Temporary Closure of Day Programs Effective Oct. 23
As part of our continuing commitment to protecting the health and safety of our consumers and staff, we have decided to close all Easterseals Arc day programs for two weeks, beginning Friday, October 23. This affects the Adult Day Center, Transitions and Projects Drive Group.
Please understand that this closure is not due to an outbreak of COVID-19. This is a preventive measure. We pay close attention to reports from the Allen County Department of Health and Indiana Department of Health, and we are concerned about the trend in the spread of COVID-19 in our area.
All staff who are affected by this closure will be contacted by their supervisor for further guidance on their work schedules and locations. Your dedication to our consumers is vital, whether you are supporting them in our facilities or in their homes.
We plan to reopen our day programs on Monday, November 9. However, we will reassess county health data prior to reopening.
We recognize this may be a difficult situation, and we appreciate your understanding that we feel this temporary closure is necessary to reduce risks for participants and staff.
If you have concerns or questions, please feel free to contact your program director:
Adult Day Center and Projects Drive Group: Ashley Gettys, agettys@esarc.org, 260.456.4534 ext. 279
Decisions regarding the reopening of day programs will be based on four guiding decision factors.
Guidelines from state and local authorities, including Gov. Eric Holcomb
Recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
The needs, risk factors and abilities of our participants and staff
Our available resources for PPE; staffing; training; and social distancing
Visitor Policy Updated Beginning July 13
Beginning the week of July 13, case managers and BCs will be allowed to conduct needed meetings with participants at Easterseals Arc. However, we encourage the continued use of electronic meetings. If in-person meetings are necessary, meetings conducted outside in the garden area or at picnic tables are preferred. If this is not a possibility, case managers and BCs may meet with participants in the building. They must schedule these meetings in advance and book a meeting room. The meeting rooms are as follows:
PDG: Room 51
Supported Living: Conference Room in the Supported Living area
All Others: Coldwater conference room 116
No other visitors will be allowed in the buildings. Staff should continue to use email or the drop box on the side of the building for HR or business office paperwork. HR will continue conducting interviews via telephone and Microsoft Teams. Transportation will continue the procedure of not entering the building. This includes families picking up their loved ones.
We will continue social distancing, the mandatory use of masks, screening questions, temperature checks, and strict cleaning guidelines. All meeting rooms must be wiped down after every meeting.
We will continue to monitor CDC and Department of Health guidelines and update this plan accordingly.
Timeline
Easterseals Arc began a phased-in reopeing of day services on June 1.
General Operating Policies
All staff and participants will be screened for symptoms, including temperature checks, upon arrival each day. Any staff or participant with symptoms will be sent home and instructed to contact their health care provider. Any staff or participant who becomes symptomatic during operating hours will remain in a designated isolation area until they can go home.
All guidelines for appropriate PPE for staff and participants will be followed, including face masks for all.
Anyone who is not an Easterseals Arc employee or participant is asked to limit visits as much as possible.
Those who must visit will check-in with the receptionist and complete a screening.
Day Service Operating Policies (Note: Please See Information Regarding Temporary Closure at Top of Page)
Hours will be modified to 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Easterseals Arc may recommend that high-risk participants continue to shelter in place rather than attend day services. High-risk participants include those who are 60 or older or have chronic medical conditions, and each individual will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Groups will be limited to four participants and one staff per work area/classroom to ensure minimum of 6-foot spacing for social distancing.
All classrooms/areas will be disinfected before and after operating hours. High touch areas also will be disinfected every 2 hours throughout the day.
All community-based experiences will be evaluated based on each participant's interest to ensure a person-centered and educational approach. To mitigate any risk of exposure during community outings, Easterseals Arc will ensure the proper protocols are in place and will continue to follow guidance set forth by local, state and federal officials.
If you would like to support Easterseals Arc's ongoing services during the COVD-19 crisis, click below to donate.
Family Members Say 'Thank You'
Our staff are providing essential services, and family members of our participants shared their gratitude in these video messages:
Guidance from BDDS
For additional information on the COVID-19 coronavirus situation, The Bureau of Developmental Disabilities Services has posted guidance for families and self-advocates, as well as service providers, case managers, and visitors on the BDDS website at https://www.in.gov/fssa/ddrs/5755.htm
If You Are Sick
Stay home if you are sick!
The primary symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, coughing and difficulty breathing.
If you have these symptoms, call your doctor’s office for advice on testing and treatment.
Staff with Easterseals Arc’s health insurance can use the Call-A-Doc service.
There is a lot of information being shared regarding coronavirus (COVID-19). As we review and revise our plans and policies, we turn to reliable and up-to-date sources:
Culinary Queens, presented by Old National Bank, will be a virtual event for 2020. Queens will fundraise online from Sept. 21 through Nov. 5, with the top fundraisers crowned on Nov. 7.
Dancing with the Arc Stars has been canceled for 2020. We're looking forward to next year, so mark your calendar for Dancing with the Arc Stars on March 4, 2021.
Our Annual Recognition Celebration, which highlights outstanding achievements of the individuals we serve and our dedicated staff, has been canceled. Although we were not able to celebrate together at an event, we have selected outstanding participants and staff to honor for their accomplishments in 2019.
