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COVID-19 Special Edition Newsletter:
March 27, 2020

   

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Care Design NY  is committed to keeping the provider community informed. Care Design NY created a COVID-19 Provider Resource page on Care Design NY website as well as a COVID-19 Special Addition Newsletter.  

The newsletters will be emailed weekly and also archived on the COVID-19 Provider page for your continued reference, and the COVID-19 Provider Resource Page will be updated daily with announcements and critical information. 

NOTE: Information related to COVID -19 is rapidly changing. This newsletter is up to date as of today, 3/27/2020. For additional information, please visit the provider resource page.

Supporting People to Stay Connected

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused major disruption throughout the world and our nation. For individuals supported by  Care Design NY and associated Developmental Disability Provider agencies, this disruption is evident in many ways including:  changes in daily routines, fear or anxiety about the health of themselves or a loved one and feeling disconnected from family, friends and their circles of support.  It is critically important during this time that families communicate regularly with their loved ones. Here are a few ideas providers can use to support a person in staying connected while still maintaining social distance:

  • In the absence of in-person plans and visits, encourage communication regularly with loved ones through phone calls, video calls and letters.  
  • Help someone stay connected using a social media platform such as Facebook. Assist in building a profile, log into an existing profile and connect with friends and family through messenger applications, posts and sharing. 
  • Help others during this time of uncertainty. Connect with a local nursing home or assisted living center to see if they can accept phone calls, letters or artwork from a person you are supporting. 

     
     

Technology, Tools and Resources:
Managed Care Community of Practice (MC-COP)  
MC-COP has been re-purposed as a resource for providers during the COVID-19 crisis. Care Design NY, in collaboration with the other NYS CCOs and Developmental Disability Provider Associations, participates regularly on COVID-19 update calls with OPWDD. OPWDD is currently awaiting approval from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) on their submission of Appendix K and 1135 waivers in which they have committed to implementing several provisions aimed at provider sustainability, service delivery and operational flexibility.  

More information was shared with providers as part of the Managed Care Community of Practice webinars.  Please visit the MC-COP website for additional information and recordings: www.mc-cop.com/webinars  
  
Major Disaster Declaration FEMA-4480-DR 
On March 20, New York State received a Major Disaster Declaration FEMA-4480-DR from President Trump for the COVID-19 pandemic. The declaration authorizes public assistance for category B Emergency Protective Measures. Potential eligible applicants include: 
  • State agencies 
  • Local governments and special districts 
  • Federally recognized tribal nations 
  • Certain types of private nonprofit (PNP) organizations: 
    • Critical private nonprofit organizations: PNPs that own or operate a facility that provides a critical service, e.g., hospitals and emergency care facilities, fire & rescue emergency services, educational facilities (including colleges both public or private), nursing homes, laboratories, and rehab centers that provide medical care. 
    • Non-critical but essential private nonprofit organizations: PNPs that own or operate a facility that provides a non-critical, but essential social service AND provides those services to the general public, e.g., senior citizen centers, homeless shelters, community centers, child care facilities, food assistance programs, performing arts facilities, and houses of worship. 
Webinars are scheduled for March 30th for additional information on how to participate and submit for reimbursement. 

     

During this crisis, many providers are being relied on to make decisions, deliver updates and give recommendations for their agency or organization. Providers play an important role in helping others during this time. Many people, including providers, are experiencing a heightened sense of depression and anxiety due to the uncertainty they feel. It is important for providers to practice self-care during this time. Below are a few links to help manage stress while being present for others including the people we serve.      

In addition to the resources outlined above, here are some additional tips for self-care:     

  1. Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including social media. Hearing about the pandemic repeatedly can be upsetting.  
  2. Take care of your body. Take deep breaths, stretch, or meditate. 
  3. Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep avoid unhealthy coping mechanisms.   Make time to unwind. Try to do some other activities you enjoy.  
  4. Connect with others. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling. 
    FROM: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 

Questions/Concerns related to COVID-19? Contact us!

   

Do you have questions or concerns related to COVID-19? Please contact Care Design NY’s Network Development and Provider Relations team at providerrelations@caredesignny.org
     
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