The COVID-19 pandemic has hit New Jersey hard, with thousands of confirmed cases and dozens of people succumbing to the disease. While there are many unknowns, one thing is certain: those with underlying health conditions are exceptionally at risk.
As we respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, we must remember those in our society who are the most vulnerable. This includes individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities and those living with mental health challenges. Easterseals New Jersey provides services to nearly 5,000 New Jersey residents who fall into these groups each year. It is our job to ensure that this population is both protected from the virus, along with those who care for them.
When a crisis occurs, caregivers and Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) are among those who are hit the hardest. It has been widely reported that in the early stages of the coronavirus outbreak in China, caregivers were more likely than any other group to become infected. As a critical part of the healthcare infrastructure, particularly at community and individual levels, their unique potential contribution to epidemic preparedness cannot be overstated.
One in four Americans lives with a disability, and many people with disabilities face heightened risks if their DSPs are unable to perform their critically needed services. According to the New Jersey Division of Developmental Disabilities, more than 30,000 people across New Jersey are employed as DSPs. This group of passionate caregivers is an essential part of our collective response to this epidemic. It is our responsibility to give DSPs and caregivers the help they need to protect themselves and those for whom they care.
Increasing efforts to support caregivers will help equip communities with the tools they need to address this and potential future crises. We encourage DSPs and caregivers to take the following immediate actions to help ensure continuity of care:
- Incorporate a Telehealth Care Model: Many people who rely on direct support professionals have friends or family nearby who can provide temporary intervention. DSPs can deliver their expertise through virtual collaboration with these people. They can help make sure there is technology in place to ensure services can be provided even while travel or quarantine policies are in flux.
- Coordinate with Healthcare Providers: Many people who require caregiver support have routine medical needs that should be addressed immediately. Traditional supply chains have been disrupted and quarantines may cause even further challenges. Caregivers should focus on stocking up on critical-need supplies such as medications, medical devices and personal protective equipment so that those in their care are prepared and protected.
- Create a Communication Plan: Disruption in direct care can leave those who rely on caregivers confused and anxious, potentially exacerbating other issues. DSPs and caregivers can diffuse stress by preparing a plan to communicate potential scenarios.
While there are steps like these that DSPs can take, lawmakers must also continue to make it a priority to enact legislation that will help DSPs and caregivers do their jobs purposefully and safely. Essential caregiving services like ours have been severely impacted by this crisis. That being said, the support offered in the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) and the CARES Act have been very helpful for us and the other agencies working in our field.
When Congress returns to address this crisis later in the spring, we are urging our legislators to continue to keep those with disabilities and those who care for them in mind. Some items for strong consideration should be: (1) an extended renewal of Medicaid’s Money Follows the Person program; (2) a Medicaid grant program for Home and Community-Based Services and (3) supports specifically for nonprofit services agencies that have been impacted by this crisis.
The recent support leaders have implemented for workers and people with disabilities have helped alleviate some of the COVID-19 impact but we have more to go if we are to truly close the gap economically and with our healthcare services.
