Self-Direction News and Updates Celebrating Pride Month: Honoring Identity, Love, and Self-DirectionAt PremierFMS, we’re proud to stand with the LGBTQIA+ community this Pride Month. Pride is about more than parades and rainbow flags. It's a time to honor the courage, strength, and authenticity of people living… Read More How to Use the Caretime Mobile App in Utah – EVV InstructionsThe CareTime Mobile app is essential for participants enrolled with PremierFMS and their Direct Care Professionals. The instructions on this page will support you with logging in and recording shifts. There are additional instructions on… Read More Veteran Employment Opportunities – Navigating the April Hiring SurgeApril is a peak month for Veteran employment opportunities. Many companies seek to hire former service members during this time. Veterans bring many skills to the table from their military experience, including: Leadership Teamwork, and… Read More Ryan’s Journey to Independence Through Self-DirectionNote - Ryan Klotz is an enrolled participant with PremierFMS' sister company, Personal Accounting Services (PAS), out of Taylor, Michigan. PAS and PremierFMS operate under the AssuranceSD family of companies. Ryan Klotz is a self-advocate… Read More Independent Living Centers and their Role in Self-DirectionWhat Are Independent Living Centers (ILCs)? Independent Living Centers are community-based organizations run by and for people with disabilities. ILCs support independent living in and around one’s community. According to the Administration for Community Living… Read More World Autism Acceptance Month: PremierFMS Celebrates Month of Inclusion and AwarenessApril is World Autism Acceptance Month (WAAM). In April and all months, PremierFMS stives to promote understanding, inclusion, and support for people with autism. We also encourage acceptance of different abilities and perspectives. History of… Read More Share Your Story to Protect Medicaid Funding Access in WisconsinPremierFMS understands your concerns about the current state of affairs in Washington. With concern to Medicaid funding access and what it means for your supports and services. We want to point you to information and… Read More Mental Health Resources for Veterans During the HolidaysThe holiday season, while a time of joy for many, can bring unique challenges for Veterans. From feelings of isolation to the stress of navigating family gatherings, this time of year often amplifies the mental… Read More EVV in Wisconsin | What are my EVV Responsibilities as a Direct Care ProfessionalResources Mentioned Download a printable version of How to Monitor EVV Usage. Monitoring EVV Usage The State of Wisconsin requires Electronic Visit Verification for all Direct Care Professionals (employees) who provide IRIS self-directed personal care… Read More How to Monitor Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) UsageIn Wisconsin, EVV is required for all Direct Care Professionals (workers) who provide IRIS self-directed personal care (T1019, SDPC) and routine supportive home care (S5125, SHC and (S5126, SHC). Any DCP who provides these services… Read More VA Caregivers Support Program Supports Direct Care ProfessionalsFor family caregivers supporting Veterans, the VA has programs for caregivers to support with training and other needs. The VA’s Caregiver Support Program is excellent resource for caregivers of Veterans in the VA health care… Read More Direct Care Professional Resources from National Family Caregivers MonthHelpful Resources from National Family Caregivers Month Caregiver Action Network Recognizing and Supporting Caregivers from Caregiver Action Network. President Joe Biden’s Presidential Proclamation for National Family Caregiver’s Month. About National Family Caregivers Month In November, PremierFMS… Read More How to Submit Timesheets? Use the e-Timesheets User ManualThe PremierFMS e-Timesheets User Manual is your source to learn how to submit timesheets accurately and on time. At PremierFMS, we want to provide you with tools and resources to improve your self-direction journey. The… Read More Respite Care Training for New Providers from the ACLEntry-level respite providers have a new training option from the ARCH National Respite Network and ACL (Administration for Community Living). The National Respite Care Provider Training program follows a country-wide initiative to enhance respite services… Read More Winter Paralympic Games to Return to Salt Lake City in 203432 years after hosting the 2002 Winter Games, the Paralympics are coming back to Salt Lake City. While the exact dates of the games are yet to be announced, the Paralympics will take place just… Read More PremierFMS Celebrates World Alzheimer’s DayOn September 21, we will be celebrating World Alzheimer's Day, in culmination of World Alzheimer's Month (WAM) in September. PremierFMS wants to provide you with tips on recognizing Alzheimer’s and where you can find more… Read More Self-Direction Supports – The WI DHS’ Client Rights OfficeThe Client Rights Office supports Self-Direction and is an important part of the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. It helps individuals with developmental disabilities understand their service rights. This support is available in inpatient or… Read More New Electronic Visit Verification Service Codes Launched by Wisconsin DHSA hard launch of additional Electronic Visit Verification service codes will take place on October 1, 2024. Per ForwardHealth, for Dates of Service (DOS) beginning that day, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS), along… Read More DVRW Supports Your Voice Being HeardLast week was Disability Voting Rights Week (DVRW). DVRW was celebrated from September 9-13 and was promoted by the American Association of People with Disabilities. In partnership with the REV Up campaign, DVRW advocated for… Read More Nursing Care Options for Veterans To Increase in the U.S.In the U.S., Veterans eligible for long-term care is projected to increase from two to four million from 2019 to 2039. The VA is growing the Veteran Directed Care (VDC) program to prepare for the… Read More VDC Program Introduction Background, Reach, and FAQsProgram Background, Eligibility, and Reach The Veteran Directed Care program was created in 2008. It provides Veterans with quality level care at home. In VDC, Veterans have control and decision-making authority