QA COrner

QA Department News & Updates

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Changes to the individual service & support plan (ISSP):

If you’ve joined our provider town hall meetings you’ve heard about the many changes happening in the IDD system in Colorado. With all these changes, our regulations also needed to be updated. While there are many changes to our regulations, we want to take some time to talk about one major change to the individual services and support plan (ISSP) goals. Case Managers are no longer required to add ISSP goals to the service plan. Additionally, provider agencies are no longer required to develop and track formal ISSP goal programs. This has been a core function of the IDD system for many years and will take us some time to fully phase it out of our operating practices. We are still required to demonstrate that we are supporting people to achieve their goals. We will be doing the following over the next several months:

  1. We will work to discontinue current ISSP programs.
  2. We will stop checking ISSP requirements as part of our internal auditing beginning March 2024.
  3. By June 2024, we will solidify a plan to address how we demonstrate supports being provided to help people achieve their goals.
  4. We will remove the ISSP requirement across our internal tools over the next several months.
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Host Home Provider of the Month

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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!!

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Sasha Hits the Slopes!

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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 😉!

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Kyle Gets His Car Back!

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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!

QA COrner

QA News & Updates- IDD Awareness Month

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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)

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Support Options for Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

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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 Corner

HR News and Updates

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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

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January Host Home Provider of the Month

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Please join us in congratulating the January Host Home Providers of the month- Agnes and Ron!! They were nominated by the Denver Metro 2 Team and Residential Coordinator, Jillian. This month marks one year of Jillian meeting Agnes and Ron and it has been an absolute pleasure working with them. They do an incredible job of taking care of three individuals who all have high medical needs, while continuously balancing their focus and care for each one of them. It’s clear that our person receiving services (PRS) is taken care of with nothing but unconditional love and support. Our PRS has a contagious smile and seeing him light up every time he looks at Agnes and Ron is the sweetest thing to witness. No matter the task or responsibility, Agnes and Ron work as a team to make sure they are on top of everything. They are always prepared and proactive and continue to advocate for the person receiving services. Agnes and Ron are incredible when it comes to monitoring the PRS’s health, making sure to notify me every step of the way so we are always on the same page. After a year of getting to know them, Agnes and Ron are not only great providers who make the PRS feel like another member of the family, but also two fantastic people with the kindest hearts. Agnes and Ron, I have nothing but appreciation and respect for the care you provide, thank you for all that you do! Congratulations on being named Host Home Providers of the Month!!!