People Helping People
When Patrick was younger, doctors told his family that he would never be able to show emotion or smile. As you can see from the photos, Patrick proved them wrong!
Every year since he was a kid, Patrick has attended Adam’s Camp. He knows everyone there and they all know him. It is one of Patrick’s favorite places to be, and it always puts a smile on his face. This year, he got to spend some time in the mountains and enjoy a gondola ride, go swimming with his favorite camp counselor, and even help make some music for everyone.
Patrick’s family caregivers, Kelly and Steve, know how important camp is to Patrick and always make sure everything is ready, so he is able to go each year. Kelly keeps photo albums of each year, and it is always so great looking through them and seeing how happy camp makes Patrick.
Please join us in congratulating Rigzin on her award! This write-up was produced by Abby on the Loveland Team-
I would like to nominate Rigzin for HHP of the month. After living with her family her whole life, Andrea moved in with Rigzin last November. This was a huge transition and change for Andrea. Since then, Rigzin has given her a safe environment to live her best life. She feels that her and Andrea were “meant to be” when it comes to being a host home provider.
On my home visits, Andrea has been more engaged and smiling more each time I go for a visit. Rigzin also makes sure that Andrea is still able to connect and spend time with her family, who are very important to her. Other than helping Andrea stay happy and healthy, Rigzin also excels on the paperwork side and always ensures that documentation is completed and turned in in a timely manner. She is great at communicating with Andrea’s team, and always stays on top of everything.
Thanks again, Rigzin, for being such a wonderful provider!!
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
Please join us for our monthly Caregiver Support Group on July 26, 11am-12pm! This is hosted virtually by Support Inc. and all IDD Caregivers are invited. For more information, please contact Brian at: brian.slusarz@supportinc.com
After a long cool spring and early summer, Colorado temperatures are heating up fast and it’s important to protect yourself and the person you support from heat-related illness. When possible, stay inside during the hottest parts of the day. There are some things you can do to keep the interior of your home cool such as, block direct sunlight by using window shutters or awning and keeping thermal curtains/blinds closed, increase airflow in the home by using electric fans and opening windows during the early morning/ late evening, using air conditioning and monitoring the indoor temperature. Heat related illnesses are preventable, knowing the signs to look for a responding quickly can prevent a minor illness from becoming a medical emergency. Common heat related illnesses include: heat rash (a skin condition caused by blocked sweat ducts and trapped sweat beneath the skin), sunburn, heat exhaustion (a condition that happens when your body overheats) and the most serious of heat related illnesses heat stroke (occurs when the body can no longer control it’s temperature causing the body’s temperature to rise rapidly and become unable to cool down-requires immediate medical care). To learn more about these types of heat related illnesses, how to identify signs and symptoms and what to do click here.
Tips to prevent heat related illness:
1. Stay indoors, in a cool place during extreme heat.
2. Drink plenty of water. Dehydration is the primary cause of heat exhaustion. High temperatures increase the risk of dehydration.
3. Apply sunscreen every day. Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours throughout the day especially if you’ve been swimming or sweating.
4. Wear lightweight, light-colored and loose-fitting clothing.
Check out this local article below, focused on caring for a loved one with IDD.
Happy Disability Pride Month! Celebrated each year in July, Disability Pride Month was established to recognize the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on July 26, 1990. This month makes space to honor the history, achievements, and experiences of the disability community and break down the stigmas surrounding disability. Disability Pride Month also encourages us all to identify where ableism is still present in the systems and environments in which we live and consider ways to improve accessibility for all. Save the date for The Colfax Center’s celebration of this month and our community members with disabilities on Saturday, July 29! The celebration will feature speed friending, a resource fair, food, and performances. Follow the link below to learn more about this event and a peer support group.
https://lgbtqcolorado.org/event/hybrid-disability-peer-support-group/2023-07-14/
Please join us for our annual BBQ on July 27th, 1pm-5pm, at our Aurora office. This event is free and will include food, games and prizes! Please RSVP below using the link or QR code. Email HRAdmin@supportinc.com for more information.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc3FUQsQRd4hWBh4IMdYiOJFOwBjreNfMKLkVCi5PCJmICIhQ/viewform
A great opportunity for IDD individuals to play softball! This event is hosted by the Beautiful Lives Project which helps people with disabilities to live their dreams through sports and other programs across the country. On Wednesday June 28, 10am-12pm, in Aurora, CO, they are hosting an event where 60 adults and children with any disability can play on the field with AAU softball players as a part of a summer tournament put on by Triple Crown Sports. The individuals with disabilities will have the opportunity to learn softball skills from high school softball players from across the country and to create friendships that will last a lifetime. Follow the link below for more information and to register.
Field of Dreams Softball with Triple Crown Sports — Beautiful Lives Project