COVID-19 UPDATES
07/09/20
Hi Families and Providers,
We received news from the State that COVID funding assistance for HCBS providers will be ending next week. Thus, effective Monday, 7/20, Sample Supports Day Program will resume to offer small group services in a community-based setting.
We will be contacting each team shortly with additional details to review the reentry plans developed to support a gradual transition of individuals back into programming in a way that feels comfortable and supportive. We will continue to implement all of our preventative procedures and guidance to mitigate the risk of exposure for COVID while resuming adjusted programming. This includes:
Sample Supports is prepared with PPE, including face covers, hand sanitizer, gloves, and cleaning supplies, for all employees and individuals returning to programming. If an individual needs face cover, please let your direct regional contact know and they can make sure one is provided to them. We will have extras on-hand throughout the day as well.
See you all soon!
Thank you,
Alexa Cataldo, LCSW
Chief Operating Officer
Hi Families and Providers,
We received news from the State that COVID funding assistance for HCBS providers will be ending next week. Thus, effective Monday, 7/20, Sample Supports Day Program will resume to offer small group services in a community-based setting.
We will be contacting each team shortly with additional details to review the reentry plans developed to support a gradual transition of individuals back into programming in a way that feels comfortable and supportive. We will continue to implement all of our preventative procedures and guidance to mitigate the risk of exposure for COVID while resuming adjusted programming. This includes:
- All individuals in services and employees will complete temperature and symptom screening before being able to participate in or provide face-to-face services each day.
- All individuals in services and employees will be required to wear a face covering and gloves while providing face-to-face services.
- Our group sizes will vary, as always, based on the level of need with up to 4 individuals per group maximum.
- Social distancing of 6 feet of physical distance will continue to be maintained and encouraged.
- Please note that if an individual requires personal care assistance, such as support with toileting, we are able to provide that service with the use of appropriate PPE.
- Transportation will be limited to one individual per every 5 passenger vehicle, two individuals per every 7 passenger vehicle, and individuals residing in the same household being transported together.
- We will be working with providers and natural supports who are able to offer transportation options to and from programming to ensure that we can serve all individuals returning.
- Our small groups will meet at community locations where they will have access to multiple activities and resources throughout the day. Our main office locations will also be available and staffed to ensure any restroom needs, supports with breaks or meals, and any other personal care is attended to as we usually do during our typical programming.
- Virtual day program services may be offered based on the need and availability across regions as well.
- Individuals who have been designated as part of the “vulnerable population” will continue to receive support in developing alternative plans to in person group programming.
Sample Supports is prepared with PPE, including face covers, hand sanitizer, gloves, and cleaning supplies, for all employees and individuals returning to programming. If an individual needs face cover, please let your direct regional contact know and they can make sure one is provided to them. We will have extras on-hand throughout the day as well.
See you all soon!
Thank you,
Alexa Cataldo, LCSW
Chief Operating Officer
4/2/20
Hi families and providers,
I wanted to send a quick check-in to update you on how we have been doing and offer any support we can as we continue to work through our new normal.
We are continuing to run modified programming across the agency including both critical face-to-face services in addition to virtual and telehealth options. Thank you all for helping our individuals find ways to access virtual and telehealth programming as we are creating these!
Here is a little update on what our programs have been up to so far:
If we can help at all by offering any of the above services to you and the individuals you support, please let us know. We are here to get creative and to make sure that we can keep the individuals we serve feeling connected to their communities and to make sure all of you have the tools you need to continue supporting the individuals you serve.
Please keep in touch and let us know how you are doing as well. We are continuing to send all of your kind words out to our teams each week and it means so much to them. We are all in this together and the more communication the better!
Thank you,
Alexa Cataldo, LCSW
Chief Operating Officer
Hi families and providers,
I wanted to send a quick check-in to update you on how we have been doing and offer any support we can as we continue to work through our new normal.
We are continuing to run modified programming across the agency including both critical face-to-face services in addition to virtual and telehealth options. Thank you all for helping our individuals find ways to access virtual and telehealth programming as we are creating these!
Here is a little update on what our programs have been up to so far:
- Our virtual day program has our employees engaged and offering a diverse curriculum from dance parties and yoga classes to virtual tours and in-home scavenger hunts.
- The behavior team is growing our telehealth program with counseling and team consultation services to ensure that all individuals and teams have access to continued support during this time.
