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

Where is Essential Living Support located?

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.

What are your hours of operation?

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.

What services do you offer in Cheyenne, WY?

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

Who qualifies for your programs?

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.

How do I apply or enroll in your services?

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.

How much do services cost?

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.

What payment methods or funding sources do you accept?

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

Are your services covered by insurance or VA benefits?

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

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

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.

Who provides care at Essential Living Support, LLC?

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

How do you ensure client safety and well-being?

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

Can family members visit or participate in care planning?

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

Do you offer transportation and community activities?

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

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

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

How are care plans created for each person you serve?

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.

How often do you review or update care plans?

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.

Do you provide medication management and health monitoring?

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

How do you handle behavioral challenges or emotional outbursts?

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.

What safety measures are in place in the home environment?

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.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

How far in advance should we schedule respite care?

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.

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

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.

Is respite care available for family caregivers of Veterans?

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.

Do you provide transportation for medical appointments and community activities?

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

What types of community activities do clients participate in?

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.

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

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

What training do your caregivers receive?

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.

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

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

How do you screen and background check staff or helpers?

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.

How do you ensure continuity and consistency of care?

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

What happens during the first 30 days of services?

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.

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

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.

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

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.

Home and Community Care Guide For disabled Veterans, Adults With I/DD in Cheyenne and rural communities Nationwide

Richard Brown Jr, MBA

Finding the Right Level of Care in and Around Cheyenne

Questions to ask about dignity, routines, and community life

Questions to ask about communication and transparency

Listening to your instincts matters. If something feels unsafe, disrespectful, or dismissive, it is appropriate to slow down, ask more questions, or consider other options.

Step 6: Two Cheyenne Style Scenarios To Make This Real

Sometimes it is easier to understand options through real world examples. The following scenarios are fictional, but they reflect common patterns that providers and families see in and around Cheyenne.

Scenario 1: A rural Veteran with increasing medical needs

A Vietnam era Veteran lives outside of Cheyenne with his spouse. He has heart failure, diabetes, and mobility limitations. His spouse manages medications, appointments, and daily care, but she is exhausted. There have been two recent hospitalizations after falls and missed medications.

Scenario 2: An adult with I/DD ready for more independence

A young adult with I/DD lives with a parent in Cheyenne. He attends a day habilitation program and receives limited in home support. As the parent ages and his needs increase, everyone recognizes that a planned transition will be safer than an emergency move later.

The team explores supported living and shared home options that provide consistent caregivers, opportunities for community participation, and clear overnight supervision. Together they look at homes where residents are engaged in daily routines, staff are trained in disability support, and the environment respects preferences and rights under disability law.

In both scenarios, the key is planning: understanding needs early, using available home and community based services, and recognizing when a residential setting will provide better safety, stability, and quality of life.

Step 7: Next Steps For Families In And Around Cheyenne

If you are reading this guide, you are already doing one of the most important things: seeking clear information before making a major decision. To move from information to action, you can:

Write down what you are seeing at home, including safety concerns and caregiver stress.
Circle the level of care that seems closest to your situation: home with support, community day programs, or residential options.
Make a short list of providers or programs that match that level of care, including VA programs if the person is a Veteran.
Use the questions in this guide to structure your calls, visits, and conversations with providers.
Ask trusted professionals, such as VA social workers, physicians, case managers, or disability advocates, to review your thinking and offer their perspective.

If you are in or near Cheyenne and are considering a home like setting for a Veteran or an adult with I/DD, you can include options like shared homes or Medical Foster Homes in your research. The goal is not only to find a bed, but to find an environment where safety, dignity, and community life are all taken seriously.

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Infection Prevention and Long term Care Facility Residents.
https://www.cdc.gov/long-term-care-facilities/about/index.html
U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division. Community Integration. ADA.gov.
https://www.ada.gov/topics/community-integration/
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Geriatrics and Extended Care - Home and Community Based Services.
https://www.va.gov/geriatrics/pages/Home_and_Community_Based_Services.asp
Family Caregiver Alliance. Residential Care Options: Choosing the Right Place.
https://www.caregiver.org/resource/residential-care-options-choosing-right-place/
Harvard Health Publishing, Harvard Medical School. Choosing a senior living community.
https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/choosing-a-senior-living-community

If you want to adjust this for a specific page on your site, I can also tighten or expand certain sections for length or readability on mobile.

