Positive Pathways Behavior Consults, LLC

Happy Best Friends Day from Positive Pathways!

Friendship brings connection, comfort, and a sense of belonging at every stage of life. Whether it's a lifelong friend, a family member, or someone met later in life, meaningful relationships help make each day a little brighter.

Today, we celebrate the people who make us feel supported, valued, and understood.

⚽☔ Rain or Shine, Community Matters ☔⚽

This weekend, PPBC's COO Ashlee Hammer attended an Albany YMCA soccer game to support one of the teams sponsored by PPBC.

The weather definitely made its presence known. The rain poured down, umbrellas were everywhere, and everyone got a little wet. Despite the Oregon weather, the players kept playing, coaches kept coaching, and families continued cheering from the sidelines.

At PPBC, supporting local organizations is about more than sponsorships. It is about being present in the communities we serve. Whether at a soccer field, community event, local business, or neighborhood gathering, these opportunities help us better understand the people, families, and communities that make Oregon such a special place to call home.

Behavior Support Services is built on understanding people. The more connected we are to our communities, the more we learn about the experiences, values, activities, and relationships that shape the lives of those we support.

We are grateful for the opportunity to support the Albany YMCA and the positive impact they have on youth, families, and our community every day.

PPBC looks forward to building an even stronger partnership with the YMCA in the future.

Stay tuned. More to come from PPBC and the Albany YMCA as we continue finding ways to support and engage with our community.

🍓 PPBC in the Community 🍓

PPBC had the opportunity to volunteer at the Strawberry Festival merchandise booth this weekend. It was a fun way to spend time in the community and be part of an event that brings together people of all ages and backgrounds.

As Behavior Consultants, understanding the people we support means understanding the communities they come from. While volunteering, we were able to observe the traditions, values, interactions, and sense of connection that make Lebanon such a special place. We watched families gathering together, children laughing and playing, neighbors catching up, friends spending time together, and community members enjoying a tradition that has been part of Lebanon for generations.

Many of the individuals we support have lived, worked, raised families, attended school, and built their lives right here in this community. Seeing the places, events, and traditions that are meaningful to them helps us better understand their experiences and the stories that have shaped who they are.

The weekend was filled with music, smiles, good food, familiar faces, and a strong sense of community. Sometimes the best way to learn about the people we serve is simply by being present, observing, listening, and participating alongside them.

Thank you, Lebanon, for another wonderful Strawberry Festival.

Positive Pathways Behavior Consults (PPBC), we understand that behavior is often communication. What may appear as a challenging, confusing, repetitive, withdrawn, or unusual behavior is frequently an individual's way of expressing an unmet need, discomfort, fear, frustration, confusion, preference, or desire for connection.

Our goal is not to "fix" people. Our goal is to understand them.
We take the time to get to know the individual, their history, routines, strengths, preferences, communication style, life experiences, and the factors that may be contributing to the behaviors being observed. By understanding the person first, we can help caregivers and support teams better understand the behavior.

PPBC provides individualized Behavior Support Services through Oregon Medicaid and private-pay consultation. We work directly with individuals, families, case managers, adult foster homes, assisted living communities, memory care communities, and in-home providers to develop practical, person-centered support strategies that can be used every day.

What sets PPBC apart is our hands-on approach. We don't simply provide a plan and walk away. We come alongside your team.

Our services include:
• Individualized Behavior Support Plans
• Communication Support Plans
• Activities Support Plans
• Dietary Support Plans
• One-on-One caregiver coaching
• Staff education and training
• Education and Understanding opportunities
• Attendance at staff meetings when requested
• Onsite observations and support
• Educational handouts and caregiver resources
• Ongoing collaboration with care teams and case managers

Many people think Behavior Support Services are only for aggressive behaviors. In reality, PPBC supports a wide variety of concerns, including:
• Repetitive questions or conversations
• Wandering or exit-seeking
• Resistance to care
• Socially inappropriate comments or interactions
• Anxiety, fear, and suspiciousness
• Hoarding or collecting items
• Fixations and repetitive routines
• Sleep disturbances
• Verbal outbursts or emotional escalation
• Withdrawal and isolation
• Difficulty adjusting to a new environment
• Trauma-related responses
• Communication difficulties
• Behaviors that simply leave caregivers wondering, "Why are they doing that?"

