COVID-19 Resources and Activities for Residential
Melissa D’Accordo, Ph.D. Curriculum & Training Specialist United Cerebral Palsy Associations of New York State, Inc. d/b/a Constructive Partnerships Unlimited 2324 Forest Ave. Staten Island, NY 10303 [email protected]
1 Introduction
The Coronavirus (COVID-19) has interrupted all of our lives in so many ways. We are all trying to stay healthy, balance work, homeschooling our children, keeping up with daily chores, staying informed with the latest COVID-19 facts and trying to find some type of normalcy. We are all experiencing a new stress in our day to day lives. The people we support in our residences are facing the same concerns. It is more important then ever to create an environment that provides safety and nurturing. We need to create a sense of normalcy and have set daily routines. Right now, there are a lot of unknowns, but together we will get through this.
This resource guide is intended to be used as a resource in all of our residential settings. The content will help staff in supporting the people we support. It is important that we create some kind of daily routine (see Calendar/Weekly Schedule) so that there is a sense of normalcy during a time that is nothing but normal. Staff as well as the people we support will benefit from having a daily routine and meaningful activities to do daily. It will help pass time, get our minds off of the coronavirus and most of all provide the people we support with meaningful activities. Pick and choose which resources/activities apply to the people you support (I tried to include all of the different abilities that CP Unlimited supports).
A special thank you to the staff who are going about their daily work routine and providing exceptional care to the people we support in our residences. Your dedication is truly appreciated.
We will get through this together...if you want additional activities or need some guidance on how to implement activities or adapt activities, please feel free to email Melissa D’Accordo directly ([email protected]) or Ginny Zelhof ([email protected]).
Many of us have children at home, so I have included additional resources at the end that can be used at home as well!
STAY SAFE AND BE WELL!
2 Table of Contents
Parent/Caregiver Guide to Helping Families Cope with COVID-19...... Page 4 COVID-19 Information By and For People with Disabilities...... Page 5 Hand Washing Chart...... Page 13 Giving People Space Chart...... Page 14 Content Description Page...... Page 15 FACE COVID...... Page 16 Calendar Template...... Page 17 Weekly Schedule Template...... Page 18 Inside and Outside Activities Choice Board...... Page 19 Expression Activities...... Page 20 Communication Tools...... Page 21 Tips for Creating Task Analysis...... Page 22 Make a Snack Task Analysis Example...... Page 23 Unload a Dishwasher Task Analysis Example...... Page 24 Task Analysis Template...... Page 25 Video Chat APPS...... Page 26 Calling with FaceTime...... Page 27 Marco Polo for Video Chats...... Page 28 Daily Residential Activities...... Page 29 Salt Dough Recipe...... Page 30 Website Links (coincide with activities page)...... Page 31 Additional Resources...... Page 32
Content in this Reference Guide has been abstracted from the following resources; Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute Green Mountain Self-Advocates The National Child Traumatic Stress Network
3 Parent/Caregiver Guide to Helping Families Cope With the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
At this time, information about COVID-19 is rapidly evolving as new details are con!rmed and new questions emerge. In the event of an outbreak in your community, as a parent/caregiver, your !rst concern is about how to protect and take care of your children and family. Knowing important information about the outbreak and learning how to be prepared can reduce your stress and help calm likely anxieties. This resource will help you think about how an infectious disease outbreak might affect your family—both physically and emotionally—and what you can do to help your family cope.
What You Should Know
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases. COVID-19 is caused by a novel coronavirus; this means it is a new strain that has not been previ- ously identi!ed in humans.
COVID-19 is a respiratory disease that is mainly spread person-to-person. Currently, there is no available vaccine or curative treatment, so the best preventative strategy is to avoid exposure.
So far, children appear to be much less affected by COVID-19, which was also seen after other coronavirus outbreaks.
Children with pre-existing illnesses may have different risk, so you should discuss this with your child’s med- ical team.