- We are assisting individuals who may have lost their jobs or are seeking new employment opportunities through virtual job development plus offering alternative supported employment options to keep individuals working where we can.
- Our residential and supported living services teams are making sure all individuals living independently have access to vital resources like food and medications. We have been using virtual tools to check-in and continue to offer critical face-to-face support as individual’s need.
- We are also making sure our host home providers and family caregivers are receiving all the support they need as well to keep their homes running smoothly.
If we can help at all by offering any of the above services to you and the individuals you support, please let us know. We are here to get creative and to make sure that we can keep the individuals we serve feeling connected to their communities and to make sure all of you have the tools you need to continue supporting the individuals you serve.
Please keep in touch and let us know how you are doing as well. We are continuing to send all of your kind words out to our teams each week and it means so much to them. We are all in this together and the more communication the better!
Thank you,
Alexa Cataldo, LCSW
Chief Operating Officer
3/25/20
Hi Families and Providers
We received further guidance last night from HCPF and CDPHE that recommends agencies shift to only providing 1:1 programming or virtual day services, preferably.
With this, effective today, we will only be offering 1:1 day programming services for those in critical need. Our Day Program Managers will be reaching out to families and providers to confirm our ability to provide 1:1 services when possible.
We do not want to leave our individuals, providers, or family members hanging, though, and the guidance does approve for virtual day programming services!
What this means is we have the opportunity to create and offer some amazing online curriculum to individuals who are interested in still attending that allows that socialization and focus on some excellent hobbies and educational classes. We will be building this out with our teams today to begin offering virtual day program options tomorrow. We will offer virtual services via hangouts or conference calling technology where an individual can either follow along via video or even just call in as we know not everyone has access to a video capable laptop or phone. Stay tuned as our regional Day Program Managers will have a full schedule and instructions on that over to you today!
We will be sending more information on virtual Supported Employment services plus additional symptom screening for employees and individuals in services for all 1:1 in-person services, including behavior and SLS services, in the next email this morning. Lots of virtual options coming your way as well!
We appreciate you all working through this ever-changing situation. We will make the best of it as we usually do and we are excited to kick off this virtual process!
Thank you,
Alexa Cataldo, LCSW
Chief Operating Officer
Hi Families and Providers
We received further guidance last night from HCPF and CDPHE that recommends agencies shift to only providing 1:1 programming or virtual day services, preferably.
With this, effective today, we will only be offering 1:1 day programming services for those in critical need. Our Day Program Managers will be reaching out to families and providers to confirm our ability to provide 1:1 services when possible.
We do not want to leave our individuals, providers, or family members hanging, though, and the guidance does approve for virtual day programming services!
What this means is we have the opportunity to create and offer some amazing online curriculum to individuals who are interested in still attending that allows that socialization and focus on some excellent hobbies and educational classes. We will be building this out with our teams today to begin offering virtual day program options tomorrow. We will offer virtual services via hangouts or conference calling technology where an individual can either follow along via video or even just call in as we know not everyone has access to a video capable laptop or phone. Stay tuned as our regional Day Program Managers will have a full schedule and instructions on that over to you today!
We will be sending more information on virtual Supported Employment services plus additional symptom screening for employees and individuals in services for all 1:1 in-person services, including behavior and SLS services, in the next email this morning. Lots of virtual options coming your way as well!
We appreciate you all working through this ever-changing situation. We will make the best of it as we usually do and we are excited to kick off this virtual process!
Thank you,
Alexa Cataldo, LCSW
Chief Operating Officer
3/24
Hi Families and Providers,
We are aware that the City of Denver and the City of Boulder have issued “Stay at Home” orders and it is possible other cities will do the same. In both orders thus far we continue to be designated as essential staff and businesses. As a result, we will continue to be available to provide modified services within the guidelines of the orders.
Sample Supports is considered an “essential” service under the orders as both a behavioral health provider and a business that provides food, shelter, and social services, and other necessities of life for economically disadvantaged or otherwise needy individuals.
We will be checking in with each impacted individual/family today to determine how to continue providing services during this time, whether those be telehealth or face to face visits. We are especially concerned about our individuals living alone in the community and so we will be giving extra attention and support to those individuals.
Our priority continues to be making sure that each individual receiving care from us has all of their needs met and we will complete this in full.
If individuals are not wanting FTF contact, but are able and interested in doing telehealth visits we would appreciate the opportunity to do so.
