Spaulding Connection Newsletter for the Spaulding Support Services Community Congratulations Winner! On March 13th the winner of our St. Patrick’s Day FaceBook drawing was announced. Congratulations Kim Perra! To win a $25.00 gift card to Coleman’s authentic Irish pub, all you had to do was like our page and share the post. Spring 2015 Let the music play This past winter, Linda Barnes who lives at the “Spaulding House” went to St. Lucy’s church gym to support the David Clark Learning Center (DCLC) which she attends on Wednesdays. To her surprise they asked her to join the band and play the tambourine! Her smile says it all! For information on any further events or contests please visit our Spaulding Support Services page on FaceBook and click the Like button. __________________________________ Seniors Can Get It Done Ed Stabler in the IT Department has been using his time over the last couple of decades volunteering his assistance for organizations he admires. This year he was chosen Senior Citizen of the Year in Onondaga County through a nomination from Hospice of CNY. He says he keeps his wife happy by having somewhere to go every day. Congratulations Ed! __________________________________ Put on your dancing shoes Rob Deitz became involved with Spanish dancing when he lived in Puerto Rico with his family. His mother, Elaine, says they were thrilled when they found LaCasita Cultural Center on the Near West Side in Syracuse after moving to the area. This cultural center is run by Syracuse University's Arts and Sciences Department. He has danced with LaCasita in many performances over the last three years, one being before a Symphoria performance at the Civic Center, another with Raises Dance Troupe from Syracuse University and many at La Casita. Rob loves his involvement with this group. His dance instructor and mentor is Luz Encarnacion who is Program Director. He also dances with Danzactiva in San Juan, Puerto Rico when his family visits there. Rob is a respite guest at Spaulding’s Guest House. His friends from the Guest House have enjoyed his performances and watching him dance. Swimming with the Dolphins Sarah Given on vacation, swimming with the Dolphins at Sea World and Discovery Cove, Orlando, FL. Sarah loved the people, and the dolphins too! __________________________________ Rob performing with LaCasita at Palace Theater __________________________________ Sweet sounds … On 03/31/15 Staff Lori Jarrett and Lancaster resident, Jim Throne were off to Buffalo to see Neil Diamond, Jim’s favorite singer in concert! You can see by their self-proclaimed “Neil Diamond Facial Expressions”, that they had a great time!!!! When they returned, you could hear them singing “Sweet Caroline”. Buffalo will never be the same! Jim and Lori’s “Neil Diamond Facial Expressions” __________________________________ Busy …Busy…Busy... Jessica Clark is a busy person. In addition to attending the Liberty Resources Onondaga Day Habilitation Without Walls four days/week, she also has a Part-time job at Price Chopper where she assists the cashiers with bagging of customer’s groceries. Jessica also has attended the Tulip Travel chaperoned trips on a yearly basis and the New Visions Summer Program which is held on the campus at OCC each year. Jessica is a member of the Individual Rights Committee at Arc of Onondaga, visits her family regularly on special occasions, participates in the Special Olympics activities, and bowls with the Arc of Onondaga Fall-Winter Bowling League in season. Whew! In April of last year, Jessica moved from the Gifford IRA, an Arc of Onondaga residence, to an apartment at Nob Hill also supported by Arc, which she shares with 2 other roommates. Jessica reportedly eased right into her new home with no hesitation. She loves her new living arrangement and dove into sharing the responsibilities of the cooking and cleaning of her new home. Jessica’s mother shared that her daughter has always been able to get along well with everyone and that she has a lot of friends with whom she likes to socialize at the Friday night dances at the Fairgrounds. Jessica has received Service Coordination from Spaulding Support Services for many years. Jessica’s Employment Consultant from Employment Options told a story of how she regularly assists a non-sighted customer who comes into Price Chopper to do his grocery shopping. She walks around the store helping him both in making his selections and during his checkout at the cash registers. Jessica arranges for her own transportation to and from work utilizing Call-A-Bus. Jessica has a smile for everyone she meets and enjoys a level of independence which allows her to have a full life in every way. Rosalind Scarantino– Medicaid Service Coordinator __________________________________ disability can be very difficult and hard to manage. Let’s face it, most of