Sometimes a second set of eyes can make all the difference.
PPBC helps identify patterns, recognize triggers, understand unmet needs, and develop practical solutions that improve quality of life for both the individual and those supporting them.

We believe education is one of the most powerful tools available to caregivers. Through individualized training, coaching, handouts, and ongoing support, we help teams build confidence, reduce frustration, improve communication, and create more positive interactions.

As an Oregon Medicaid provider, we proudly support Provider Choice. Individuals, families, guardians, and case managers have the right to choose the provider that best meets their needs. We welcome the opportunity to discuss how Behavior Support Services may benefit someone in your care.

Whether you are looking for support with a current concern, staff education, behavior consultation, or simply want another professional perspective, Positive Pathways Behavior Consults is here to help.

Positive Pathways Behavior Consults, LLC
Oregon Medicaid Provider
Website: www.positivepathwaysbehaviorconsults.com
Email: [email protected]

"Because behavior makes sense when you know the person."

www.positivepathwaysbehaviorconsults.com

Positive Pathways Behavior Consults proudly provides Behavior Support Services, also known as BSS, to individuals, families, and care teams throughout Oregon.

BSS is designed to help care teams better understand the meaning behind behaviors, reduce escalation, improve communication, and support quality of life for individuals receiving care. PPBC supports Adult Foster Homes, Assisted Living, Residential Care, Memory Care, families, loved ones, and other care settings by providing person-centered strategies, caregiver education, and hands-on support that help caregivers respond with confidence, compassion, and consistency.

PPBC goes above and beyond. We do more than write behavior plans. We show up, observe, teach, coach, and provide hands-on support to the care team. Our goal is to help staff understand the “why” behind behaviors through better approach, better response, and better outcomes.

BSS may be requested when a family member, loved one, caregiver, provider, or care team identifies behavioral concerns or support needs. For Medicaid-funded BSS, the request is coordinated through the individual’s Case Manager and must follow Oregon eligibility and authorization requirements. Oregon’s BSS program is part of the Medicaid-funded Community First Choice State Plan Option and is provided by certified Behavior Consultants using Positive Behavior Support. More information can be found on the State of Oregon BSS page: https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/providers-partners/seniors-disabilities/pages/bss.aspx

PPBC also offers private-pay behavioral consultation, caregiver education, and staff training for individuals, families, providers, and care settings who may not qualify for Medicaid-funded BSS or who would like additional support.

From behavior to understanding PPBC is here to support Oregon care teams and families.

To learn more or connect with PPBC:
Phone: 541-405-3394
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.positivepathwaysbc.com

Community matters 🫶

We loved seeing local youth, families, and furry friends out enjoying the Lamb Trot at the Scio Lamb & Wool Fair this last weekend! Events like this are such a great reminder of how important movement, connection, and community involvement are for overall health and wellness.

Getting outside, walking, laughing, and staying active supports not only physical health, but brain health too. Regular movement can help improve mood, reduce stress, support memory and cognition, and encourage healthy social connection at every age.

We’re so thankful to live and work in communities that create fun opportunities like this for people to get moving together. The Positive Pathways shirts looked pretty cute out there too 😊🐾

We’re already looking forward to joining in even more next year!

At PPBC, we believe strong communities create stronger people and organizations like the YMCA do exactly that. ⚽

We’re so proud to sponsor this amazing local YMCA soccer team and support a program that gives kids a place to build confidence, teamwork, friendships, and healthy habits that last a lifetime.

