HR Corner

Human Resources News & Updates

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Hispanic Heritage Month: 

September-October is Hispanic Heritage Month which aims to indicate the significance, history, and culture of Latinos and raise awareness of it among the workforces. From hispanicheritagemonth.gov: “This Web portal is a collaborative project of the Library of Congress and the National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution, United States Holocaust Memorial Museum and U.S. National Archives and Records Administration.

About National Hispanic Heritage Month:

Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15, by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting on September 15 and ending on October 15. It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988, on the approval of Public Law 100-402. The day of September 15 is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September 18, respectively. Also, Columbus Day or Día de la Raza, which is October 12, falls within this 30-day period. From The American Presidency Project: Proclamation 10446—National Hispanic Heritage Month, 2022: “Hispanic heritage holds an indelible place in the heart and soul of our Nation, and National Hispanic Heritage Month reminds us that the American identity is a fabric of diverse traditions and stories woven together. Since the beginning, our country has drawn strength and insights from Hispanic writers, scientists, soldiers, doctors, entrepreneurs, academics, and leaders in labor and government. Our culture has been enriched by the rhythms, art, literature, and creativity of Hispanic peoples. And our deepest values have been informed by the love of family and faith that is at the core of so many Hispanic communities. All of these contributions help us realize the promise of America for all Americans.

Women’s Health and Fitness Day- September 27, 2023:

Make this day memorable by raising awareness about the importance of women’s health and fitness in today’s world. We celebrate National Women’s Health and Fitness Day the last Wednesday in September. This day is important in helping us all remember to focus on the importance of physical activity and encouraging us to promote health awareness for women in general.

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Navigating IHSS and PASA: A Guide for Colorado Caregivers

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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.

  1. Eligibility for IHSS

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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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:

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

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Host Home Provider of the Month!

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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!

Day Serv.

Day Services News & Updates

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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 :).

 

Recent News

Ashley and Lydia go to Florida!

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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.

 

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Global Down Syndrome Foundation Eye Care & Vision Conference

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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/

Thank you

Looking for care homes near you? Support, Inc. provides innovative IDD community services

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We’d like to give a huge shout out to Host Home Provider, Jamie Sanchez, for her amazing work. Jamie goes above and beyond to support our individuals in services and is a true example of a “people helping people” person! She went on several fun trips this summer with the three individuals she supports. On June 10th, they went kayaking, and on July 8th, they went to the Pueblo Reservoir to rent a pontoon boat. At one point NM and DY even steered the pontoon! After boating, they went to the gift shop to buy merchandise and then went out for dinner. Check out pictures below of their adventures. Thank you, Jamie, for being a rockstar Host Home Provider!!!