To reduce the spread of the virus, a variety of approaches will be used, including keeping those who are sick away from others and promoting healthy hygiene strategies. Additional recommendations for ways to contain the virus’s spread could include canceling of events that attract large numbers of people; closing schools, public transit or businesses; and required quarantine, which is the separation and restriction of movement of people who might have been exposed to the virus.
READINESS
Preparing your Family for a Potential Infectious Disease Outbreak
Being prepared is one of the best ways to lessen the impact of an infectious disease outbreak like COVID-19 on your family. Here are some steps that you can take to be better prepared:
Information & Communication
Identify how you will keep up with the rapidly changing information on COVID-19. In rapidly changing health events and outbreaks such as COVID-19, there can be large amounts of in- correct or partially correct information that can add to your stress and confusion as a parent/caregiver. Identify a few trusted sources of health information.
The NCTSN relied on the CDC resources to create this document. Get the most up-to-date and accurate information at: CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html CDC: information on children and COVID 2019: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/speci!c-groups/children-faq.html https://healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/chest-lungs/Pages/ 2019-Novel-Coronavirus.aspx
THE NATIONAL CHILD TRAUMATIC STRESS NETWORK www.NCTSN.org 1
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COVID-19 Information By and For People with Disabilities
What is COVID-19? x It is a new illness spreading around the world. x ,W¶VQLFNQDPHLV coronavirus.
How do you get it? x Someone with COVID-19 gives you their germs. x When they cough or sneeze, their germs get in the air, on you, and on things. x Germs get into your body through your mouth, nose, and your eyes.
What happens if you have it?
A fever of 100.4° Hard time breathing or higher Coughing
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If these things happen to you, it does not mean you have coronavirus. Lots of people get a fever or cough. You could just have a cold or the flu.
If I am sick, when should I call a doctor? භ Call if you have been out of the country. භ Call if you have been with someone who has the virus. භ Call if you have been at a place where people with COVID-19 got medical treatment. Call your doctor, do not go to the office.
How sick do you get?
Ɣ Most people do not get very sick. It is like having a cold or the flu. Ɣ Some older people may get really sick. Some people with disabilities may end up in a hospital.
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How can I stay healthy, or not get it? Wash your hands. භ Use lots of soap and water. භ Wash for at least 20 seconds. If it helps, count to 20. භ Wash after using the bathroom or being in public (like going to a store).
භ If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer. Know that washing well with soap and water is still better.
Cough or Sneeze into your elbow.
Coughing and sneezing into your elbow stops germs from going into the air and onto your hands.
Try not to touch your face x Do not rub your eyes. x Do not touch your mouth. x Do not touch your nose. Remember, this is how germs get in your body.
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If you have to touch your face, do it with a tissue or in the shower.
Try to keep your hands busy: Ɣ Tap your knee. Ɣ Click a pen. Ɣ Use a fidget spinner. Ɣ Use hand sanitizer. Ɣ Doodle. Ɣ Squeezing a stress ball. Ɣ Play a game on your device.
If I am sick, what should I do? Call your doctor. Do NOT go to a hospital or Urgent Care.
Stay Home Use tissues, Avoid Keep objects then throw contact with and surfaces them away others clean
Call your doctor again if you are getting worse. Call back if you are having trouble breathing. Do what your doctor says.
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If my staff person is sick, what should I do?
Ɣ Doctors say if you are sick stay home. Do not got to work. A sick staff person should stay home until they are well. Ɣ Tell your team. Tell your case manager.
What do I do if someone I live with gets sick? Someone else living in your home could get coronavirus or think they have these germs in their body. x Stay at least 6 feet away from the sick person. x Do not touch surfaces or food that the sick person has touched. x Keep washing your hands well. x Call your case manager. There may be someplace else you can stay for a few days.
How do I say hello to my friends? Ɣ No handshaking. No hugging. No fist bumps. Ɣ Smile, bump elbows, text, call, message
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Where can I go these days? Stay away from large groups. Ɣ No movie theaters or malls Ɣ Try to avoid public transportation. Ɣ Go to the grocery store during the day when it is not crowded.
Do not share food or drinks.
