COVID-19 Update 4.28.20
Dear Rimland Family,
As you may know by now, Governor Pritzker has extended the shelter-in-place order through May 30th. To date, we have not received an update from the Department of Human Services on when we are permitted to reopen our Day Programs, therefore we will continue to shelter in place until we receive further direction.
We are pleased to report that there are no new confirmed cases of COVID-19 within the Rimland community. Around two weeks ago, we began COVID-19 testing for our employees and took on the financial responsibility for these tests. Since then, more testing options have become available; this has reduced the cost of the COVID-19 tests and allowed us to put more of those financial resources to other critical areas of our organization. Samina Rahim, Associate Executive Director, is in contact with the Evanston Department of Public Health and they have provided us with additional PPE equipment. She also discussed Rimland’s protocols and mitigation efforts with them, and received feedback that our policies are exactly what we should be doing to keep everyone safe. Please feel free to reach out to Samina if you have any additional questions at (708)912-3420.
Rimland recently purchased personal thermometers for each Direct Support Professional so that they can monitor their temperatures throughout their shift and document it in Therap, our secure electronic health records system. This provides us with real time data to monitor DSPs and support them. Rimland individuals continue to be monitored by licensed healthcare professionals. We are also in the process of teaching them to wear facial coverings and maintain physical distancing so they can be prepared when the shelter-in-place order is lifted. While this is inherently challenging to teach, our AEDS, DSPs, and program staff are seeing positive results and providing specialized attention to individuals who are struggling to adapt.
While it can be easier to want to stay inside when the weather is gloomy, we recognize that some individuals are getting frustrated being indoors. We are all hoping for warmer weather around the corner, so that we can spend more time in our backyards exercising and enjoying the sun. This will be beneficial for the physical and mental health of our clients and employees. We remain committed to providing a safe environment for everyone at Rimland and are doing our best to uplift everyone’s spirits. One way we are doing this is by providing pay and meal enhancements to employees while we have the financial means to do so. Please consider donating to Rimland so we can continue to provide these benefits during the pandemic.
Finally, we want to thank you for your patience during these extraordinarily difficult times. We understand how challenging it is to not be able to see your loved ones, and thank you for supporting our policies. Our thoughts are with you and we hope that the families of our extended Rimland community are in good health.
Sincerely,
The Rimland Team