us know how hard it can be to raise a child…hourly feedings, sleepless nights, constant diaper changes, and that is just the tip of the iceberg. But then you add in another element, the individual’s own limitations. With these two things together it could become very chaotic. However, with the right support, outlook, and attitude these worries and concerns can be lessened. Shavon and Eric are a great team together, have a great support system and are a great support to one another. Shavon has dreamed of being a mother and has truly stepped up to the role of being Mom. Who knows what the future holds for this family but who knows what the future holds for any of us? All we can do as Care Providers and Support Staff is assist our clients along their journey and help them succeed and achieve their goals, hopes and dreams anyway we can. Kristin Gentile – Community Habilitation Spvr __________________________________ Great expectations … Addition to the family … Shavon Tolbert is one of our clients who receives Community Habilitation. This is her story… Shavon and Eric met in 2007. The two met at Arc of Onondaga and after many years of dating got married in a small ceremony in October 2013 in front of family and close friends. Shavon and Eric talked about having a family of their own one day and in March of 2014 the two found out they were expecting their first child due in December. Shavon and Eric started 2015 with a new challenge. Parenthood. While neither of them would have it any other way, having a baby and having a On Saturday April 11, 2015, Shelly Price, an individual who lives at our Lancaster Residence hosted a wonderful baby shower for her staff person, Alicia Clark! The food and decorations were wonderful and all Shelly’s housemates were involved. Along with the folks from Lancaster, other agency staff attended as well as Alicia’s Mom, Ronnie Hunter, who is our accountant at the main office. Thank you so much Shelly for all your hard work! _________________________________ Promotions!! Employee News Welcome New Employees!! Patricia Gallishaw DSP Vanessa Duncan DSP Alice Ruffalo DSP Defonda Bell DSP David Gist DSP Joanne Buckingham MSC Karish Johnson DSP Kimberly Clark DSP Timothy Bell DSP Earl Holmes (Jamal) DSP Patricia Quigley (welcome back!) DSP Shakema Bentley DSP Anniversaries from January to June 5 years Geraldine Cooper-Johnson- DSP at Spaulding House Katie Freeman- DSP in Community Hab 10 years Connie Mattocks-Program Supervisor at the Crystal House 15 years Alicia Clark-DSP at the Lancaster House Sharon Parsons-DSP at the Spaulding House 20 years Denise Morini-Program Coordinator Charlotte Fragale-QA Specialist/Corporate Compliance Officer 25 years Caroline Gettino- MSC Team Leader Jenine Pulphus was promoted to Program Supervisor at the Guest House Nacole DuBose was promoted to Assistant Program Supervisor at the Guest House Brenda Turner-Vessell was promoted to Assistant Program Supervisor in Community Hab Monique Black-Gist was promoted to Assistant Program Supervisor at the Crystal House. New Babies on the way!! Crystal Gregory at Joslyn Court Alicia Clark at Lancaster Sophia Ruffus at Crystal House __________________________________ Ask Wilhelmina Submit your questions and Wilhelmina will provide information to selected questions in this column. Dear Wilhelmina, I have a daughter who is forty-three years old and has a disability. She still lives with us, and except for a few hours every day when she attends a day program, we have provided all of her care. My husband and I are getting older and recently my husband has developed some medical issues. I am very worried about where my daughter would live if anything were to happen to us. And as time goes on I wonder how much longer my husband and I can continue to take care of her. She needs a lot of assistance with everyday life, and sometimes it can feel overwhelming. My friend mentioned that a group home might be a possibility. I’ve heard of group homes, but don’t know much about them. Help. Signed: A scared Mom Dear scared Mom, It is very understandable that you are worried about what your daughter’s future will be like and it is great that you and your husband are beginning to think about this now before a true crisis arises. The system of services can seem complex and overwhelming, and you will need to learn about the variety of options available in order for your daughter, along with you and your husband, to make informed choices going forward. I would suggest that the first step would be to get a Medicaid Service Coordinator to assist you and your family, if you don’t already have one. A Service Coordinator, or MSC as they are known, can help your family by assessing your daughter’s strengths and needs, giving you information about the different types of services that are available, and making referrals