About the Author
Richard Brown Jr., MBA-HCM, BS Healthcare Administration, is the Founder of Essential Living Support, LLC, a veteran-owned home-based care provider in Cheyenne, Wyoming. I provide person-centered support for Veterans and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) through VA Medical Foster Home services and Home and Community-Based Services. My focus is practical, safety-minded support that protects dignity, promotes independence, and strengthens community inclusion.

Transparency and Scope
This article is provided for general educational purposes and reflects my professional experience along with publicly available guidance. It does not create a provider-patient relationship and is not medical, legal, or clinical advice. For guidance specific to your situation, contact your VA care team, primary care provider, case manager, or an appropriate licensed professional.

Contact
If you would like to discuss home-based care options in Cheyenne, Wyoming, you can reach me here:
Contact: https://www.essentiallivingsupport.com/contact
Google Business Profile: https://maps.app.goo.gl/qP5oziBJHXgHGUhW8

Core Values of Essential Living Support, LLC
Dignity. Respect. Independence. Always.

Last updated: December 17, 2025

Richard Brown Jr, MBA

Founder & Owner, Essential Living Support, LLC

U.S. Army Veteran | VA-Approved Medical Foster Home Provider | Certified Shared Home Provider

I am a healthcare professional and U.S. Army veteran dedicated to providing high-quality, person-centered care for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and Veterans in need of home-based support. After earning my B.S. in Healthcare Administration – Healthcare Information Systems and completing my MBA in Healthcare Management, I founded Essential Living Support, LLC in Cheyenne, Wyoming to offer a compassionate alternative to institutional care.

My experience includes direct care, medication administration, behavioral support, safety compliance, and the development of life-skills programs that promote independence, dignity, and community inclusion. I hold full approval from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs as a Medical Foster Home provider and am a certified Shared Home Provider under the Wyoming Department of Health’s DD Waiver program.

My approach is simple: create a home environment where people feel respected, understood, and genuinely cared for. I believe real care means more than meeting medical needs—it means building trust, supporting personal goals, and helping every individual feel valued in their daily life.

Today, Essential Living Support offers 24/7 respite care, homemaker services for Veterans, companion care, life-skills development, and a family-style residential setting focused on safety, consistency, and meaningful engagement. Whether I am coordinating medical appointments, supporting daily routines, or helping a client master a new skill, I see every moment of care as an opportunity to make someone’s life better.

Outside of work, I enjoy scuba diving, fitness, serving my community, and continuing to grow as a leader in home- and community-based care.

https://www.essentiallivingsupport.com

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About the Author

Richard Brown Jr., MBA-HCM, BS Healthcare Administration, is the Founder of Essential Living Support, LLC, a veteran-owned home-based care provider in Cheyenne, Wyoming. I provide person-centered support for Veterans and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) through VA Medical Foster Home services and Home and Community-Based Services. My focus is practical, safety-minded support that protects dignity, promotes independence, and strengthens community inclusion.

Transparency and Scope

This article is provided for general educational purposes and reflects my professional experience along with publicly available guidance. It does not create a provider-patient relationship and is not medical, legal, or clinical advice. For guidance specific to your situation, contact your VA care team, primary care provider, case manager, or an appropriate licensed professional.

Contact

If you would like to discuss home-based care options in Cheyenne, Wyoming, you can reach me here:

Contact: https://www.essentiallivingsupport.com/contact

Google Business Profile: https://maps.app.goo.gl/qP5oziBJHXgHGUhW8

Core Values of Essential Living Support, LLC

Dignity. Respect. Independence. Always.

Last updated:December 29, 2025

Home and Community Care Guide For disabled Veterans, Adults With I/DD in Cheyenne and rural communities Nationwide

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