A Message to ROI/GLC employees, individuals, families, and other customers – updated 02/24/2021

The state of Michigan uses 5 levels (A, B, C, D, E) to describe the risk level associated with the spread of the Coronavirus. On 2/21/21, it was noted that Kalamazoo County’s Coronavirus risk level was downgraded from E (the most serious) to D (less serious). Consistent with the orders of Dr. Gordon of MDHHS, all ROI adult specialized residential facilities and supported independent living facilities will again be open to limited indoor visitation. As we are still at Risk Level D, ROI will still encourage – and assist with – virtual visits and outdoor visits. Indoor visitation rules will require:

• An appointment will be made in advance of the visit. This is to ensure that the home is able to manage visits for all family members, arrange for space, and ensure sanitation.
• A limit on the number of visitors at the same time (2 total for the program).
• A health screening prior to visitation – which will require signing in with contact information.
• Visitors comply with social distance (six feet), no physical contact, mask wearing, sanitation, and movement limitations within the setting to avoid/limit contact with other consumers or staff.
• The program/home location has no positive case of Coronavirus in either staff or consumers within 14 days.
• The program will not be under quarantine orders from the public health entity.

Indoor visits may not occur for anyone unable to – or unwilling to – comply with all the guidelines provided by MDHHS. You can review the full order here Coronavirus – Requirements for residential care facilities

For ROI/GLC Residential Programs:
Under Executive Order 2020-6, all healthcare facilities, residential care facilities, congregate care facilities, and juvenile justice facilities must continue to prohibit any visitors who are not necessary for medical care, support of activities of daily living like bathing or eating, or that are not visiting under emergency circumstances. ROI program supervisors continue to work with families to maintain contact with their loved ones via telephone and/or video conferencing where possible while the Executive Order remains in effect.

For GLC Autism Outpatient Programs:

GLC OP strives to keep all children safe at all times. We have implemented several strategies that will remain in place during the COVID pandemic while Michigan is in Phases 1-5 of the Safe Start Plan. Some of these strategies were already standard operating procedures, while some have been expanded or added. These procedures may change or remain in place when Michigan enters Phase 6 of the Safe Start Plan.

• All staff and visitors must wear a mask at all times (unless they are alone in a private office or bathroom) while in the buildings
• Visitors may be limited to only essential visits (e.g., assessment, caregiver training, interns)
• All staff and visitors must complete a health screening before entry to the building will be permitted, including temperature

For more information on the Outpatient procedures please refer to:  Outpatient COVID-19 Procedures

For ROI Administrative Programs:
Consistent with the visitation rules for the adult services, the administrative buildings on Rose and Park will again be open for visitation. Persons needing to conduct business with the staff in either of these buildings are still asked to schedule appointments to ensure that the staff is able to provide the service within social distancing and sanitation guidelines. Routine ROI business may also continue to be conducted by phone, email, and/or video conferencing as applicable during normal business hours.

Vaccination Updates:
The individuals served by 16/17 of ROI’s adult group homes and all supported living programs have been offered and completed their two dose vaccination series (as approved by guardians). The 17th group home has begun the vaccination process and has received one dose. ROI staff have all been offered the opportunity for vaccination. ALL ROI programs continue to assess for COVID-19 symptoms (acute respiratory illness symptoms) and risk factors for all individuals not under our care who are seeking entry into our programs. All ROI programs must deny entry to any individual with these symptoms or risk factors. We understand this continues to be very stressful for everyone. We are making changes daily as we learn how to interpret directives from governmental entities and focus on protecting the health of everyone involved. Please continue to ask us questions. We will get answers as quickly as we can if we don’t know immediately.

In an effort to keep us all safe, throughout the organization we are practicing social distancing to the extent possible (while continuing to provide necessary personal care), wearing masks, increasing surface cleaning and keeping ourselves apprised of Federal and State orders and recommendations. We continue to be amazed and appreciative of the support from our community for ROI and those we support. Thank you.
Should you have any questions regarding COVID-19, I encourage you to visit the following websites:

CDC:  CDC.gov/Coronavirus
State of Michigan:  Michigan.gov/Coronavirus
Federal information: Coronavirus.gov

Scott Schrum
Chief Executive Officer

Michigan Long Term Care Ombudsman Program offers weekly question and answer sessions. CLICK HERE to find out more.

Direct Care Worker Crisis:  Your Action Needed!  CLICK HERE  to find out more.

mRNA COVID-19 Vaccines: Frequently Asked Questions:   For more information CLICK HERE.

SAM Vaccination Letter CLICK HERE

We thank Governor Whitmer for her plan for a permanent pay increase for DSP’s. CLICK HERE to find out more.