Conditions We Serve

Asperger's Syndrome is now considered part of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), which encompasses a variety of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by challenges in social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors. The causes of ASD, influenced by both genetic and environmental factors, are still being researched.

Symptoms of ASD can vary significantly and typically emerge in early childhood, affecting social skills and academic performance. Those with ASD often require ongoing support with social interactions, communication, and daily living skills.

Diagnosing ASD involves behavioral observations and developmental assessments conducted by professionals such as pediatricians and psychologists, as there is no single test for diagnosis.

Treatment is tailored to each individual's needs, incorporating behavioral, speech, and occupational therapy, and may also include medications to address related issues like anxiety. Early intervention is vital for fostering essential skills.

The IHSS and Children's Home and Community-Based Services (CHCBS) programs offer essential support for people with autism and their families. These programs provide financial assistance for caregivers, enabling them to deliver personalized care that addresses the unique needs associated with autism spectrum disorders.

Cerebral Palsy (CP) refers to a group of permanent movement disorders that develop in early childhood due to brain damage that may occur before, during, or after birth. Symptoms can vary widely and may include muscle stiffness, coordination challenges, tremors, and difficulties with speech. Some people with CP may also face cognitive or sensory impairments and epilepsy.

Diagnosis typically involves a combination of physical examinations, reviews of developmental history, and MRI scans to identify any brain abnormalities, highlighting the importance of early detection.

Although there is no cure for CP, treatment plans are tailored to meet individual needs and may include physical, occupational, and speech therapies, as well as medications for symptom management. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to address physical deformities.

People with Cerebral Palsy may experience a range of physical limitations, but in-home care funded through IHSS and HCBS programs can provide vital support. This assistance helps your loved one maintain a comfortable home life and avoid institutionalized care, significantly enhancing their quality of life.

Muscular dystrophy (MD) refers to a group of genetic disorders that cause progressive weakness and degeneration of the skeletal muscles. 

Muscles are composed of thousands of fibers, each made up of cells that are encased by a protective outer layer called the membrane. The fibers are grouped together and supported by connective tissue to form individual muscles.

A group of proteins called dystrophin-glycoprotein complex, found within the muscle membrane, prevents damage during muscle contractions. When this protective membrane is damaged, muscle fibers lose the protein, absorb excess calcium, and suffer damage, leading to progressive degeneration.

MD may arise due to various causes, including defects in the dystrophin-glycoprotein complex, abnormalities in connective tissue, or toxic gene products in muscle fibers. These disruptions impact muscle structure and function, resulting in the characteristic muscle degeneration seen with MD. 

Muscular dystrophy is categorized based on the following factors:

• Extent and pattern of muscle weakness
• Age at which symptoms begin
• Rate of progression
• Severity of symptoms
• Family history of the condition

There are several types of muscular dystrophy, with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) being the most common and severe form. DMD typically affects young boys. 

Other forms of muscular dystrophy include Becker, Myotonic, Facioscapulohumeral, and Limb-Girdle muscular dystrophy. Each form of MD has its unique symptoms and progression rate. 

Over time, these conditions can impair mobility, respiratory function, and heart health, significantly impacting quality of life. Symptoms vary but often include difficulty walking, frequent falls, muscle stiffness, and challenges with everyday activities like climbing stairs or lifting objects. 

Alpenglow Homecare, through Colorado Medicaid’s IHSS and HCBS programs, provides invaluable support for caregivers and their loved ones living with muscular dystrophy. We assist caregivers in creating personalized care plans that address essential daily tasks, mobility support, and medical care, ensuring a safe and comfortable home environment for people living with MD.

Intellectual disability refers to neurodevelopmental conditions that impact intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior, affecting a person’s ability to learn, reason, solve problems, and interact socially.

These deficits tend to emerge during a child’s developmental period, typically before the age of 18 for diagnosis.

Intellectual functioning is often measured through IQ tests, while adaptive behavior includes practical skills like communication, self-care, and social interaction.

Intellectual disability can result from various factors, including genetic conditions (such as Down syndrome or Fragile X syndrome), complications during pregnancy or birth, infections, exposure to toxins, or traumatic brain injury. It affects approximately 1% of the global population, with around 85% of people experiencing a mild form of the condition. In high-income countries, 2–3% of children are diagnosed with intellectual disabilities.

Intellectual disability is a lifelong condition. Therefore, it’s important to foster an inclusive environment for people with this condition. In Colorado, Medicaid programs like IHSS and HCBS provide support to families and caregivers. These programs provide access to resources, financial assistance, and personalized care plans that enable your loved one with intellectual disabilities to lead fulfilling lives while easing your caregiving burden.

