Wednesday - Oct. 21, 2020

JCDS is now beginning to resume the transition process for JCDS day services at the Elmore Center. Although we had hoped to progress a little more quickly, we chose to pause for nearly four months as we waited for the local COVID-19 data to stabilize. As a result of the continued diligence on the part of all employees with following our Infection Control Plan, along with a very quick response to any potential exposures, the number individuals and staff who have tested positive for the virus has been extremely low.

The direct support professionals are to be commended for their dedication to supporting the people in services during this very challenging time! Those receiving residential services from JCDS have had the opportunity to participate in a virtual day service program developed and facilitated by the day service activities team and includes a variety of topics and themes, such as self-advocacy, healthy lifestyles, diversity/inclusion, and many different social/leisure activities. Virtual day services will continue to be an option for those who would prefer to this service model, at least through Dec. 31, 2020 but we are hoping for an extension into 2021.

We are now in the process of scheduling transition meetings for approximately 20 individuals who receive residential services and wish to return to the Elmore Center or other day service programs offered by JCDS. We will phase the transition process and anticipate that it will be completed near the beginning of 2021. As always, this target date could be delayed if the local COVID-19 data changes significantly. Information can be found on the JoCo COVID-19 dashboard.

As with the first phase, prior to setting a firm start date, transition meetings will be scheduled, and teams will to discuss individual risk factors. A tool called the COVID-19 Risk/Benefit Discussion Guide is now being used to assist teams with assessing the risks and benefits associated with resuming day services. The medical portion of this tool will be completed by the JCDS nursing department and the other sections will be completed by the person and their support team.

JCDS continues to work with our partners at the Kansas Department of Aging and Disability Services and Managed Care Organizations on what services are allowable and then with our clinical staff and Johnson County Health and Environment on how we should safely be providing supports. 

Although we are making progress with transitioning people back to their regular programs, JCDS does not anticipate that day services at the Elmore Center will be operating at full capacity in the near future because of the continued risk that COVID-19 poses to many people we support who are in a high-risk category. When this next phase of transition is successfully completed, we will begin the planning with individuals who receive residential services from affiliate providers and wish to return to JCDS Day Services. We anticipate that this process will begin during the first quarter of 2021.

Please feel free to reach out to Beth Johnson directly at 913-826-2342 if you have any questions or concerns.