Why is it important to do all of this? භ Is there a shot to get so I do not get sick? No. There is not a shot or vaccine to stop the coronavirus. Is there a medicine? Ɣ There is no medicine for COVID-19. Ɣ Take medicine used when you have a cold or flu. Ɣ Drink lots of water. Get plenty of rest. Green Mountain Self-Advocates www.gmsavt.org 6 10 What do I say to my friends if they get scared, or very nervous? Ɣ Talk to someone you trust. Ɣ You can show them this booklet for ideas on what to do. I have a job. I am worried about missing work. Ɣ If you are sick, you need to stay home. Ɣ Health comes before money. Ɣ Tell your boss you do not feel well. Ɣ If you are worried about money, talk to your family, friends or team. Make a plan in case you have to stay at home. 倰 Who can go food shopping for you? 倰 Who will call to check in on you? 倰 What to do if your staff calls in sick? 倰 Make sure you know your doctor's phone number. Talk to your self-advocacy group, friends, family, or support staff about your worries and concerns. Green Mountain Self-Advocates www.gmsavt.org 7 11 If you have been near a person with Coronavirus, you may be asked to stay home. A person can have coronavirus in their body and not feel sick. It takes a few days to get sick. This virus spreads very HDVLO\ Thanks to the Vermont Developmental Disabilities Council for providing guidance and support to create this booklet. This publication is supported in part by a cooperative agreement from the Administration on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Administration for Community Living, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Grantees undertaking projects under government sponsorship are encouraged to express freely their findings and conclusions. Points of view or opinions do not, therefore, necessarily represent official Administration on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities policy. The Self-Advocacy Resource and Technical Assistance Center (SARTAC) seeks to strengthen the self-advocacy movement by supporting self-advocacy organizations to grow in diversity and leadership. The resource center is a project of Self Advocates Becoming Empowered (SABE). SARTAC https://selfadvocacyinfo.org/ is a Developmental Disabilities Project of National Significance, funded by the Administration For Community Living ± Administration on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AIDD). Green Mountain Self-Advocates www.gmsavt.org 8 12 Hand Washing Step 1. Turn on warm water Step 2. Get hands wet Step 3. Get soap Step 4. Rub hands for 20 seconds Step 5. Rinse hands Step 6. Turn water off Step 7. Dry hands UNC FPG CHILD DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE AUTISM TEAM 13 13 Giving People Space All people need to have Being too close can make personal space. people feel uncomfortable. When I talk to people, I When I sit with people, I should give them space. should give them space. Giving people personal space, keeps them happy and healthy. UNC FPG CHILD DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE AUTISM TEAM 10 14 Content Description The rest of the resource guide you will find actual activities that can be implemented and templates for creating a monthly calendar and weekly schedule. Ask the people you support what things they would like to do and have them be part of creating the weekly schedule. Having a daily routine with meaningful activities is key to creating a positive environment. Whether the person you support uses spoken language or gestures, we all communicate in some form and we all can sense things are very different. The information and activities in the following pages are meant as guide to try and create a calm and positive environment for both the people we support and staff. Please keep in mind these are only suggestions, but after reading through you may come up with your own ideas, that’s fine...go with it and have fun! Description of each page: FACE COVID Chart: An acronym to help guide us through the COVID-19 crisis Calendar Template: a tool to effectively plan out monthly activities (not meant to be set in stone, we need to be flexible, should be a team approach). Weekly Schedule: With the people you support create a weekly schedule so that a daily routine can be established. Inside and Outside Activities: Choice board to decide on activities to participate in. Exercise Activities Choice Board: Choice board to decide on exercises to participate in. Expression Activities: Explains ways that people can express how they are feeling using different techniques. Communication Tools: APPS and online resources to help someone communicate. Tips for Creating Task Analysis & Examples: Explains how to create a task analysis followed by