Our first home, the lodge at 201 Pinecrest Way in Palmer Lake, will be home to eight residents and their house parents.
Financial Obligations:
Being a resident at Hilltop Ranch is funded through monthly tuition payments on the part of the resident’s family supplemented by the contributions of donors and monies obtained through grants and foundations. Our initial residents are paying a monthly tuition of $2,500. In addition we are requesting that, if possible, our families provide an initial deposit that would be refundable if the resident would leave Hilltop Ranch for an alternate living choice.
We are often asked if government funding for residential care (the DD waiver) would be available for our residents. It is not. Government funding does not allow for the option of living with friends in a larger community such as Hilltop Ranch. Assistance for those in the IDD community unable to live independently is limited to the host family model.
While we may be able to meet greater needs in the future, for this initial phase our residents must:
- Be 18 years of age or older
- Have a primary diagnosis of developmental disability or cognitive challenge
- Have medical conditions that are manageable in the context of our healthcare resources
- Be able to cover the cost of care
- Be accepting of supervision
- Be able to be left alone for short periods of time
- Be able to ambulate and/or transfer independently
- Be free of impulse to take flight or run away
- Be free from patterns of aggression or abuse toward self and others
- Be capable of most self-care and activities of daily living with prompting (e.g. eating, brushing teeth, dressing, toileting, independent bathing/showering, etc.)
- Be able to live successfully in a community with others
- Be able to meaningfully engage in programs and activities to the extent of his/her ability
Other possible residents:
Others interested in living on the Hilltop Ranch campus may apply to be part of the community.
This includes senior citizens, who, until we are able to broaden our services, would have the same self-help skills as listed above.
College-age students in the medical or special educations fields might seek to pursue a residential intern program with Hilltop Ranch, exchanging volunteer service hours for reduced rent.
One of the goals at Hilltop Ranch is to include various population groups, adding to the life of the community. As our residents reach out to enjoy and serve one another, all of their lives will be enriched.
Working at Hilltop Ranch
Our first employees at Hilltop Ranch will be the House Parents (read below about the flexibility possible with this position) who will live with our ranchers, making the lodge into their home. They will help create an atmosphere where the love of God shines in every way. Where each person living or visiting the lodge is respected and encouraged to thrive, growing in the gifts and abilities each has been given. Where they are given countless opportunities to “Shine at Hilltop Ranch!”
“Move In Day” is on February 27, 2021. Until House Parents are found, the parents of the first three residents are sharing the responsibilities for the care of our residents.
Since we have both men and women residents we hope to have a couple living at the lodge. One of them may have a job that takes them away from the lodge. We love children, but bedroom space prevents us from accommodating additional family members.
While we gladly welcome residents of any faith. our staff embraces the faith that is the foundation of Hilltop Ranch. We are people who embrace the love and teachings of Jesus and strive to love and respect each and every person as He did. Contact us to express your interest and to learn more about salary and job expectations.
As soon as possible, we plan to hire additional live-in staff as well as care and activity providers during the day.
FLEXIBILITY IN THE HOUSE PARENT/CAREGIVER POSITION
If you are interest in a paid position at Hilltop Ranch’s lodge, know that we are flexible with the form this position will take. When we find a fit for this position, we will work with that person to develop a schedule and job description that meets their needs and the needs of Hilltop Ranch. Contact us if you would like to discuss the possibility of working at Hilltop Ranch.