RDI continues to provide pediatric OT, PT and Speech Therapy for our families with some in-person services, as well as via telehealth. New evaluations will be begun via telehealth and then determinations will be made regarding how services can be provided in the safest manner. Families are asked to discuss their preferences with the therapist during the evaluation. Due to the limited in-person spots some services may been to be started via telehealth until an in-clinic spot becomes available. All in-person services will be subject to the latest guidelines from the Ohio Department of Health.
IN-PERSON SERVICES: All clients coming to the clinic will be asked a few questions regarding any potential exposure to COVID-19 upon arrival. This is done to make sure they have not been recently exposed to COVID-19 and do not currently have any symptoms that could lead to a diagnosis.
All staff and the parents who accompany their children are still required to wear masks due to the number of high-risk individuals that we serve. Children are asked if they are able to do so. At the current time, our waiting room is not open as we are continuing to limit the number of people, including the number of therapists at one time, in the building. One adult may accompany the child to the therapy session, but at this time we are not allowing siblings. It is helpful to have an adult participate so that they can coordinate with the therapist on strategies to use at home. If the adult cannot stay during the session, it is important to chat with the therapist after the session to hear about the activities done and what can be done at home to help work on the goals.
Therapy sessions are carried out in individual treatment spaces that have been thoroughly disinfected before each patient. Other precautions that continue to be in place for in-person services are as follows:
Families are asked to text us on the posted number when they arrive and when met by the therapist will be asked about any potential exposure for them or their family.
All therapists will be wearing KN95/N-95 masks which provide the highest level of protection for them and the children and families.
A professional cleaning company cleans and sanitizes the clinic regularly. They also supply us with the appropriate cleaning supplies that are necessary to disinfect between patients.
An I-Wave filter to purify the air and reduce pathogens, allergens, and particles was added to the HVAC system.
UV Light Sanitizers are used in each room on a daily basis to reduce harmful bacteria, germs, viruses, or allergens.
All individuals in the building will maintain social distancing.
Traffic flow patterns have been established.
Outdoor areas for treatment sessions are used when weather permits.
Feeding sessions are done with the family’s foods or pre-packaged items.
Gowns, gloves, and eye protection are available if necessary.
TELEHEALTH SESSIONS: For those who need therapy services and desire to avoid any additional risk, or cannot come to the clinic safely, we are continuing to provide telehealth services. In some cases, insurers are no longer covering these services so we must verify coverage for this before it can be arranged. These can be set up for OT, PT, and/or Speech Therapy. This can be provided on a regular weekly schedule, or other variations depending on what the child and family needs. Once the evaluation is completed the therapist will discuss recommendations regarding therapy and make a plan with the family.
Families are asked to work with the therapist during sessions to help their child participate and have the materials required available.
In summary, we want to be able to safely provide needed services and to keep everyone involved healthy. We will work with you to figure out how to best meet your child’s needs within this very challenging time. Let your therapists know your goals and coordinate with them to make a plan that works for both of you.
Please feel free to contact us to ask any questions or discuss a concern. Thank you for working with us during these challenges.
Maureen Kane-Wineland and Ann Nagle