to the services you and your daughter choose. You can obtain information on eligibility for MSC by contacting the local Developmental Services Office. Since you asked about group homes, I’ll do my best to describe in general what the term means. Group homes, which are now known as Individualized Residential Alternatives (IRAs), are houses or apartments that are owned or rented by the agency that operates the residence. The agency provides staff to support the individuals who live in the IRA. Staff, known as Direct Support Professionals (DSPs), provide assistance and training for each person who lives in the home, much like you do for your daughter. IRAs can be either “supervised”, meaning there is staff twenty-four hours per day, or “supportive”, meaning that staff is there when people need assistance, but there are times people are able to be home without staff. IRAs also vary in size from one or two people up to eight. The most common is probably four to six. Our agency has made a commitment to provide people with their own bedroom whenever possible, although sharing a bedroom with a housemate can be quite common. The household routines are often quite typical, with people eating meals together, assisting with the upkeep of their homes, and enjoying socializing with their housemates. People go to their jobs or day programs, have medical appointments, and do things they like to do in the community. Living in a group home is one way for a person to get the support and assistance they need. Another way is known as Self-Directed Services. In SelfDirected Services, people with disabilities are able choose, plan and access individualized services that best fit their needs. In order to get services in this way, the person’s MSC begins the SelfDirection process by completing a service request. Once the request is approved, the MSC helps the person find a Support Broker who will work with them to identify their “Planning Team”, and to develop a comprehensive plan of services. Funding for the services is awarded based on an assessment of the person’s needs. A Fiscal Intermediary will help the person use the budgeted money to pay for the services contained in the plan. A Self-Direction Plan can include services such as Community Habilitation, where a trained staff provides assistance, support and training in the person’s home or in the community. Other services include respite and employment services. The person can also use their budget to pay for things like transportation, help from a neighbor, community classes, and many others. There is also a housing subsidy available based on the person’s income and living expenses. Along with a self-direction plan a person might access community services that are paid for through their health insurance such as a home health aide, or Medicaid transportation. Self-Directed Services can give a person and their planning team the ability to develop an individualized package of services designed specifically for that person. There is even the option for “self-hired” services, where the individual chooses, hires and supervises his or her own staff. I hope this information has been helpful as you begin planning for the future. Best of luck to you and your family. ~ Wilhelmina ____________________________________ Changes to job titles and job descriptions The Agency has recently made a change to job titles and job descriptions for those positions that work directly with individuals served. Once known as Residential Counselors, Assistant Managers, and Managers, they are now known as Direct Support Professionals (DSP), Assistant Program Supervisors, and Program Supervisors. This change was done to implement the efforts of OPWDD to professionalize the field. According to Wikipedia: Direct support professionals (DSPs) are people who work directly with people with physical disabilities and/or intellectual disabilities with the aim of assisting the individual to become integrated into his/her community or the least restrictive environment. A direct support professional is a person who assists an individual with a disability to lead a selfdirected life and contribute to the community, assists with activities of daily living if needed, and encourages attitudes and behaviors that enhance community inclusion. A DSP may provide supports to a person with a disability at home, work, school, church, and other community places. A DSP also acts as an advocate for the disabled individual, in communicating their needs, self-expression and goals. The Agency is making every effort to ensure that it promotes a culture in which supports and services for individuals with developmental disabilities is person-centered with a strong emphasis on personal choice. In addition, a greater emphasis is placed on ethical practice and a high level of competence when providing supports and