FAQ

General Information

1. What is Essential Living Support, LLC?

Essential Living Support, LLC is a veteran-owned provider in Cheyenne, Wyoming, offering compassionate home- and community-based services for Veterans and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). Our mission is to promote dignity, independence, and inclusion through personalized care and support.

2. Where is Essential Living Support located?

We proudly serve clients throughout Cheyenne, WY, and surrounding Laramie County. Our certified VA Medical Foster Home provides safe, person-centered care in a comfortable residential setting.

3. What are your hours of operation?

Essential Living Support operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week to ensure continuous support. Office hours for administrative inquiries are Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Services and Eligibility

4. What services do you offer in Cheyenne, WY?

We provide a full range of services including Personal Care, Life Skills Development, Specialized Support Services, Companion Services, Transportation, and Homemaker Assistance—all designed to enhance independence and quality of life.

5. Who qualifies for your programs?

Our services are open to Veterans, adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities, and individuals requiring long-term or short-term residential support. Eligibility is determined through assessment and referral from state or federal programs such as the VA Medical Foster Home Program or Wyoming Medicaid Waiver.

6. How do I apply or enroll in your services?

Families or case managers can begin by completing our online intake form or contacting our office directly. We’ll schedule a consultation to discuss individual needs, care goals, and eligibility requirements.

Cost, Payment, and Funding

7. How much do services cost?

Costs vary based on the level of support, living arrangement, and funding source. We offer transparent pricing and work closely with families to create affordable care plans aligned with each individual’s needs.

8. What payment methods or funding sources do you accept?

We accept Medicaid Waivers, VA benefits, and private pay options. Our team assists families in navigating funding applications and reimbursement processes.

9. Are your services covered by insurance or VA benefits?

Yes. Many of our services are covered under VA Medical Foster Home and Medicaid programs. We’ll guide you through eligibility verification and documentation requirements.

Care and Support

10. What makes your care different from traditional group homes in Wyoming?

Our host home model emphasizes individualized attention in a family-style setting. Clients receive one-on-one support, consistent caregivers, and opportunities to build meaningful community connections.

11. Who provides care at Essential Living Support, LLC?

All caregivers are trained, background-checked, and certified in medication administration, CPR, and behavioral support techniques. Each team member is committed to delivering compassionate, professional care.

12. How do you ensure client safety and well-being?

We maintain strict safety protocols, including 24-hour supervision, emergency preparedness plans, and coordination with medical providers. Regular home inspections ensure compliance with VA and Wyoming Department of Health standards.

Family and Community Engagement

13. Can family members visit or participate in care planning?

Absolutely. Family involvement is encouraged. We maintain open communication, invite families to planning meetings, and welcome visits that support client comfort and connection.

14. Do you offer transportation and community activities?

Yes. We provide safe transportation to community events, medical appointments, and volunteer opportunities. Participation in social and recreational activities helps clients build confidence and a sense of belonging.

Contact and Next Steps

15. How can I contact Essential Living Support, LLC to learn more?

Call us at 254-217-6669, email rbrown@essentiallivingsupport.com, or visitwww.essentiallivingsupport.com to schedule a consultation or home tour. We look forward to helping you or your loved one experience care that truly feels like home.

Care Planning And Safety

16. How are care plans created for each person you serve?

Every individual begins with a person-centered assessment that looks at medical needs, daily routines, personal goals, and safety considerations. From there, we create a written care plan that outlines supports for personal care, life skills, community participation, and health needs. Care plans are reviewed regularly with the individual, family, and case manager to ensure services stay aligned with changing needs. For more detail on how we support daily living, visit our Personal Care Services page at https://www.essentiallivingsupport.com/services/personal-care-services.

17. How often do you review or update care plans?

Care plans are formally reviewed at least every 6 to 12 months, or sooner if there is a major change in health, behavior, or daily functioning. We also adjust supports as needed between formal reviews based on feedback from the individual, family, or supporting professionals. Our goal is to keep services flexible and responsive, which is why our Personal Care Services and Life Skills Development programs are designed to grow with each person over time at https://www.essentiallivingsupport.com/services/personal-care-services and https://www.essentiallivingsupport.com/services/life-skills-development.

18. Do you provide medication management and health monitoring?

Yes. We provide medication reminders, support with medication administration as allowed by state guidelines, and basic health monitoring such as blood pressure checks, weight tracking, and observing for changes in condition. We coordinate closely with primary care providers, specialists, and VA or waiver case managers to keep everyone informed. Many individuals receive this support as part of both Personal Care Services and Specialized Support Services, described at https://www.essentiallivingsupport.com/services/personal-care-services and https://www.essentiallivingsupport.com/services/specialized-support.

19. How do you handle behavioral challenges or emotional outbursts?

We approach behavioral challenges through a trauma-informed, relationship-based model that focuses on safety, structure, and clear expectations. When needed, we collaborate with behavior specialists, therapists, and waiver teams to create positive support plans that reduce triggers and build coping skills. Our Specialized Support Services in Cheyenne, WY provide targeted behavioral and communication support, which you can learn more about at https://www.essentiallivingsupport.com/services/specialized-support.

