FAQ | Essential Living Support, LLC

Question 1

What is Essential Living Support, LLC?

Accepted Answer

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). The mission is to promote dignity, independence, and inclusion through personalized care and support.

Question 2

Where is Essential Living Support located?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 3

What are your hours of operation?

Accepted Answer

Services operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Office hours for administrative inquiries are Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Question 4

What services do you offer in Cheyenne, WY?

Accepted Answer

Services include Personal Care, Life Skills Development, Specialized Support Services, Companion Services, Transportation, and Homemaker Assistance designed to enhance independence and quality of life.

Question 5

Who qualifies for your programs?

Accepted Answer

Services are available 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 programs such as the VA Medical Foster Home Program or Wyoming Medicaid Waiver.

Question 6

How do I apply or enroll in your services?

Accepted Answer

Families or case managers can begin by completing the online intake form or contacting the office directly. A consultation is scheduled to discuss needs, care goals, and eligibility requirements.

Question 7

How much do services cost?

Accepted Answer

Costs vary based on the level of support, living arrangement, and funding source. Pricing is transparent and care plans are aligned with each individual's needs.

Question 8

What payment methods or funding sources do you accept?

Accepted Answer

Funding sources include Medicaid Waivers, VA benefits, and private pay options. Support is available to help families navigate funding applications and reimbursement processes.

Question 9

Are your services covered by insurance or VA benefits?

Accepted Answer

Many services are covered under VA Medical Foster Home and Medicaid programs. Guidance is provided for eligibility verification and documentation requirements.

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

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

Question 11

Who provides care at Essential Living Support, LLC?

Accepted Answer

Care is provided by trained, background-checked caregivers who are certified in medication administration, CPR, and behavioral support techniques.

Question 12

How do you ensure client safety and well-being?

Accepted Answer

Safety includes 24-hour supervision, emergency preparedness plans, coordination with medical providers, and home inspections aligned with VA and Wyoming Department of Health standards.

Question 13

Can family members visit or participate in care planning?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Family involvement is encouraged through open communication, planning meetings, and visits that support comfort and connection.

Question 14

Do you offer transportation and community activities?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Transportation is provided to community events, medical appointments, and volunteer opportunities. Social and recreational activities are supported to build confidence and belonging.

Question 15

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

Accepted Answer

Call 254-217-6669, email rbrown@essentiallivingsupport.com, or visit https://www.essentiallivingsupport.com/ to schedule a consultation or home tour.

Question 16

How are care plans created for each person you serve?

Accepted Answer

Care starts with a person-centered assessment covering medical needs, routines, goals, and safety considerations. A written care plan outlines supports and is reviewed regularly with the individual, family, and case manager.

Question 17

How often do you review or update care plans?

Accepted Answer

Care plans are reviewed at least every 6 to 12 months, or sooner when there is a major change in health, behavior, or daily functioning. Supports can be adjusted between formal reviews as needed.

Question 18

Do you provide medication management and health monitoring?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Support includes medication reminders, support with medication administration as allowed by guidelines, basic health monitoring, and coordination with providers and case managers.

Question 19

How do you handle behavioral challenges or emotional outbursts?

Accepted Answer

Behavioral support is trauma-informed and relationship-based, focused on safety, structure, and clear expectations. Coordination with behavior specialists and therapists occurs when needed to develop positive support plans.

Question 20

What safety measures are in place in the home environment?

Accepted Answer

Safety measures include smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, secured medications, emergency procedures, 24-hour supervision, emergency drills, hazard prevention, and adherence to VA and Wyoming standards.

Question 21

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

Accepted Answer

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 in a true home environment. It is designed for Veterans who need a nursing home level of care but prefer a smaller setting.

Question 22

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

Accepted Answer

The model offers a family-style setting with fewer residents, consistent caregivers, and individualized routines. It is paired with Homemaker Services for Veterans focused on meals, housekeeping, medication support, and companionship.

Question 23

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

Accepted Answer

Referrals can be submitted through the Refer a Veteran form or by calling the office to discuss fit and availability. The team responds quickly and coordinates with the VA Medical Foster Home team on eligibility, funding, and next steps.

Question 24

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

Accepted Answer

Educational resources include a press feature and an in-depth guide explaining how VA Medical Foster Home care works, eligibility basics, and key questions families should consider.

Question 25

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

Accepted Answer

Yes. Support is available for adults on the Wyoming Developmental Disabilities Waiver who need residential, companion, life skills, and community integration services coordinated with case managers and teams.

Question 26

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

Accepted Answer

Yes. Support includes structured routines, clear expectations, and a calm home environment to reduce triggers and build stability, with coordination with therapists and behavioral professionals when needed.

Question 27

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

Accepted Answer

Yes. Life skills training includes budgeting, grocery shopping, cooking, laundry, household management, and safe community navigation matched to the individual's abilities.

Question 28

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

Accepted Answer

Yes. 24/7 respite care is available for short term stays, overnight support, and caregiver relief, with stays ranging from one night to several days depending on availability and funding.

Question 29

How far in advance should we schedule respite care?

Accepted Answer

Scheduling is recommended two to four weeks in advance when possible, especially around holidays and busy seasons. Urgent needs may be accommodated when space and staffing allow.

Question 30

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

Accepted Answer

Yes. Respite stays can help evaluate fit and comfort with routines and caregivers before a long-term decision, with observations and team communication during the stay.

Question 31

Is respite care available for family caregivers of Veterans?

Accepted Answer

In some situations, respite may be available through VA programs or other funding sources depending on the case. Coordination can occur with VA social workers and families to explore options.

Question 32

Do you provide transportation for medical appointments and community activities?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Transportation is provided for medical appointments, therapy sessions, community outings, volunteer work, and other approved activities, coordinated as part of the care plan.

Question 33

What types of community activities do clients participate in?

Accepted Answer

Activities may include the Cheyenne Aquatic Center, bowling, parks and local events, faith or support groups, volunteering, and other social and recreational outings matched to interests and comfort level.

Question 34

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

Accepted Answer

Yes. Support starts with small, predictable outings, clear communication about what will happen, and trust building over time, especially for anxiety or sensory sensitivities.

Question 35

What training do your caregivers receive?

Accepted Answer

Training includes medication assistance, CPR and First Aid, safety procedures, crisis response, person-centered planning, I/DD support skills, plus VA Medical Foster Home expectations, documentation, and communication with medical professionals.

Question 36

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

Accepted Answer

Yes. Support uses calm structured routines, clear communication, and a respect-based approach designed to reduce triggers and promote stability.

Question 37

How do you screen and background check staff or helpers?

Accepted Answer

Background checks meet or exceed VA and Wyoming standards. Screening includes reference verification, work history review, certification confirmation, plus ongoing supervision, training, and performance reviews.

Question 38

How do you ensure continuity and consistency of care?

Accepted Answer

Continuity is supported by limiting the number of caregivers, maintaining consistent routines, using shared documentation, and regular team communication to prevent gaps in care.

Question 39

What happens during the first 30 days of services?

Accepted Answer

The first 30 days focus on learning routines, building trust, confirming fit, observing responses to the environment, and adjusting supports as needed, with regular updates to families and case managers.

Question 40

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

Accepted Answer

Yes. With proper consent, coordination includes medications, behavior plans, safety needs, and follow-up appointments with hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, programs, schools, and VA teams to ensure a smooth transition.

Question 41

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

Accepted Answer

If the model is not the best match after assessment or a trial period, communication occurs with the individual, family, and case manager. When possible, transition planning support and observations are provided to help the next provider support the person effectively.

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