How Prioritizing Consumer Empowerment Can Redefine an Industry

How Prioritizing Consumer Empowerment Can Redefine an Industry

Entering Colorado’s consumer-directed care market in 2019 was both a challenge and an opportunity for Palco. At that time, the market was dominated by an incumbent vendor with over a decade of experience, deep knowledge of the local regulations, and strong relationships with stakeholders. We started with zero clients and faced significant competition in establishing…

2024 Annual Survey
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2024 Annual Survey

Survey Specifics The survey was administered in July of 2024 and sent to program stakeholders across Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Maine, Michigan, Nevada, Ohio, and West Virginia. The survey was open for response from 7/1/2024-7/31/2024. This survey is administered annually and stands alone from our ongoing feedback survey that collects satisfaction with individual day-to-day interactions…

Managing Crisis
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Managing Crisis

At Palco, supporting our clients in their self-direction responsibilities can be stressful for them. In self-direction, the person receiving the services has a choice and control over the services and support. With this responsibility comes decisions and pressure at times. People seeking care can sometimes develop anxiety or feel like they are in a crisis….

Home and Community Based Services for Native Americans
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Home and Community Based Services for Native Americans

Across the United States, Native American communities face unique challenges when it comes to accessing healthcare and social services. Fortunately, there are programs designed to address these needs and empower individuals with disabilities and elders to live fulfilling lives within their own communities. These programs are known as Home and Community Based Services (HCBS). Native…

Everything You Need to Know About Disability Pride Month
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Everything You Need to Know About Disability Pride Month

There is an awareness month, week, or day for just about everything. Picking a specific time frame to start conversations around an illness, group, or cause is a great way to raise awareness for that cause.   One awareness month we are excited to tell you about is Disability Pride Month.  The History of Disability Pride…

Opinion: If you are not promoting self-direction, you are actively contributing to the direct care workforce crisis
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Opinion: If you are not promoting self-direction, you are actively contributing to the direct care workforce crisis

Imagine you’re at a restaurant, hungry and ready for a great meal. Your server asks you what you’d like to eat without ever handing you a menu. When you ask, she tells you about the hamburgers and chicken dishes they have to offer, but she decides to omit telling you about their spaghetti because she…

Service Animals, Emotional Support Animals, and the Differences Between Them 
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Service Animals, Emotional Support Animals, and the Differences Between Them 

What is a Service Dog?  Service dogs, also known as service animals, are dogs that receive specialized training to a perform a task directly related to a person’s disability. They are recognized by – and protected under – the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). In some instances, miniature horses can also be service animals. However,…

Streamlining Self-Direction Onboarding: A Quick and Compliant Process in Minutes
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Streamlining Self-Direction Onboarding: A Quick and Compliant Process in Minutes

In today’s fast-paced world, efficiency is key, especially when it comes to onboarding Self-direction and enabling individuals with disabilities and those aging in place to live independent lives.  Whether you’re a brand-new program participant, a seasoned surrogate employer hiring a new worker, or beginning your rewarding career as a caregiver, ensuring a smooth and compliant…

Improving Accessibility by Using Plain Language
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Improving Accessibility by Using Plain Language

We can build elevators and put in ramps for those with low mobility. Sign Language interpreters and closed captions can help those who are Deaf. People with vision deficiencies can benefit from large print, Braille, or audiobooks. But how do we make concepts, instructions, and other writings more accessible? One way is following the guidelines…

Self-Direction in the Hispanic Community
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Self-Direction in the Hispanic Community

The overall goal for self-direction in general is to give the elderly and individuals with disabilities their independence, thus creating a naturally inclusive model that strives to serve all populations. While this is true, there are still various populations that go underserved, and that includes the Hispanic population. Below, we discuss the challenges this population…