20. What safety measures are in place in the home environment?

Our VA Medical Foster Home and DD Waiver home include smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, secured medications, and clearly defined emergency procedures. We maintain 24-hour supervision, practice emergency drills, and keep the home free of hazards. We also follow VA and Wyoming Department of Health standards for home safety and emergency preparedness. Families who want to understand how safety fits into everyday routines can review our Life Skills Development supports at https://www.essentiallivingsupport.com/services/life-skills-development.

Veterans And VA Medical Foster Home

21. What is a VA Medical Foster Home and who is it for?

A VA Medical Foster Home is a long-term care option where a Veteran lives in a caregiver’s home and receives 24-hour supervision, personal care, and support with daily activities, while still experiencing a true home environment. It is designed for Veterans who need a nursing home level of care but prefer a smaller, more personal setting. Our VA-approved Medical Foster Home in Cheyenne provides this type of support, and Veterans or VA staff can start the referral process through our Refer a Veteran page at https://www.essentiallivingsupport.com/refer-a-veteran.

22. How is your VA Medical Foster Home different from a nursing home or assisted living facility?

Unlike larger facilities, our VA Medical Foster Home offers a family-style setting with a smaller number of residents, consistent caregivers, and individualized routines. Veterans share meals at a family table, participate in daily home life, and receive personalized support rather than rotating staff schedules. We combine this with Homemaker Services for Veterans, which focus on meals, housekeeping, medication support, and companionship. You can learn more about our homemaker program at https://www.essentiallivingsupport.com/homemaker-services-for-veterans.

23. How can VA social workers or case managers refer a Veteran to Essential Living Support?

VA social workers and case managers can send referrals by completing a brief form on our Refer a Veteran page at https://www.essentiallivingsupport.com/refer-a-veteran or by calling our office to discuss fit and availability. We respond quickly, review the Veteran’s needs, and coordinate directly with the VA Medical Foster Home team to determine eligibility, funding, and next steps for placement.

23 B. Where can I read more about your VA Medical Foster Home work?

I provide educational resources, press features, and in-depth guides to help Veterans, families, and referral partners better understand VA Medical Foster Home (MFH) care and other home based supportive care options available in Cheyenne.

A recent press feature highlights VA Medical Foster Home care for Veterans in Cheyenne and explains why awareness of this option is important when families are evaluating long term care decisions:

Read the full press feature on VA Medical Foster Home care for Veterans in Cheyenne

https://www.prlog.org/13110743-essential-living-support-llc-spotlights-va-medical-foster-home-care-for-veterans-in-cheyenne.html

For a more detailed, step by step overview that explains how VA Medical Foster Home care works, eligibility basics, and the key questions families should consider, you can review my flagship guide here:

Read my complete guide to VA Medical Foster Home care in Cheyenne

https://www.essentiallivingsupport.com/blog/va-medical-foster-home-cheyenne

Developmental Disability And DD Waiver

24. Do you accept individuals receiving services through the Wyoming DD Waiver?

Yes. Essential Living Support works with adults on the Wyoming Developmental Disabilities Waiver who need residential, companion, life skills, and community integration supports. We collaborate closely with case managers and teams to align our services with waiver plans. Families and teams can review our Personal Care Services in Cheyenne, WY at https://www.essentiallivingsupport.com/services/personal-care-services and contact us to discuss current openings.

25. Can you support individuals with both I/DD and mental health or behavioral needs?

Many of the people we serve have complex needs, including intellectual or developmental disabilities combined with trauma histories, anxiety, PTSD, or behavioral challenges. We use structured routines, clear expectations, and a calm home environment to reduce triggers and build stability. When a higher level of support is needed, our Specialized Support Services program provides targeted strategies and coordination with therapists and behavioral professionals. More information is available at https://www.essentiallivingsupport.com/services/specialized-support.

26. Do you help with skill building such as budgeting, cooking, and transportation training?

Yes. Life skills training is a core part of our model. We help individuals practice budgeting, grocery shopping, cooking, laundry, household management, and safe community navigation at a pace that matches their abilities. Our Life Skills Development program in Cheyenne, WY focuses on real-world practice and confidence building, which you can explore at https://www.essentiallivingsupport.com/services/life-skills-development.

Respite And Short Term Care

27. Do you offer short term or overnight 24/7 respite care?

Yes. Essential Living Support provides 24/7 respite care for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities who need short term stays, overnight support, or caregiver relief. Stays can range from one night to several days, depending on availability and funding. Families can review our 24/7 Respite Care in Cheyenne, WY at https://www.essentiallivingsupport.com/24/7-respite to see how this service works in our home environment.

28. How far in advance should we schedule respite care?

Whenever possible, we recommend contacting us at least two to four weeks in advance to reserve respite dates, especially around holidays or busy seasons. However, we know emergencies happen, and we do our best to accommodate urgent respite needs when space and staffing allow. To explore current availability and options, visit https://www.essentiallivingsupport.com/24/7-respite or contact our office directly.