services. The combined effects of standardized training, implementation of the Code of Ethics and improving the overall status of the DSP as a career, fosters the development of caring relationships and ultimately a sense of high quality perceived by the person served, their families and advocates. ____________________________________ Coming down the Pike NYSACRA Analysis of the Final 2015-16 State Budget Both houses and the Governor agreed upon key proposals including ethics reform, changes to teacher tenure tied to evaluations as well as several economic development initiatives. The 2% cost of living adjustment for human services agencies, including NYSACRA members, is in the final budget. Several of the Governor's proposed initiatives for the NYS Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) passed and new initiatives advanced by the Senate and Assembly which represent more open and inclusive government are a part of the final agreement. Two major highlights of the final budget for OPWDD include funding for: new and expanded service opportunities including certified and non-certified residential opportunities, day programs, employment, case management and respite. The Legislature added $2 million to the Governor’s proposed $120 million to fund an approximate 3,500 opportunities; and the cost of living adjustment (COLA) for direct support professionals and clinicians providing a 2% compensation increase for state-funded programs. The COLA will be effective April 1, 2015. The final State Budget also includes language to: amend the Nurse Practice Act, implement OPWDD omnibus reporting requirements, study the creation of an Office of Community Living, implement demonstration programs and perform a transportation needs assessment. The details on the new initiatives are below. Nurse Practice Act – Statutory Changes to Expand Exemption To further advance last year’s budget proposal expanding the exemption of the Nurse Practice Act which allows for direct care staff in certified settings to include individuals working in non-certified settings that are funded, authorized or approved by OPWDD, this year’s final State Budget adds additional statutory language necessary to clarify OPWDD’s authority to oversee such services and to engage in the corporate practice of nursing. Through this budget action, the OPWDD Home and Community-Based waiver has been codified and language has been added related to ensuring proper eligibility assessments are performed and HCBS waiver services are consistent with an individual’s person-centered plan which is also to be consistent with the assessment. OPWDD Omnibus Reporting Requirements Five new proposals requiring OPWDD to act with more transparency and to report on various activities and actions have been included in the final budget. The majority of these new proposals were added by the Senate and the Assembly and were championed by the advocacy community. A total of $1 million was included in the final budget to implement reporting requirements. All proposals take effect immediately and will be repealed April 1, 2016. The omnibus reporting proposal includes: 1. Reporting on the Residential Registration List (the waitlist for services) 2. Employment Choice/Sheltered Workshop Transition Plan 3. OPWDD Transformation Panel 4. State-Operated Developmental Center Census Reporting 5. OPWDD Front Door – Process and Reporting All reports will be made available to the Temporary President of the Senate and the Speaker of the Assembly no later than February 15, 2016. More information can be found on the following websites: opwdd.ny.gov and nysacra.org ________________________________________ Shared goals New York State and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) have identified a series of shared goals that will improve opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities in the areas of employment, integrated living, and selfdirection of services. These goals are captured in a transformation agreement. They include: Developing new service options to better meet the needs of individuals and families in a truly person-centered way, including allowing for more self-direction of services; Creating a specialized managed care system that recognizes the unique needs of people with disabilities, and is focused on a habilitative model of services and supports; Ensuring that people live in the most integrated community settings; Increasing the number of individuals who are competitively employed; Focusing on a quality system that values personal outcome goals for people, such as an improved life or access to meaningful activities; and Working to make funding in the system sustainable and transparent. To support the transformation agreement, OPWDD will have access to additional funding and technical assistance through the federal government’s