Thank you,
Carmen Sample, LCSW, LAC
CEO
Hi Families and Providers,
We are aware that the City of Denver and the City of Boulder have issued “Stay at Home” orders and it is possible other cities will do the same. In both orders thus far we continue to be designated as essential staff and businesses. As a result, we will continue to be available to provide modified services within the guidelines of the orders.
Sample Supports is considered an “essential” service under the orders as both a behavioral health provider and a business that provides food, shelter, and social services, and other necessities of life for economically disadvantaged or otherwise needy individuals.
We will be checking in with each impacted individual/family today to determine how to continue providing services during this time, whether those be telehealth or face to face visits. We are especially concerned about our individuals living alone in the community and so we will be giving extra attention and support to those individuals.
Our priority continues to be making sure that each individual receiving care from us has all of their needs met and we will complete this in full.
If individuals are not wanting FTF contact, but are able and interested in doing telehealth visits we would appreciate the opportunity to do so.
Thank you,
Carmen Sample, LCSW, LAC
CEO
|
3/20/2020
Hi families and providers, We are sure you have received a lot of communication this week from our teams and I wanted to just send a quick note to update you on how we have been doing. On our State webinars this week, HCPF emphasized the need for agencies like us to continue to provide services. Safety net services are a true need right now and it is validating to continue to see our plans aligning with State recommendations. We are continuing to receive outreach from individuals and families in need and are jumping into action to ensure that they have access to care through our services. Our programming has remained open with adjusted guidelines to help ensure we are following all best practices recommended by CDC and our regulatory agencies. We have been working directly with case management agencies to offer services to those in need as that remains the most important during this time. Though the State has not approved contingency funding for all services that we were hoping for yet, we are proud to still be able to continue to keep our teams working during this time and plan to continue to offer vital services as needs arise across our communities.. We have been passing along all of your warm replies directly to our teams and it is really keeping them motivated! Thank you for all of the kind words of support and affirmation you have been sharing with us. Please feel free to reach out and share how you are all doing as well. We are thinking of all of you as we work through this and want to make sure you know you can count on us. Community support is vital during these times and our teams are here to help you through in whatever way we can. We will continue to keep in touch for both routine and change related updates. Our goal is to keep our teams, families, and individuals in services informed and reassured throughout this experience. Thank you, Alexa Cataldo, LCSW Chief Operating Officer |
Memo sent 3/13/2020
Families and Providers,
We intend to keep providing the critical services that our individuals and families depend on through Sample Supports. We know that we offer safety net services and we may be the only point of contact some individuals have with the larger community, so we will be following through in continuing to provide the supports needed to the community that depends on us.
We wanted to share an update on the action we are taking across programs to help keep our services operating while in alignment with recommendations from CDC, CDPHE, and HCPF in regards to COVID-19 received thus far. All services provided will be performed by employees following CDC guidelines for infection control and we will be implementing procedures to prevent the spread of illness to every extent possible as described below. We are also modifying services as described below so that in the event we do have a diagnosis we can identify affected individuals and contain the spread of illness more effectively.
Effective Monday, 3/16/2020 we will offer the following modified service delivery for those who are interested in continuing services:
Day Program Services
Employment Services
Supported Living Services
Behavior Services
Residential Services
Administrative Support
In the event an individual receiving services is uncomfortable with attending any program or service and/or the guardian is uncomfortable and would prefer for someone to remain at home, please let us know so that we can plan accordingly. Additionally, if anyone is showing signs and symptoms of COVID-19 please follow CDC guidelines as described here.
We understand these are uncertain times, though we aim to provide as much continuity in care as possible until we are through it. We also have an amazingly positive group of rockstar healthcare workers that are ready and willing to continue providing care and support to the people in our services. Our providers and direct support professionals are our true healthcare heroes!
Please note that if we receive further direction from HCPF, or any of our regulatory agencies, we will act accordingly and make any necessary changes.
Thank you,
Sample Supports
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We want to ensure we are bringing attention to proactive procedures and communication expectations for the individuals and families we serve.
Please see our general reminders for health and hygiene below as well. Reinforcing these at your home and in interactions with the individuals we serve will help continue to keep us prepared.
We will keep communication open and update you all if there are any further instructions.
Families and Providers,
We intend to keep providing the critical services that our individuals and families depend on through Sample Supports. We know that we offer safety net services and we may be the only point of contact some individuals have with the larger community, so we will be following through in continuing to provide the supports needed to the community that depends on us.
