Case Management Update
Day Services Survey Results
VMRC Service Coordinators have been compiling information from consumers and families about their needs and preferences as they relate to day program services. While our vendors are busy putting together Alternative Service options and reviewing delivery of traditional services, we surveyed consumers by asking some pertinent questions that may assist all in making those important decisions. The Google Survey provided the data collected in percentages for each question. The results were broken down by either 1) consumers residing independently/with family/in a Family Home Agency (FHA) or 2) those consumers residing in care homes. The following questions were asked and the percentages are noted by the residence type:
Are you or anyone in your household part of the vulnerable population?
o Yes—1) 54% 2) 76%
o No—1) 42% 2)19%
o Total Unsure—5%
When safe to do so, do you want to attend an on-site day program when county, state allows?
o Yes—1) 74% 2) 73%
o No—1) 12% 2) 12%
o Total unsure—19%
Which of the following day program services do you prefer?
o Remote—1) 59.5% 2)54%
o In-Home—1) 32% 2) 34%;
o Community Setting—1) 46% 2)37%
o None—13%
For remote services, do you have internet access and a Wi-Fi enabled device?
o Yes—1) 77% 2)64%
o Internet, but no Wi-Fi—1) 7% 2)22%
o Wi-Fi device, but no internet—1) 3% 2) 1.4%
o No internet or Wi-Fi—1) 12% 2) 13%
If allowed, would you want a combination day program?
o Yes—1) 36% 2)30%
o No, prefers remote or in-home—1) 24% 2)28%
o No, prefers on-site—1) 40% 2)42%
Are you aware of and able to follow safety protocols?
o Yes, with physical assistance and reminders—1) 22% 2) 28%
o Yes, with physical assistance—1) 2% 2)2%
o Yes, with reminders—1) 64% 2) 42%
o No, consumer is not aware of and will not be able to follow protocols—1) 11% 2) 28%
We will provide the chart results on our website: www.vmrc.net
Thank you to Tatiana Supnet, Adult Service Coordinator for her creative idea to use this survey method and the follow through that she provided!
Emergency Preparation During Hazardous Times
The COVID-19 pandemic has made preparing for and responding to disasters and emergencies more complicated, but also even more important, we are dealing with the additional health threats of extreme heat and poor air quality from wildfires in our area.
· Create a family-sized emergency supply kit and smaller “go kits” for your family. Include personal needs, disinfectant wipes and spray, bar or liquid soap, hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol, and at least two masks per person age 2 or older in your household. Home delivery is the safest choice for buying supplies; however, that may not be an option for everyone. If in-person shopping is your only choice, take steps to protect yourself and others when running essential errands.
· Stay informed of how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected emergency preparedness and response planning where you live. Pay attention to local guidance for evacuations and shelters. Your shelter location may be different this year because of the pandemic.
· Find ways to support your community while taking steps to protect yourself and others in your home and community from COVID-19. For example, offer to help gather disaster supplies (e.g., shop for personal needs and pick up prescriptions) for those who are older, have mobility issues, use public transportation, or are at increased risk for severe illness.
0-50—Good—Enjoy your usual outdoor activities
51-100—Moderate—Extremely sensitive children and adults should refrain from strenuous outdoor activity
101-150—Unhealthy for sensitive groups—Sensitive children and adults should limit prolonged outdoor activity
151-200—Unhealthy—Sensitive groups should avoid outdoor activities and others should limit prolonged outdoor activity
201-300—Very Unhealthy—Sensitive groups should stay indoors and others should avoid outdoor activity
301-500—Hazardous—Everyone should avoid all outdoor exertions
National Federal Eviction Moratorium
A federal eviction moratorium was issued by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and is in effect from September 4, 2020 through December 31, 2020. This temporary moratorium on evictions extends vital protections to tens of millions of renters at risk of eviction for non-payment of rent during the global pandemic.
To be eligible, renters must meet the following qualifications:
• You have used your “best efforts” to obtain government rental assistance;
• You do not expect to earn more than $99,000 in 2020 (or $198,000 if you are married and filed a joint tax return), or you did not need to report income to the federal government in 2019, or you received an Economic Impact Payment this year;
• You have been experiencing a “substantial” loss of household income because of a layoff or reduced work hours, or you have “extraordinary” out-of-pocket medical expenses (defined as an unreimbursed medical expense that exceeds 7.5% of your adjusted gross income for the year);
• You have been making your best effort to make partial rent payments as close to the full amount due as possible; and
• Being evicted would cause you to become homeless or you would have to move in with a friend or family member (live “doubled up”).
Census Deadline is Upon Us
The 2020 Census deadline is quickly approaching, and it is important that people with disabilities and their families are ready to be counted! The government counts everyone in the country every 10 years by asking questions about every home in The United States.
It's quick and easy. The 2020 Census questionnaire will take about 10 minutes to complete. It's safe, secure, and confidential. Your information and privacy will be protected and your response helps to direct billions of dollars in federal, state, and local funds to communities for schools, roads, and other public services. These decisions affect people with disabilities by funding services and programs. The results will also be used to determine the number of seats each state has in Congress and your political representation at all levels of government.
The census asks a few simple questions about you and everyone living with you on April 1, 2020. Here is a sample of questions you will be asked:
· What is your phone number?
· Do you own or rent your home?
· How many people live in your home?
· What is your name?
· What is your sex? The census gives two options. You can choose “male” or “female.”
· What is your age?
· Are you Hispanic, Latino, or of Spanish Origin? This question has to do with where your family comes from. The form uses the term Hispanic, Latino, or of Spanish origin, so if your family comes from a Spanish speaking country, your answer to this question is probably yes.
· What is your race? For this question, you check boxes. The census lists different races. Some examples are “white,” “black,” or “American Indian.” You can check more than one box. After you check boxes, the census asks for more details, like what area, country, or tribe your family is from.
· The census will also ask these same questions about the people who live with you.
The Covid-19 pandemic has made the census-gathering process more challenging than ever before. If you have already completed the 2020 Census, that is great. If not, you can use the materials mailed to you or left at your door, complete them and mail them in. You can also phone in your results by following the directions on the website listed below or access the questionnaire and complete online. If you do not have those hard copies, it is likely that a census-taker (wearing a mask, of course) may stop by your home. Those staff will be knocking on doors until September 30th. Tabulation of those results will begin soon thereafter. There is a statutory deadline of delivering the results to the President and Congress by December 31, 2020. An extension is being considered due to the pandemic, however it is best to get those answers in as soon as is possible. Our future funding and representation is at stake. For more information or to complete online, please access: https://my2020census.gov/
Cindy Mix
Director of Consumer Services
