPs started working with a couple new individuals and they are all working well together! We hear nothing but good things from the Residential Coordinators and the providers regarding this DSP.
If you’d like to learn more about our day services, please contact info@supportinc.com
QA News & Updates- IDD Awareness Month
March is Developmental Disability Awareness Month!
After the deinstitutionalization movement of the 1970’s and 1980’s, in 1987 Ronald Reagan declared March the month for National Developmental Disabilities Awareness.
The campaign seeks to raise awareness about the inclusion of people with developmental disabilities in all aspects of community life, as well as awareness of the barriers that people with disabilities still sometimes face in connecting to the communities in which they live.
Throughout the campaign, individuals with and without disabilities will share their experiences through stories, photos and videos. This year’s campaign theme is “A World of Opportunities”. We’re celebrating people and working together to remove obstacles. The goal is to build a community that’s committed to creating a world where everyone can do well and succeed. Join in making a world where all kinds of people have the chance to thrive. For more information on Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, visit https://nacdd.org/ddam1/
This year, Colorado’s IDD Awareness Day at the capitol will be on March 20th. There are opportunities to attend virtually or in-person. You can register for the event using this link- 2024 IDD Awareness Day Luncheon (alliancecolorado.org)
Support Options for Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Support, Inc. offers a variety of community-based services and care options for famlies and caregivers who have adult childern with intellectual and developmental disabilities. These options are also ideal for children with disabilities who are 18 and have previously been receiving services through the Children’s Extensive Support (CES) waiver. Just as no two people are the same, neither are their specific needs for in home care. Whether that’s as a full time resident in a host home, in a family home, or their own home or apartment, Support, Inc.’s spectrum of options and opportunities is designed to offer stability, progress and, of course, safety. Because each situation is unique, and we approach it in this way. Our staff will adapt their approach to each individual and family’s specific needs as our guide, while building a strong partnership for many years to come.
Taking into careful consideration each person’s individual needs, we work with each family and individual we serve to provide the best residential environment for everyone involved. Our residential services include the following three programs.
Host Home:
Our host home providers are committed to providing a nurturing, supportive and safe home atmosphere that allows for growth and discovery. Residents will have an opportunity to thrive in a secure, caring environment and be more engaged in the world around them.
Providers are pre-screened through background and reference checks, as well as home safety inspections. They also receive extensive, ongoing training in the intellectual and developmental disabilities field and have access to additional support and oversight from a residential program coordinator, nurse, clinician and public benefits specialist.
Family Caregiver Program:
Through the Family Caregiver Act, family caregivers may be eligible for both financial and non-financial support. The Support, Inc. team gives families maximum flexibility to create an individualized plan tailored to their needs. Families can:
- Pay a family caregiver to provide care for a loved one
- Hire a non-family caregiver to provide care
- Cover or reimburse costs related to life events and needs outside of traditional staffing
We also provide:
- Screening for non-family caregivers
- Residential support and respite care options matched to the family’s level of need
- Training for family and non-family care givers
- Competitive pay rate, flexible budgets and access to our employee benefits plan and 24-hour support line
Independent Apartment Living Program:
We help individuals find apartments that meets their unique needs. We also assist with general care and skills development, such as grocery shopping, medical appointments, transportation and provide a 24-hour support line.
For more information on our residential services, please contact Brian Slusarz at info@supportinc.com or click here to complete our contact form.
HR News and Updates
As we commemorate Black History Month this February, we are reminded of the invaluable contributions and enduring legacies of Black individuals throughout history. It is a time to honor the remarkable achievements, resilience, and cultural richness of the Black community, and to reflect on the ongoing journey towards equity and justice for all.
At Support Inc., we recognize the importance of diversity, inclusion, equity, and accessibility in fostering a thriving and vibrant workplace and society. This month provides us with an opportunity to celebrate the diverse voices, talents, and perspectives that enrich our communities and drive innovation.
Throughout February, we will be thinking about and discussing the achievements and contributions of Black leaders, innovators, artists, and activists. We invite you to join us in honoring Black History Month by engaging in meaningful conversations about the impact of Black history on our present and future.
Additionally, we encourage everyone to take this month as a call to action to advocate for racial justice, equity, and inclusion in our workplaces, communities, and beyond. By amplifying Black voices, supporting Black-owned businesses, and actively working towards dismantling systemic barriers, we can create a more just and equitable society for all
Together, let us celebrate the rich tapestry of Black history and culture, and commit to building a future where every individual can thrive, regardless of their race or background.
Thank you for joining us in honoring Black History Month.
P.S. If you are interested in celebrating Black History Month, here are links from publications that have information on local events and an article about influential IDD figures:
Kick off Black History Month with these area events starting February 1 | KUNC
10 Things to Do for Black History Month In and Around Denver | Westword
https://denverfilm.eventive.org/films/65b8265a75d37700afcb2c0d
Black History Month and the Disability Rights Movement – NILP
Caregiver Support Group with Guest Speaker
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.
