Zalk Consulting, LLC

05/06/2025

Happy Nurses Week 2025! 🩺💙

We're proud to celebrate the dedicated nurses who form the backbone of healthcare. Whether you're at the bedside, in the community, in schools, or behind the scenes, your compassion, expertise, and resilience uplift individuals and families every single day.

This week, we honor all nurses, especially those we’ve had the privilege of supporting in home health, pediatric, behavioral health, and school-based settings. Your impact reaches far beyond the care you provide.

Thank you for being the heart of healthcare. 💙

05/02/2025

📣 Texas' new voucher bill now requires public schools to complete special education evaluations within 45 days—even for students not enrolled in the public school system. This mandate is placing significant strain on districts already facing chronic staffing shortages in nursing, therapy, and behavioral health roles.

To meet demand, schools are turning to outside vendors, with districts across the country increasingly issuing RFPs to secure contracted support professionals.

Specialized staffing agencies play a critical role in ensuring special education programs remain compliant and capable of delivering high-quality services. As demand rises, so does the need for qualified, responsive, and mission-driven partners.

https://www.expressnews.com/politics/article/voucher-special-education-evaluations-20286939.php?

The bill headed to Texas Gov. Greg Abbott says public schools must complete special education evaluations for all students interested in private school vouchers

03/04/2025

💡 Did you know? In Colorado, family members—including parents, spouses, and adult children—can get paid to provide care for their loved ones through Medicaid programs like In-Home Support Services (IHSS).

For families navigating long-term care, these programs offer a vital solution: the ability to ensure high-quality, personalized care while receiving financial support. Eligible caregivers can be compensated for services like personal care, homemaker tasks, health maintenance, and even certain skilled nursing services.

By choosing consumer-directed care, families gain flexibility, autonomy, and peace of mind, knowing their loved one is supported by someone they trust. If you're considering adding consumer-directed services to your agency or need guidance on compliance and best practices, we’re here to help.

📖 Read more in this comprehensive guide: https://www.askwisebird.com/articles/a-comprehensive-guide-to-getting-paid-as-a-family-caregiver-in-colorado-exploring-medicaid-and-state-programs?

If you're an adult child taking care of an elderly parent, relative, or friend in Colorado, you may be able to get paid for your work.

02/07/2025

💡 Did you know? A spouse or family member can be a paid caregiver for a veteran! 💡

Through the VA Aid & Attendance benefit, eligible veterans and surviving spouses who require help with daily activities may receive additional financial assistance to cover caregiving costs. This benefit can be used to compensate a family caregiver, providing crucial support while ensuring quality care.

😀 Available to veterans and surviving spouses who need assistance with daily tasks
🏠 Can help cover the cost of in-home care, including care provided by family members
⚕️ Requires eligibility based on service history, medical need, and financial criteria

Learn more: https://www.va.gov/pension/aid-attendance-housebound/

VA Aid and Attendance or Housebound benefits provide monthly payments added to the amount of a monthly VA pension for qualified Veterans and survivors. If you need help with daily activities, or you’re housebound, find out if you qualify.

01/30/2025

📢 Key Updates on Colorado's IHSS Program 📢

The latest 2023-2024 IHSS Legislative Report from the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing brings important updates for home care providers, caregivers, and stakeholders. Key highlights include:

✔️ Expansion of IHSS eligibility to include individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities—furthering Colorado’s commitment to inclusive, community-based care.
✔️ Enhanced provider training and streamlined service delivery to improve care quality and accessibility.
✔️ Ongoing workforce challenges and efforts to address caregiver recruitment and retention in the IHSS program.

At Zalk Consulting, LLC, we stay informed on legislative changes that impact home health and staffing organizations. These updates reflect Colorado's ongoing work to improve home-based care services and ensure better access for those in need. Understanding these updates is key to adapting strategies, maintaining compliance, and ensuring high-quality care for those who rely on consumer-directed services.

📖 Read the full report here:https://hcpf.colorado.gov/sites/hcpf/files/IHSS%20Legislative%20Report%202023-2024%20-B.pdf

01/25/2025

✈️ Exciting news for Colorado Springs! ✈️

The Colorado Springs Airport (COS) has been awarded a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grant through the Airport Improvement Program to enhance its infrastructure. This grant will fund runway reconstruction, ensuring the safety and efficiency of travel for years to come.