The YMCA does so much more than sports. They create safe, welcoming spaces where youth and families can connect, grow, and thrive together.

Thank you to the YMCA, the coaches, families, and these awesome athletes for all you do in our community. We’re honored to cheer you on this season!

🌿 You’re Invited to Our Care Partner Support Group 🌿

Being a care partner can look different for everyone. Whether you support someone professionally or personally, this group is here for you.

Care partners may include:
✨ Caregivers
✨ Family members
✨ Adult children supporting aging parents
✨ AFH staff
✨ Assisted living & memory care staff
✨ Activity staff
✨ Anyone caring for or supporting another person

Our Care Partner Support Group is a welcoming space to connect, share experiences, gain support, and learn alongside others who understand the caregiving journey.

Join us for encouragement, conversation, education, and community connection in a relaxed, judgment-free environment.

You do not have to do this alone.

We’d love to see you there! Feel free to message us with any questions.

📅 June 1, 2026
⏰ 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
📍 Cola Room at Meadowlark Senior Living

Hydration is especially important for older adults, helping support energy, balance, brain function, and overall well-being. As we age, our sense of thirst naturally decreases, making it easier to become dehydrated without realizing it.

Today is a great reminder to encourage fluids in fun and refreshing ways! A colorful mocktail, fruit-infused water, or sparkling drink can help make hydration feel more enjoyable throughout the day.

Small sips can make a big difference!

Behavior is communication.

When someone begins wandering, withdrawing, yelling, resisting care, pacing, becoming emotionally reactive, or struggling with daily routines, there is often a deeper reason behind it. Behaviors are frequently connected to confusion, fear, grief, trauma, anxiety, unmet needs, overstimulation, medical changes, mental health concerns, dementia, PTSD, TBI, or other forms of brain change.

These moments are not simply “bad behaviors.” They are often signs that a person is struggling to communicate what they are feeling, needing, or experiencing.

In Oregon, Medicaid covered Behavior Support Services (BSS) are available through APD K Plan services for qualifying individuals. BSS supports the individual while also helping caregivers, providers, families, and support teams better understand behaviors and respond in more successful, person centered ways.

Behavior Support Services qualify for individuals experiencing:
• Wandering or exit seeking.
• Increased confusion or emotional distress.
• Verbal escalation or reactive behaviors.
• Resistance to care, medications, meals, or routines.
• Sleep disturbances or sundowning behaviors.
• Anxiety, fear, paranoia, or trauma responses.
• Social withdrawal or isolation.
• Pacing, restlessness, or repetitive questioning.
• Difficulty adjusting after hospitalization, illness, relocation, or loss.
• Behaviors connected to dementia, TBI, mental health, or brain change.
• Increased stress within the care environment.
• Caregiver burnout, placement concerns, or repeated conflict between caregivers and the individual.

Behavior Support Services provide:
• Caregiver and staff education.
• Communication and approach recommendations.
• Person centered behavior planning.
• Environmental observations and recommendations.
• Hands on coaching and support.
• Meaningful activity and engagement ideas.
• Real time problem solving and guidance.
• Support focused on improving quality of life for both the individual and the care team.

BSS is not about punishment, control, or forcing compliance. The focus is understanding the individual, reducing distress, improving communication, strengthening caregiver confidence, and creating calmer, safer, and more positive daily interactions for everyone involved.

Families, caregivers, providers, Adult Foster Homes, Assisted Living Facilities, Residential Care Facilities, Memory Care communities, and in home support teams can speak directly with the individual’s Medicaid or APD Case Manager to request a Behavior Support Services referral.

Behavior Support Services are Medicaid covered through Oregon APD K Plan services for qualifying individuals, meaning there is no direct out of pocket cost to the family, caregiver, provider, or community when approved through Medicaid services.

Oregon DHS/APD Request for Behavior Support Services with Positive Pathways Behavior Consults.