Direct Support Professional (DSP) Recognition Week is September 10th through the 16th! Although that’s only one week of the year, we recognize and appreciate the great work of DSPs all year long. Support Inc. DSPs are an invaluable part of our organization and have an amazing impact on the individuals we serve. Please give them an extra shout out this week!
Introduction
As a caregiver in Colorado, you play a crucial role in providing support and care to your loved ones 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.
To qualify for IHSS in Colorado, your loved one must meet certain eligibility criteria, including:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
Please join us for a webinar on September 21st, 11am, to learn about our BACPAC program! Please contact info@supportinc.com for the zoom link and more information.
BACPAC Program
Bold Adventures Creating Possibilities & Challenges”
Redefining the life experience for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through our BACPAC program. Funded entirely by Support Inc., our BACPAC program provides individuals opportunities for community engagement outside traditional waiver services. Examples of past activities include camping trips, horseback riding, train rides, boat rides, trip to Las Vegas, and more.
The Support Inc. Difference
Our BACPAC program was created over 20 years ago to fill a necessary gap in community-based activities for individuals in services. The traditional day program often provides similar services, which do not extend to certain hobbies.
We feel it is critical that our individuals in services have the same opportunities as the general population to engage in activities that aren’t provided through waiver services like camping trips. We distribute surveys for stakeholder feedback on what those activities might be and provide them with minimal to no out of pocket expenses through our innovative BACPAC program.
Please join us in congratulating our August Host Home Provider of the Month, Lydia Ayele!!! Lydia was nominated by the Denver Metro 1 team. According to the team, Lydia is more than an HHP for her individuals, she is their family. Lydia is consistent with medical appointments, documentation, and provides a fun and safe environment for everyone to thrive. She is always on top of anything the team needs before they even ask for it. Lydia is dedicated to being compliant and providing the best care for her individuals. She also does a great job taking her individuals out into the community. Lydia took her individuals to Florida this past April, which was a first for them all. This was A’s first plane ride as well. Lydia was supportive throughout this process and understood that this was not only an intimidating experience for A. but also a big accomplishment. Lydia and the girls went on boat rides, had beach days, and took a tour of Miami on a double decker bus. Everyone spoke on having the best time and they are looking forward to their next vacation. Thank you, Lydia, for being a phenomenal Host Home Provider and congratulations on winning HHP of the Month!
Aurora Day Program:
The Support Inc. Aurora Day Program is doing well and continuing to accept new individuals and growing the day program. The team is working hard to integrate into the community and provide creative, fun activities for individuals in services. The individuals and staff are having a great time on these outings. Some recent activities include, going to parks, Wendy’s, a splash park, the air and space museum and the butterfly pavilion!! Contact info@supportinc.com if you are interested in learning more about our day program.
Community Based Day Services:
We continue to work hard to provide community based Direct Support Professionals (DSP) to our individuals in services. We have a dedicated staff person focused on this job. She reports that we are currently thriving in the DSP field, as we have hired some quality staff recently. They also met with HR & Intake with a focus on improving our DSP onboarding process. Critical meet & greets with DSPs and the people we serve are going really well! Our dedicated DSP Supervisor attends every internal team meeting to get the needs met, and happy to say we’ve taken a handful of needs off our “needs list’ recently! On another positive note, we have an individual who is simply thriving with his new DSP. Since the DSP has been working with him, he has really come out of his shell. He’s communicating verbally more, he’s more attentive, and he is more willing to participate in activities! He loves working with his DSP and looks forward to their visits :).
We want to highlight a great story involving one of our Host Home Providers, Lydia, and an individual in our services, Ashley. Both of them took a trip together to Florida this past April. This was a first for both of them. Lydia and Ashley went on boat rides, had beach days, and took a tour of Miami on a double decker bus! They both expressed having an amazing time and they are looking forward to their next vacation!! This is a phenomenal example of great, innovative community-based services.
DENTAL & VISION INSURANCE VS WAIVER BENEFITS
Below is a breakdown of the dental benefits waver participants are eligible for:
| Health First Colorado (Medicaid) provided by DentaQuest
Up to $1,500/ year |
Funded by waiver, billed/ provided by DentaQuest (Preventative & basic services)
Up to $2,000/ service plan year |
Funded by waiver, billed/ provided by DentaQuest Up to $10,000/5-year renewal period |
| Annual dental exams & cleanings | Exams, cleaning and x-rays * | Crowns & bridges * |
| Diagnostic & restorative dental services (x-rays & fillings) | Mouth guards * | Dentures * |
| Extractions (tooth pulling) | Topical fluoride treatment * | Implants when necessary to support a dental bridge or when necessary to increase the stability of crowns, bridges, and dentures. * |
| Root canals * | Fillings & root canals * | |
| Crowns * | Dentures, crowns, bridge repair * | |
| Partial dentures * | Non-emergency extractions * | |
| Complete dentures * | Treatment of injuries * | |
| Restoration or recovery of decaying or fractured teeth * | ||
| Dental insurance premiums and co-pays/co-insurance * |
*These services require prior authorization*.
Health First Colorado has partnered with DentaQuest to help members find a dentist and use their dental benefits. If you need help findings a dentist, you can call DentaQuest at 1-855-225-1729 or visit https://dentaquest.com/
Below is a breakdown of the vision benefits waver participants are eligible for:
| Health First Colorado (Medicaid)
|
Funded by waiver (Service Plan) |
| Eye exam | Eye exams and diagnosis |
| Glasses & contact lenses ONLY after surgery | Glasses & contact lenses, except after surgery * |
| Other medically necessary methods used to improve specific dysfunctions of the vision system. ** | |
| Lasik and other similar types of procedures |
*Prior to placing an order for glasses or contact lenses, the vendor must submit an invoice to the CMA (Case Management Agency) who will send payment to the vendor so the prescription can be filled.
** Lasik and similar procedures must be medically appropriate and pre-approved by the CMA. Lasik and other similar types of procedures are only prior approved and allowable when the procedure is necessary due to documented specific behavioral complexities (i.e., constant destruction of eyeglasses) that make other more traditional remedies impractical.
Heath First Colorado (Medicaid) members can find an Optometrist through the Health First Colorado website https://www.healthfirstcolorado.com/find-doctors/
The GLOBAL Down Syndrome Foundation Eye Care & Vision in Down Syndrome Conference will occur August 17th and 19th in Denver/Aurora!
Calling all medical professionals, family members and self-advocates— Register now for this FREE first-in-kind conference providing the latest updates and best practices for eye care and vision for children and adults with Down syndrome. Nationally recognized experts Drs. Emily McCourt and Michael Puente will be presenting two conferences opportunities, one for Medical Professionals on Aug 17th with CMEs, and one for family members/self-advocates on Aug 19th. All your questions about eye health and vision will be answered! Free parking, drinks and a sumptuous three-course meal included! Register using the link below.
https://www.globaldownsyndrome.org/eye-and-vision-professional-conference/
Please join us for our monthly Caregiver Support group on Tuesday, August 22nd, 1:30pm-2:30pm. This will occur virtually on zoom. This platform is an opportunity to talk with and meet likeminded IDD caregivers. For more information and for the zoom link please email info@supportinc.com
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