Vanderheyden introduced a new program to the public that simplifies communication between all of an individual's caregivers, in order to effectively address all of the individual's needs.
We know that caring for a child can be a complicated and often exhausting experience, so Vanderheyden has teamed together with other children's organizations to provide Care Management Services in our Children's Health Home program.
Children from birth to age 21 who are enrolled in Medicaid, and have other chronic health conditions or a qualifying diagnoses, are eligible to participate.
Devon Capparella has been Care Manager Supervisor for the new case management and care coordination program since its start six months ago.
Capparella, from Rensselaer County, started at Vanderheyden five years ago as an intern, while she pursued her MSW at SUNY Albany. She also worked as a Direct Care Worker for a year on our campus, and became a Case Coordinator at Vanderheyden's Supervised Independent Living Program (SILP).
Capparella says Health Home Care Management is a program she strongly believes in. She was very excited that Vanderheyden was launching it, after hearing the talk about it, and sitting in on webinars.
"It brings services to a lot more children, and, it also offers the continuity of care," she says.
Capparella says the five-month old program "is growing, and, there are noticeable results."
Brittany Piccolo, a Health Home Care Manager, has been with the program since January. She's a graduate of SUNY Oneonta, and received her master's degree at Chatham University in Pennsylvania.
She said she originally heard about the Home Health program concept from a fellow student at college, and fell in love with the idea. Piccolo found Vanderheyden after searching the web for similar programs.
"I saw the opportunity to work here at Vanderheyden with children, and thought this would be a perfect fit," Piccolo says. "I love the Health Home idea, and the atmosphere at Vanderheyden. The staff was welcoming and supportive."
Piccolo says there are many parts of the program she likes.
"There is a focus on overall health. Mental health, physical health needs, social needs, recreational, educational, peer interaction. Not one specific thing," she says. "The program also looks at the family as a unit."
Piccolo says this is so beneficial to the clients the program serves.
"The scope of some human services jobs are very limited, and this job reduces barriers," she says. "I can do much more with clients."
Piccolo has already seen many successes due to the program, and says it is very motivating to see.
In one case, Piccolo helped a 13-year-old young man and his family, who were homeless, move into a new apartment. "That's exciting to see," she says.
Piccolo also helped a 14-year-old young man who was not in school for two months, re-enroll in high school.
Her work also includes helping the parents.
"I work with the parent to set guidelines. I try to help the parent out with what they need," Piccolo says. "I find and utilize resources to better support their children."
Services offered include referrals to support groups and family counseling. She also educates parents on community resources, such as having assistance, emergency services, and mental health counseling.
In her spare time, Piccolo, a Schoharie County native, loves to paint. Creating landscapes and still life with oils are her favorites. She also loves to hike and go on nature walks.
Capparella loves to go to the beach, and plans a trip to Cape Cod at least once a year. Cooking from scratch "is a form of therapy," she says.
Vanderheyden's Home Health Care Management Program services these areas:
Albany, Rensselaer, Schenectady, Saratoga, Greene, Columbia, Warren, Washington and Ulster Counties.