We wanted to share an update on the action we are taking across programs to help keep our services operating while in alignment with recommendations from CDC, CDPHE, and HCPF in regards to COVID-19 received thus far. All services provided will be performed by employees following CDC guidelines for infection control and we will be implementing procedures to prevent the spread of illness to every extent possible as described below. We are also modifying services as described below so that in the event we do have a diagnosis we can identify affected individuals and contain the spread of illness more effectively.
Effective Monday, 3/16/2020 we will offer the following modified service delivery for those who are interested in continuing services:
Day Program Services
- We will be incorporating program specific guidelines surrounding social distancing as well to limit unnecessary contact with others.
- We will be keeping our groups contained to the same people and staff member as much as possible throughout the week, including transportation - this may be adjusted based on person specific needs and/or staffing expectations.
- We have restricted all “cross-region” movement between offices and sites that our company offers. Individuals will stay in their designated regions during service delivery.
- We will be decreasing/eliminating all “transitions” in large group settings. The person that picks up an individual for transport will be the same person they are with throughout the day.
- We will be scheduling activities in an effort to contain groups away from large gatherings, while still experiencing the community.
- We will be offering and providing alternatives to group-based services to individuals deemed “medically fragile” by preexisting conditions.
- We will be keeping our groups contained to the same people and staff member as much as possible throughout the week, including transportation - this may be adjusted based on person specific needs and/or staffing expectations.
Employment Services
- We will continue to support individuals in their positions as they are scheduled and needed by their place of employment.
- If an individual has been asked by their employer to modify their employment to “remote work”, then we will assist with making necessary changes and adaptations.
- If an individual has been asked by their employer to modify their employment to “remote work”, then we will assist with making necessary changes and adaptations.
Supported Living Services
- We will continue providing all SLS services per service plans.
- We will be offering telehealth visits if appropriate.
- We will take this opportunity to teach our individuals in SLS services about ordering supplies they need online if applicable.
Behavior Services
- We will continue providing all behavioral supports for individuals per their service plans.
- We will be offering telehealth behavioral services as an alternative as needed.
- We will be offering telehealth behavioral services as an alternative as needed.
Residential Services
- Our residential teams will remain on-call and available 24/7 to help work through any concerns as they arise.
- We will continue to do home visits as scheduled. We will offer telehealth options if requested/necessary.
- We will be supporting individuals in setting-up remote access to basic needs like online grocery shopping and medication ordering if they live in an apartment setting.
- We are working with each host home and family caregiver to develop a plan in the event a caregiver or person receiving services receives a COVID-19 diagnosis.
Administrative Support
- Our administrative teams will be primarily working from home and available like normal.
- We have “back-up caregiver” plans in place so that we can continue providing service delivery as individuals request and need it.
- We will have team members on-call and available at all of our offices to ensure providers and individuals in services have access to needed documentation, including personal needs checks, as needed.
- We have implemented a revised sick leave policy for the next 30 days to ensure that our employees who need medical support can access it.
- We are continuing to practice all CDC, CDPHE, and HCPF guidelines for proactive procedures across our programs.
In the event an individual receiving services is uncomfortable with attending any program or service and/or the guardian is uncomfortable and would prefer for someone to remain at home, please let us know so that we can plan accordingly. Additionally, if anyone is showing signs and symptoms of COVID-19 please follow CDC guidelines as described here.
We understand these are uncertain times, though we aim to provide as much continuity in care as possible until we are through it. We also have an amazingly positive group of rockstar healthcare workers that are ready and willing to continue providing care and support to the people in our services. Our providers and direct support professionals are our true healthcare heroes!
Please note that if we receive further direction from HCPF, or any of our regulatory agencies, we will act accordingly and make any necessary changes.
Thank you,
Sample Supports
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We want to ensure we are bringing attention to proactive procedures and communication expectations for the individuals and families we serve.
- Review the current memo for symptoms of COVID-19 and general communicable illnesses for more information and details on qualifying symptoms, prevention, and treatment.
- If an individual is presenting with active symptoms of COVID-19 or any communicable illness, please follow CDC guidelines and recommendations.
Please see our general reminders for health and hygiene below as well. Reinforcing these at your home and in interactions with the individuals we serve will help continue to keep us prepared.
- Wash your hands.
- Encourage the individuals we serve to wash their hands as well!
- Wear protective materials when appropriate including gloves when handling food, medications, and supporting activities of daily living and masks when applicable.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick as listed above.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
We will keep communication open and update you all if there are any further instructions.