29. Can we use respite care to see if your home is a good fit for long term services?

Yes. Many families and case managers use respite stays as a way for the individual to get comfortable with our home, routines, and caregivers before making a long term decision. During these stays, we observe what works well, identify support needs, and talk with the team about whether an ongoing placement would be a good match. Information about our respite model is outlined at https://www.essentiallivingsupport.com/24/7-respite.

30. Is respite care available for family caregivers of Veterans?

In some situations, Veterans and their families may be able to access respite support through VA programs or other funding sources. While availability and funding depend on each case, we are happy to coordinate with VA social workers and families to see what options exist. Families can review both our 24/7 Respite and Homemaker Services for Veterans at https://www.essentiallivingsupport.com/24/7-respite and https://www.essentiallivingsupport.com/homemaker-services-for-veterans, then contact us to discuss specific needs.

Transportation And Community Integration

31. Do you provide transportation for medical appointments and community activities?

Yes. We provide safe, reliable transportation for medical appointments, therapy sessions, community outings, volunteer work, and other approved activities in Cheyenne and nearby areas. Transportation is coordinated as part of the individual’s care plan so that medical and community commitments are met consistently. You can learn more about how transportation fits into our Social and Community Integration services at https://www.essentiallivingsupport.com/services/social-community-integration.

32. What types of community activities do clients participate in?

Clients may participate in activities such as going to the Cheyenne Aquatic Center, bowling, visiting parks and local events, attending faith or support groups, volunteering, and engaging in recreational and social outings. We match activities to each person’s interests, abilities, and comfort level so that community time is enjoyable and meaningful. For a broader picture of our community focus, visit our Social and Community Integration page at https://www.essentiallivingsupport.com/services/social-community-integration.

33. Can you support individuals who are nervous about going into the community?

Yes. Many individuals we serve have anxiety, sensory sensitivities, or past negative experiences that make community participation difficult. We start with small, predictable outings, use clear communication about what will happen, and build trust over time. Our Life Skills Development program at https://www.essentiallivingsupport.com/services/life-skills-development and our Specialized Support Services at https://www.essentiallivingsupport.com/services/specialized-support work together to support confidence and community readiness.

Staff Training And Qualifications

34. What training do your caregivers receive?

Caregivers complete training in medication assistance, CPR and First Aid, safety procedures, crisis response, person-centered planning, and working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Additional training is provided on VA Medical Foster Home expectations, documentation, and communication with medical professionals. Many of these skills are reflected in our Personal Care Services and Specialized Support Services, which you can review at https://www.essentiallivingsupport.com/services/personal-care-services and https://www.essentiallivingsupport.com/services/specialized-support.

35. Do you have experience supporting Veterans with PTSD or service-related trauma?

Yes. As a Veteran-owned provider, we understand the impact that military service, trauma, and chronic stress can have on daily life. We use calm, structured routines, clear communication, and a respect-based approach that reduces triggers and promotes stability. For Veterans who need day-to-day help with meals, housekeeping, and personal care in a safe environment, our Homemaker Services for Veterans at https://www.essentiallivingsupport.com/homemaker-services-for-veterans and our VA Medical Foster Home model provide added support.

36. How do you screen and background check staff or helpers?

All caregivers and staff are required to pass background checks that meet or exceed VA and Wyoming Department of Health standards. We verify references, review work history, and confirm required certifications before anyone begins work in the home. Ongoing supervision, training, and performance reviews help ensure that quality and safety remain high.

37. How do you ensure continuity and consistency of care?

We intentionally limit the number of different caregivers in each person’s life so that individuals see the same familiar faces day to day. Consistent routines, shared documentation, and regular team communication help prevent gaps in care. This continuity is especially important in our VA Medical Foster Home and DD Waiver services, where relationships and trust are central to progress.

Intake And Transitions

38. What happens during the first 30 days of services?

The first 30 days focus on getting to know the individual, building trust, and confirming that the care plan is the right fit. We review routines, observe how the person responds to the environment, and adjust supports as needed. Family and case managers are updated regularly during this period so that everyone understands how the transition is going. Many people begin with services like Personal Care and Life Skills Development, which are described at https://www.essentiallivingsupport.com/services/personal-care-services and https://www.essentiallivingsupport.com/services/life-skills-development.

39. Can you coordinate with hospitals, facilities, or schools during a transition?

Yes. We often collaborate with hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, residential programs, schools, and VA teams to make transitions as smooth as possible. With proper consent, we communicate about medications, behavior plans, safety needs, and follow-up appointments so that there is no confusion when the individual moves into our home. Case managers and professionals can start coordination by contacting us directly or using our Refer a Veteran form at https://www.essentiallivingsupport.com/refer-a-veteran when applicable.

40. What if we decide that Essential Living Support is not the right fit?

We believe that the right fit is essential for safety, stability, and long term success. If, after assessment or a trial period, it appears that our home or service model is not the best match, we will communicate clearly with the individual, family, and case manager. When possible, we assist with transition planning and share observations that can help the next provider support the person more effectively. Families who want to discuss fit, visit the home, or explore other options can contact us at https://www.essentiallivingsupport.com/contact.