Balancing Incentives Program. OPWDD will also begin participating in New York’s Money Follows the Person demonstration, which lends federal financial support for individuals who wish transition from institutional settings into community settings. The Regional Centers for Workforce Transformation (RCWT) are pleased to offer the NYS Workforce Transformation Website as a source of current information, practical resources and tools that will assist in the trans- formation process. The six RCWT are not regulatory or oversight entities but regional collaborations of service providers. Our mission is a synchronized effort to assist in the implementation of the Code of Ethics and Core Competencies for the direct support professionals (DSPs) in organizations. For more information, visit the website: www.workforcetransformation.org ______________________________ Who Will Speak for You? The New York Health Care Proxy Law allows you to appoint someone you trust — for example, a family member or close friend – to make health care decisions for you if you lose the ability to make decisions yourself. By appointing a health care agent, you can make sure that health care providers follow your wishes. Everyone over the age of 18 needs to appoint a health care agent. There are two situations in which a health care agent will be needed: you. If you have appointed a health care agent, your health care agent can be your voice and make your health care decisions according to your own wishes, or your best interests. Your agent can also decide how your wishes apply as your medical condition changes. Hospitals, doctors and other health care providers must follow your agent's decisions as if they were your own. You may give the person you select as your health care agent as little or as much authority as you want. You may allow your agent to make all health care decisions or only certain ones. You may also give your agent instructions that he or she must follow. The Health Care Proxy Form may also be used to document your wishes or instructions with regard to organ and/or tissue donation. Making decisions about how you want to live the remainder of your life and appointing the appropriate person to be your health care agent can be overwhelming. In order to assist in the decision making process, the Department recommends the following steps: Clarify Values and Beliefs 1. Temporary inability to make health care decisions – no matter what your age is. For example, you are having an outpatient surgical procedure and are under general anesthesia. Something unexpected happens and a health care decision needs to be made. If you have a health care agent, since you are temporarily unable to make your own decisions, the health care agent may make the decision. Once you become conscious again, the health care agent would no longer have any authority to act; 2. Permanent inability to make health care decisions – this would arise if you were comatose from a terminal illness, in a persistent vegetative state, suffered from an illness that left you unable to communicate or, if elderly, suffered from senile dementia or Alzheimer's disease. Under these circumstances you would obviously be unable to make your own health care decisions. If you don't have a health care agent, all appropriate medical treatments will be provided to It is important to consider and to think about your individual wishes as they relate to how you want to live the remainder of your life. Most people don't have any idea how to begin to think about this or begin a discussion about this. Many people are finding that using tools, such as a values assessment, may help to pinpoint key feelings and opinions about how they want to live the remainder of their lives. Such tools can be found at the following web sites: Choose a Spokesperson Choosing a health care agent who will speak for you and make decisions when you are unable is a very important task that each adult needs to make, regardless of age or health care status. Your agent will advocate for your preferred treatment and ensure that your wishes are carried out at a point in time when you cannot speak for yourself. Once your agent is chosen, it is very important to share your wishes, thoughts and opinions about how you want to live the remainder of your life with your agent. A person will not be able to predict every scenario that may present itself in a health care situation. As such, explaining your thoughts, feelings and preferences will give your agent the information necessary to make decisions on your behalf. Discuss Your Wishes It is important to discuss your wishes with your health care providers, particularly your primary care provider. This information will enable your providers to care for you in a manner that is consistent with your wishes. Practical Issues Once your Health Care Proxy has