Dear Families,
Springbrook’s proactive and vigilant approach to COVID-19 has been highly successful. We are so proud that we have maintained zero cases of COVID-19 among our residents, students, and residential staff. Yesterday we were surprised and excited that Governor Cuomo announced that visitation at OPWDD-certified residences may resume as early as this Friday, June 19, 2020.
OPWDD Commissioner Kastner has stated that “providers and visitors will be required to follow specific protocols and guidelines, which will be shared later this week.” OPWDD has not yet released these protocols. OPWDD has also mandated that every provider ready to resume visitations must submit a plan for review prior to opening.
WHAT DOES THIS ANNOUNCEMENT MEAN AT SPRINGBROOK?
Over the last month, in preparation for an announcement like this, Springbrook has prepared protocols and procedures for visitations. This preparation and planning has been done by expert clinical and administrative staff, with the help of a family advisory group.
- Before we can officially resume visitations, we must:
- Recieve the protocols and guidelines from OPWDD
- Align the Springbrook draft visitation plan with NYS/OPWDD guidelines
- Submit Springbrook’s “final” plan for approval
- Springbrook will submit our Visitation Plan to OPWDD for approval as soon as possible
WHAT DOES THIS ANNOUNCEMENT MEAN FOR YOU?
Visits at Springbrook will resume after we have verification from OPWDD that our plan has been reviewed and approved. While visits will not begin immediately, we can start the scheduling process. Scheduling visits will begin next week on Tuesday, June 23.
Scheduling visits will be centralized. Springbrook residential staff (including, DSPs, Managers and Assistant Managers) will not be scheduling visits. We will share further information about the scheduling process prior to Tuesday, June 23.
FAMILY VISITATION WEBINARS
To outline our Visitation Plan, we are hosting a webinar this Friday, June 19 for families. In the webinar, we will discuss the details of the plan we will submit for approval to OPWDD. These details will include how to schedule a visit, approved visit locations, number(s) of visitors per visit, and much more. We hope you will be able to join us.
Email Michele Sherwood at sherwoodm@springbrookny.org and she will send you links for the appropriate webinar, or dial-in instructions if you are unable to join via zoom.
Thank you so much for your continued support and partnership throughout these months of pandemic life. Our priority is, as always, the health and safety of your loved one, their housemates, and the many staff who have supported your loved one throughout this pandemic. We know that you understand our need for diligence and continued caution as we open for visitations, and we share your excitement – We cannot wait to see families safely reunited with their loved ones!
Sincerely,
Patricia Kennedy,
Chief Executive Officer