COVID

 

PERMIACARE

CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) INFORMATION & UPDATES

 

PermiaCare is Open

PermiaCare is continually monitoring local, state and national communications which include the Texas Health and Human Services Commission and the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19) developments, updates and recommendations.

We are committed to providing a healthy and safe environment for employees, the individuals we serve, contractors, and guests in our facilities.  Learn more about COVID-19 here.

In consideration of the on-going COVID-19 crisis in our country, in addition to our standard policies and procedures regarding infection control measures, PermiaCare is adapting our services and adding social distancing enhancements to ensure we lessen the spread of COVID-19 while continuing to deliver services that ensure the safety of all that individuals that depend on us.  Masks are required by all parties and proper infection control protocols must be used.

 

Official Communications from the Chief Executive Officer

 

Closures

  • Intellectual Disabilities Day Habilitation – March 20, 2020 through August 31, 2020
  • Rainbow House – March 23, 2020 through June 12, 2020
  • Family Resiliency Center of the Permian Basin - March 30, 2020 through May 29, 2020

Facility Closures

  • 1403 E. Front – Midland (Day Habilitation Program Closure)
  • 400 N Carver – Midland (Staff home officed and providing services by telehealth)
  • 502 N Carver – Midland (Staff home officed and providing services by telehealth)
  • 1012 W MacArthur – Odessa (Staff home officed and providing services by telehealth)
  • 3116 Kermit Hwy – Odessa (Day Hab Program Closure, Staff home officed and providing services by telehealth)
  • 1123 N. Main – Fort Stockton (Day Hab Program Closure, Staff home officed and providing services by telehealth)

 

Temporarily Suspended Services

  • Turning Point – Only employees and contractors with essential business may enter the inpatient facility. Video visitation, when applicable, will be provided. 

 

What to Expect for those We Serve

The nature of our work and our various sites and the respective services provided at each requires different infection control at each site. We are working at each site to ensure all aspects of infection control are addressed.  Masks are required when in a PermiaCare facility.

 

Methods of service delivery

·    Most of the services we provide during the COVID-19 crisis will be by telephone or tele-video.  Services will be provided in-person on an as-needed basis with proper precautions.  Masks are required by all parties.

 

Wellness Checks in facilities

  • All visitors will complete a symptom questionnaire and have their temperatures checked by thermometer prior to admission to the service site. Anyone found with an elevated temperature will be asked to go home and not return until it returns to a normal level and no other concerning symptoms are present.

Wellness Checks Prior to Home Service Site Visits

·        Staff will try to communicate with the client ahead of a scheduled visit, either by telephone, text message or video conference. If possible, staff will conduct the entire visit virtually, either by phone or video conference.

·        Staff will ask the client to report their temperature. A fever is a temperature greater than 100°. If the client or household members have a fever or concerning symptoms, such as a cough or shortness of breath, staff will:

·        Reschedule non-essential services until after the client has been fever-free (without medication for fevers) for at least 24 hours and symptoms have improved.

·        Provide critical services using recommended personal protective equipment (PPE).

 

For In-Person Visits

  • Staff will try to ask the client beforehand if they, or a member of the household, have a fever or symptoms, including cough or shortness of breath.
  • Staff will conduct the visit with at least six-foot distance and outdoors or outside the residence, such as in a hallway, if feasible.

 

What You Can Do to Protect Your Mental Health

Many of the people we support struggle with fears, anxiety and paranoia under the best of circumstances. The COVID-19 Pandemic has elevated people’s fear and stress and created anxiety in individuals both locally and globally. Below are resources for coping with the stressors of the COVID-19 outbreak and ways to protect your mental health.

·        National Alliance on Mental Illness – “Tips for People with Mental Illness”

·        National Alliance on Mental Illness Minnesota – “Mental Health Support And COVID-19”

·        World Health Organization – “Mental Health Considerations” for General Population, Health Care Workers, Team Leaders or Managers in Health Facilities, For Caretakers of Children, For Caretakers of Older Adults, For People in Isolation

·        CDC – “Managing Anxiety & Stress” for Yourself, Parents, Responders, and those Released from Quarantine

·        National Association of School Psychologists – “Talking to Children about COVID-19”

·        verywellmind.com – “How to Cope with Loneliness During Coronavirus“

·        Wellness Guide to Overcoming Isolation During COVID 19

·        Tips to Reduce Stress - Texans Recovering Together

·       Crisis Counseling Assistance Program (CCP) services

·        Crisis Counseling Assistance Program (CCP) for School Personnel

·        Crisis Counseling Assistance Program (CCP) for School Personnel (Spanish)

·        Kids book:  My Hero Is You

·        Kids book: A Certain Kind of Sick

·        Kids book: Trinka and Sam (1st half) (2nd half)

·        Kids book (Spanish):  Trinka Y Juan (1st half) (2nd half)

·       Feeling stressed or anxious about the COVID-19 pandemic? This flyer provides information and tips for coping during a pandemic as well as resources for additional assistance.

·      Are you working to help people affected by the COVID-19 pandemic?  This flyer highlights key Psychological First Aid concepts and resources disaster responders and outreach workers may use when assisting individuals affected by the pandemic. It also provides resources for further assistance.

·      Tips for Healthcare Professionals: Coping With Stress and Compassion Fatigue This tip sheet will cover strategies health care providers can use to reduce their stress regarding COVID-19 and information about coping with compassion fatigue.

·      Tips for Managing Stress During the COVID-19 Pandemic  The wallet card provides stress reduction tips and techniques as well as lists sources for additional assistance.

 

If You are Experiencing a Mental Health Crisis

  • Call PermiaCare’s Crisis Line:         844-420-3964
  • Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:     800-273-TALK (8255)
  • Texas Health and Human Services launched a 24/7 statewide mental health support line to help Texans experiencing anxiety, stress or emotional challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Call the Statewide COVID-19 Mental Health Support Line 24 hours a day, 7 days a week toll-free at 833-986-1919.

 

FFCRA

PermiaCare is a healthcare entity and therefore exempt from the Family First Coronavirus Response Act.  You can find information on the Act here.