been signed, it's important to ensure that a copy is given to your agent, primary care provider and other family members. It is also a good idea to consider carrying a copy in your wallet or purse, in case of unexpected emergencies. For more information go to www.health.ny.gov ____________________________________ DONOR RECOGNITION CORNER Judy & William Anderson Mary Ellen Andrews Anonymous Chris Arnold Thomas & Ursula Ashmore Jacqueline Battista Angela Brown Kevin Burke Jim & Gloria Byrnes Flora Callen Joel Campbell Jason Carr Randy Castle Buzz Cicchetti Joel Clark Ken Clark Marty & Eileen Clark William Clarke Jr. Gus Copanas Michael Copanas Christine Corcoran Clare Corcoran Matt Corp Sandy Coughlin Paula & James Culbertson Don DeGrande Gerard & Norma Dite Vivian & George Duffy Lisa Durkee Brenda Jean Edge Derek Edge Nancy Elliott Jennifer Evans Dr. & Mrs. Alfred Falcone Dr. & Mrs. Philip Falcone Manny Falcone Sylvia Fenn Debra Fenocchi Julio Fenocchi Mary Beth Fenocchi Jim & Ann Ferguson Ersilla & Ned Ferris Lynda & Ned Ferris Katherine Flack Kelly Frawley Stephen & Julie Frawley Anne & Dave Gangemi Nancy Gannon M.G. Garcia Michael Patrick Gargon Jim & Carol Gaspo Carol Gavin Sophia & Joseph Gimelli Maggie Glitz Michael & Elizabeth Gluck Angela Gonnella Robert Goodfellow Jr. Merrilee Gorton Dan Griffith Chris Hasto Peg Hayes Dennis & Karen Hennigan Martha Hennigan Susan Henry John Hurley Jr. Edward & Juliette Hyne Kathy Infiniti Lorna Jerome Edward & Susan Judge John & Marianthe Kane Catherine & Jack King Christopher & Patricia King Garry Klink James, Elizabeth & Violet Kolbe Frederick Kucinski Ann Lauton Mary & Phil Lyford Tom Madeline Anthony & Theresa Mazzacuz Matthew McCabe Justin McCombie Margaret McDonald Jim McElhannon Joseph & Ellen McMullen Joseph & Theresa Mecca Spiros & Anastasia Mihou Jason Miller Ed & Sharon Moran James E Moran Ann E. Morgese Joe Morini Richard Naughton Dan Needle Jack Needle Robert Nicholson Claudette Novara Diane & James O’Looney Mary O’Murphy Lynn O’Shea Richard & Barbara Peck Sam Perry Deborah Pflugh Codey Pledger Mark Popp Charles & Betty Price Linda Rade Tom Reiley Patricia Revello Cassandra Rhodes Peter Rhodes Thomas Roberts Ann Rooney Kelly Ryan Jackie Saddler Bridget Saroff Robert & Joan Satterly Donald & Laura Schmidt Gabby & Nick Schrader Barbara Scrapino Paul & Pamela Senecal Don Shedd Travis Shedd Joe & Connie Sojewicz Joseph & Elaine Solon James Southard Gordon & Susan Spooner Ed Stabler Karen & Richard Stapleton Dean Stark Peter & Catherine Stark Bruce & Daphne Stowe Susan Takacs Barbara Thomas Nick Togias Wendy VanRiper Mr. & Mrs. James Vogt Saru Voleti Karen Waelder Carol Wendler Kristin Wendler Thomas & Carol Wick Michael & Mary Beth Wiggs Kathleen M. Wilbur-Hopkins Pam Williams Prudence York *And Many Other Individuals and Families Who Have Been Very Generous Companies and Corporations Andy’s Produce – Dan Bassett Bossongs Byrne Dairy Columbus Foundation Couvert-Falcone Trust Dominick Falcone Agency Donald R. Shedd Jr. Drywall, Inc. Fleetwood Drywall, Inc. Four Seasons – John Goodfellow Frawley Living Trust Good News Foundation of CNY Inc. James P. Regan Agency King of Clean Mohawk Valley Frasers Myslinksi Funeral Home Novara Living Trust Nunn & McGrath Funeral Home Parishioners of Reverend Kelly Peter A. Guinta & Sons Reagan Companies Sunridge & Roberts Funeral Home Syracuse Banana – Steve Ensara Thursday Bridge Group Valentine Garden Apts Wegmans - We Thank You! ____________________________________ April Spring Gala Hope you didn’t miss the April Spring Gala at the Double Tree Hotel. Individuals, family members, friends, board members and employees enjoyed a nice banquet luncheon with a photo-booth and dancing. Spaulding Support Services Newsletter Editors: Joan Fooks Charlotte Fragale Caroline Gettino Pam Holly Crystal Kennedy Denise Morini Saru Voleti Special thanks to Merrilee G, Kim S, Ed S, and Karen W for contributing material to this Newsletter and to Debbie F and Angela W for layout. If you have news and would like to contact us, please call (315) 478-6210 or email newsletter@spauldingsupport.org ____________________________________ If you’d like to receive your future copies of the newsletter via email, please send your email address to newsletter@spauldingsupport.org with a request for an electronic copy. Please write Email Newsletter in the subject line. Upcoming Events …. THANK YOU FOR READING Spaulding Spring/Summer Event Calendar April 26th 12-4 pm - Spaulding Spring Gala at the Double Tree Hotel June 9th 6:25 pm - Spaulding Enters the JP Morgan Corporate Challenge at Onondaga Lake Park June 27th 9 am - Spaulding Annual Charity Golf Tournament at Rogues’ Roost July 22nd 4 pm - Spaulding Family Picnic at Ryder Park in Dewitt _________________________________________
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