Survey shows COVID-19’s impact on disability service providers
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Disability service providers are facing some challenges while trying to help people most in need, according to a survey by the American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR), which is a group representing disability service providers.
Residential Services Inc (RSI) is one of many companies coping with COVID-19. Safety measures and regulations have changed the way people do their jobs. Although different, representatives say the jobs will get done.
You’ll get an idea about what goes on inside Residential Services Incorporated just by driving into the lot. A sign at the entrance reads “Health Care Heroes work here.”
“We’ve been very blessed that they’ve stayed healthy,” said RSI vice president Todd Stalings.
The staff at RSI makes sure visitors are healthy. But the main job is assisting those who are intellectually disabled to get the help they need to stay in their own homes.
“They’re used to staff taking them out, having them socialize, letting them go to the store, the movies and do things like that. It’s hard for some of them to understand why they can’t do those things,” said Stalings.
He said threats from COVID-19 make doing that work harder.
The survey shows companies like RSI face challenges with staffing, getting personal protection equipment and overcoming financial blows.
“PPE and we had all the same problems that hospitals had and doctors offices so we were actually kind of competing with them to get equipment,” Stalings said.
Data from that same study shows out of the companies surveyed 68% report having to eliminate or minimize some of its services. Thirty-two percent report revenue losses, while just over half report increased overtime expenses.
RSI representatives said they’ve been lucky to have qualified for extra funding.
“To be able to make sure that the families or our employees don’t have that interruption in income, so really most of them have not skipped a beat there.”
While a lot of companies are losing employees, RSI has been able to keep 98% of its staff and the company is looking to hire more.