for local support and… Read More Long-Term Services and Supports – Wisconsin Ranks No. 15AARP recently released its Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) Scorecard. The Scorecard creates interest and investment in LTSS by measuring each state’s support and services. It also identifies areas of improvement that directly affect consumers… Read More Disability Rights Wisconsin Provides Lawsuit Update on Wisconsin Ballot AccessLast month, Disability Rights Wisconsin (DRW) filed a temporary injunction for their ballot access lawsuit. The motion would provide electronic ballots to voters with disabilities. This ballot is similar to what military personnel and overseas… Read More AARP Survey Finds Americans Prefer to Stay Home as They AgeA “Home and Community Preferences” survey by AARP found more than 75 percent of adults over 50 want to remain at home as they age. The survey polled almost 3,000 American adults of all ages… Read More Celebrating Helen Keller Day on June 27On June 27, we will celebrate the life and achievements of Helen Keller. Keller, who was blind and deaf, became a distinguished author, public speaker, and advocate for the deaf and blind throughout the 20th century. Keller was… Read More PremierFMS to Exhibit at Utah Parent Center Family FestivalMake sure to visit the PremierFMS booth at the Utah Parent Center Family Festival later this month. Last year, nearly 40 agencies exhibited at the event. This year’s event will be held at Millcreek Common… Read More PremierFMS to Attend June 2024 Building Together ConferenceThis month, PremierFMS will be attending the Building Together Conference. This conference provides advocates with tools for supporting individuals in self-directing their long-term care services. The event will take place next Monday and Tuesday. It… Read More Grant Funding to Aid Utah Veteran Direct Care ProfessionalsIn Utah, Direct Care Professionals (DCPs) serving Veterans can now receive professional support for their services. DCPs are receiving support from the Salt Lake VA Medical Center’s SEARCH project. The project, with the help of… Read More VA’s New Surgery Initiative Set to Reduce Post-Surgery ComplicationsThe VA has introduced a new surgery initiative that has already decreased patient deaths. The initiative is called the Surgical Pause. It’s a risk analysis index to test patients for frailty. This initiative helps surgeons… Read More Spring Forward as Daylight Savings BeginsBeginning at two in the morning on March 10, you can move your clocks one hour forward as Daylight Savings Time (DST) begins across the country. As one of the first signs of Spring, you’ll… Read More AARP Facebook Group Helps Direct Care Professionals Connect OnlineOver the last ten years, the power of social media has influenced everyone’s lives in a multitude of ways. It’s allowed us to connect not only across the country, but the globe. This includes communities… Read More PremierFMS Celebrates Developmental Disabilities Awareness MonthIt’s March and PremierFMS is celebrating Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month (DDAM). DDAM has been around since 1987. President Reagan dedicated the month to building awareness for individuals with disabilities. The National Association of Councils on… Read More PremierFMS Celebrates Older Americans Month in MayMay is right around the corner and PremierFMS is looking forward to celebrating Older Americans Month (OAM). OAM is organized each year by the Administration for Community Living (ACL). During the month, the ACL shares… Read More PremierFMS Utah Moving to New Location at Trolley Corners BuildingWe are excited to announce the opening of our new office space for PremierFMS Utah in April 2024. PremierFMS will be moving to the Trolley Corners building. The new location, closer to downtown Salt Lake… Read More CDC Respiratory Disease Update and How to Protect YourselfThe CDC released its respiratory disease season update earlier this month. It provides updates on COVID-19, influenza, and RSV activity across the country compared to this time last year. The CDC notes that respiratory disease… Read More VA to Prioritize Prescriptions During Holiday SeasonAny mail order during the holiday season can be a hassle. The VA plans to ensure all Veterans receive their medications on time. If delays are expected, special arrangements can be made. The VA uses… Read More CDC Issues Winter ChecklistWinter is upon us and that means cold weather and heavy storms. To help you stay prepared for the harsh conditions, the CDC offers some winter tips for your home, vehicle, emergencies, and outdoor precautions… Read More Wisconsin DHS, UW-Green Bay Launch WisCaregiver Career CDCP ProgramThe Wisconsin DHS and the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay recently launched the WisCaregiver Career CDCP Program. The program trains students to become a Certified Direct Care Professional (CDCP). The program, launched earlier this year, is… Read More WBPDD Releases 2021-23 Biennial ReportIn November, the Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities (WBPDD) released its report for 2021 to 2023. It covers projects the board is working on and accomplishments they’ve made in the community. The report… Read More LCPD 101 and How They Can Help YouWhat is the LCPD? The Legislative Coalition for People with Disabilities (LCPD) is a non-profit organization. It represents people with disabilities in the state legislature. The LCPD allows anyone to advocate for changes to improve… Read More Utah’s Efforts to Help Families of Individuals with DisabilitiesThis summer, Utah lawmakers worked to make life easier for families caring for loved ones with disabilities. As many families struggle to find help outside their own relatives, parents have become the main caregivers. This… Read More CDC Reminders for COVID-19 and Flu VaccinesAs cold and flu-season gears up, the CDC has issued reminders to receive your COVID-19 and flu vaccinations. COVID-19 It is recommended by the CDC to receive an up-to-date COVID-19 vaccine for anyone five and… Read More AARP Releases 2023 LTSS State ScorecardAARP recently released its 2023 Long Term Services and Supports (LTSS) Scorecard. The Scorecard helps create interest and investment in LTSS by effectively measuring each state’s supports and services. It also identifies areas of improvement… Read More Featured Stories