Hospice care provides compassionate support for people with terminal illnesses, prioritizing comfort and quality of life over curative treatments. This specialized care addresses various symptoms, such as pain, breathlessness, and anxiety, all aimed at enhancing the patient’s overall well-being.

Support for families is equally important. Hospice care offers bereavement counseling and assistance with end-of-life planning to ensure that patients can spend their final days with dignity and minimal discomfort. While hospice care focuses on pain management and comfort, additional assistance may be required for daily activities and emotional support.

In-home care funded through IHSS and HCBS programs can help you offer companionship, personal care, and light housekeeping for your loved one. This support allows you to be there for them during their final days without the added burden of financial strain.

Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a progressive neurological condition that leads to tremors, stiffness, and slowed movement, along with non-motor symptoms like sleep issues and mood changes. The exact cause is believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors affecting dopamine levels in the brain.

PD is diagnosed based on medical history and neurological evaluations, with imaging tests sometimes used to rule out other conditions.

Treatment may include medications, Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgery, and lifestyle adjustments. Physical, occupational, and speech therapies play an essential role in supporting daily activities and improving quality of life.

As PD advances, it can increasingly impact mobility, coordination, and daily tasks like bathing, dressing, and managing medications. The IHSS and HCBS programs offer funding for caregivers to assist with these needs, enabling your loved one to maintain independence and stay comfortably at home longer.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune condition that attacks the central nervous system's myelin sheath, leading to symptoms like fatigue, mobility issues, numbness, vision problems, stiffness, and cognitive changes.

Diagnosing MS involves a thorough assessment, including a medical history review, neurological exams, MRI scans to detect myelin damage, and sometimes spinal fluid tests, as there is no single test for MS.

Though MS has no cure, treatments focus on symptom management and slowing progression. Disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) help reduce relapses, and medications and physical therapy support daily mobility and function.

The unpredictable nature of MS can bring on flare-ups that intensify fatigue, weakness, and mobility challenges. Through IHSS and HCBS programs, in-home care funding is available to provide essential support, ensuring that your loved one can receive care from family in the comfort of home.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a group of lung conditions, including emphysema and chronic bronchitis, typically caused by prolonged exposure to irritants such as cigarette smoke.

COPD symptoms, such as coughing, breathlessness, wheezing, and chest tightness, can significantly impact daily life. Diagnosis involves reviewing medical history, physical exams, and lung function tests like spirometry.

While COPD has no cure, symptom relief and quality of life can be improved through smoking cessation, avoiding irritants, medications (bronchodilators, corticosteroids), pulmonary rehabilitation, oxygen therapy for advanced stages, and preventive vaccinations.

Due to shortness of breath, COPD often makes tasks like housework and personal care challenging. Through IHSS and HCBS programs, caregivers can receive funding to assist with these activities, helping your loved one conserve energy and maintain a comfortable quality of life at home.

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is characterized by a gradual decline in kidney function, often resulting from conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, glomerulonephritis, or polycystic kidney disease. Early symptoms may be minimal but can advance to include fatigue, swelling, changes in urination, nausea, and high blood pressure.

Diagnosis typically involves blood and urine tests, with imaging studies or biopsies conducted for a more comprehensive evaluation.

Treatment aims to slow disease progression by managing underlying conditions through medications and lifestyle modifications. In advanced stages, dialysis or a kidney transplant may become necessary.

As CKD advances, the demands of managing dietary restrictions, medication schedules, and dialysis appointments can be overwhelming. Caregivers can benefit from the IHSS and HCBS programs to alleviate some of the financial stress for both themselves and their loved ones.

Cancer is characterized by the uncontrolled proliferation of abnormal cells, influenced by a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Symptoms such as weight loss, fatigue, and pain often emerge during the advanced stages of cancer.

Diagnosis typically involves imaging studies, laboratory tests, and biopsies to determine the type, location, and stage of cancer. This helps inform treatment options like surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, all aimed at eliminating cancer cells and maintaining health.

Effective cancer care adopts a multidisciplinary approach, integrating medical treatments with support for the patient’s overall well-being.

The fatigue, pain, and challenges with daily activities that can arise from cancer treatments may complicate personal care, meal preparation, housekeeping, and transportation to appointments for both patients and their families. In-home care funded through IHSS and HCBS enables your loved one to concentrate on healing and recovery in the comfort of their own home.