We believe in the power of strategic investments to drive growth and improve outcomes—whether it’s in aviation, healthcare, or staffing. Just as COS is elevating its infrastructure to better serve its community, we work with home health and staffing firms to build systems and strategies that help them take off toward success.

Infrastructure matters—in airports and in business. Learn more about this impactful grant by reading the details in the article linked below:

https://coloradosprings.gov/news/colorado-springs-airport-receives-federal-aviation-administration-grant-elevatecos

Published on January 15, 2025 The Colorado Springs Airport (COS) was notified of the award of a $5.8 million dollar airport infrastructure grant from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for 2025. The funding is designated to the ElevateCOS terminal construction project. The ongoing project imp...

01/21/2025

🌟 Empowering Independence Through Self-Directed Care 🌟

Did you know that many state Medicaid programs offer self-directed services that give individuals greater control over their long-term care? From hiring caregivers to managing daily support, this approach fosters independence and ensures care is tailored to personal needs.

Whether you’re navigating care options for yourself or supporting loved ones, self-directed services provide flexibility and choice—empowering individuals to live life on their terms.

Learn more about this innovative program: https://www.medicaid.gov/medicaid/long-term-services-supports/self-directed-services/index.html

Self-directed Medicaid services means that participants, or their representatives if applicable, have decision-making authority over certain services and take direct responsibility to manage their services with the assistance of a system of available supports. The self-directed service delivery mode...

01/18/2025

We’re thrilled to celebrate Colorado Springs’ incredible achievement of being named the No. 5 Best Performing City in America by the Milken Institute! 🎉 This recognition highlights the city’s balanced performance across key economic indicators, including:

✅ A thriving labor market
✅ A strong and growing high-tech sector
✅ Excellent access to economic opportunities

As a firm specializing in consulting and staffing within the home care & home health, healthcare, education, and allied staffing industries, we’re proud to be part of a state that exemplifies economic vibrancy and innovation. Colorado Springs' commitment to fostering opportunities aligns with our mission to support businesses and communities in creating sustainable growth and meaningful impacts.

Congratulations to the City of Colorado Springs on this well-deserved recognition! Let’s continue to build on this momentum together. 🚀

Colorado Springs has been named the No. 5 "Best Performing City" in America by the Milken Institute in their nationwide analysis that maps economic growth across the United States.

The report points to Colorado Springs’ balanced performance across all categories of the Best Performing Cities ranking as one of its strengths. This includes a solid labor market, strong high-tech sector, and excellent access to economic opportunities.

Find the full report at MilkenInstitute.org/content-hub/research-and-reports/research-and-data-tools/2025-best-performing-cities-mapping-economic-growth-across-us

01/17/2025

🌟 Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing 2025 Hospital Community Benefit Report: Investing in Healthier Communities 🌟

Colorado’s nonprofit hospitals are making an impact! The 2025 Hospital Community Benefit Accountability Report reveals that in 2022, these hospitals invested $1.22 billion in community benefits—an 11.9% increase from 2021, representing 7.2% of patient revenue.

Key highlights:
✅ $283.6M for free or reduced-cost care
✅ $43.4M toward behavioral health programs
✅ $721.8M in provider recruitment, education, and training

The report also emphasizes the importance of transparency and aligning investments with community needs, thanks to new requirements under HB23-1243.

Special shoutout to Denver Health and UCHealth for their leadership in charity care and education funding!

Let’s continue working together to address health disparities and build stronger, healthier communities. 🏥✨

👉 Read the full report here:https://hcpf.colorado.gov/sites/hcpf/files/2025%20Hospital%20Community%20Benefit%20Report%20%5BFinal%5D.pdf

11/11/2024

To all of the men and women who have proudly served our great nation, THANK YOU!

10/09/2024

Happy Pediatric Nurses Week 2024! 🎉

At Zalk Consulting, LLC, we want to take a moment to celebrate the incredible pediatric who dedicate their careers to caring for our youngest patients. Your compassion, skill, and tireless efforts make a world of difference to and their families. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to helping children thrive!

Here’s to all the pediatric nurses – you inspire us every day. 💙