two examples. Task Analysis Template: Use this with various tasks that a person wants to learn. Video Chat APPS: Many of the people we support have social lives. They want to speak with their friends, family and/or significant other. These APPS can be used to so they do not feel isolated. Daily Residential Activities: Examples of different activities that people in CP Unlimited residences can engage in. There are activities for all abilities and people should be given choices. Website Links: Helpful links that coincide with the Daily Residential Activities (page 30). Additional Resources: Various helpful resources that can be used at home as well, I’m using them too! *It’s a perfect opportunity to work on various skills or engage in hobbies that a person is interested in. 15 FACE COVID Focus on what you can control Say to yourself “I can control what I am doing here and now.” Acknowledge your thoughts and feelings Silently and kindly acknowledge any thoughts and feelings Come back into your body Slowly stretch your arms or neck, shrug your shoulders Take slow, deep breaths Engage in what you are doing Notice 5 things you can see, 3 things you can hear, 1 thing you can smell, and what you are doing Repeat the above 2 to 3 times Commit to action What can you do this week to help yourself? Or others? Write it down in your schedule. Open up Acknowledge that your feelings are normal and that it is okay to feel what you are feeling Values How do you want to treat yourself? Others? Values include love, humor, kindness, honesty… Identify resources Identify ‘Who’ and ’Where’ to get help, assistance, and support Disinfect and distance Wash your hands and practice social distancing (Adapted from Rush Harris, ‘The Happiness Trap’ and ‘I’m Learning ACT’) UNC FPG CHILD DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE AUTISM TEAM 26 16 Calendar Template S M T W T F S UNC FPG CHILD DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE AUTISM TEAM 1 17 Weekly Schedule Task S M T W T F S UNC FPG CHILD DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE AUTISM TEAM 1 18 Activities Choice Board Indoor Activities Outside Activities Read Sit outside Play Games Take a walk Arts and Crafts Plant seeds/flowers/vegetables in pots Computer Exploration walk (what do you see, hear, smell?) Exercise Mail a letter/Call someone *Categories were left broad to provide flexibility and allow for more specific activity choices by the person. The last box can be filled in based on the person’s likes. **Outdoor activities should be kept at minimum and of course depends on the person’s health. Always practice social distancing. 19 Daily Residential Activities (Website links provided on next page as a guide) Examples: 1. Create a weekly schedule with the people you support (give choices) 2. Chores (use the Task Analysis template) 3. Cooking (use the Task Analysis template) 4. Baking (use the Task Analysis template) 5. Arts & Crafts (paint, color, make wreathes, make jewelry, make picture frames, make a collage, wood work, knit, crochet etc.) 6. Plant seeds and/or flowers 7. Exercise (yoga, stretches, wheelchair yoga) 8. Express feelings (record it, journal writing, collages) 9. Reading (newspaper, magazines, books, online resources/apps) 10.Board Games 11.Bingo 12.Karaoke 13.Make Sensory Items (sensory bottles, rain sticks) 14. Listen to music 15. Dance Party 16.Movie Night 17.Signs of spring (what do you see out the window, sitting outside or on a walk) 18.Mystery box (use 5 senses to guess what items are in a box) 19.Beauty Day 20. Write a letter to mail or send a card 21.Communicating with family & friends through video chats Think outside the box and have fun coming up with activities...be sure to take pictures to share on our social media sites (if you email me or text me pics with a small description I will share with Lou Tehan to post on our sites) 20 Expression Activities Journaling Art Create a daily routine Create a Zine (pronounced zeen): x A mixture of collage, art, and words Create a bullet journal: x Visit Zine Making 101 x One line a day for ideas and tips x Integrate images x Share what you know x Calming tips about your favorite x Things that bring topics happiness x Create a ‘How to’ x Track mood x Take a daily fun photo and describe what is Create a graphic novel happening or comic strip: x What do you miss? x What are you worried about? Video journal: x What are your hopes? x Film 1 second daily x Interview, talk about plans, mood… UNC FPG CHILD DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE AUTISM TEAM 22 21 Communication Tools 1 Second Everyday Pinterest Video Journal Ideas for Bullet Journals and Zines Free Free (in-app $) Zine Making 101 StoryboardThat Online Comic Maker Free $7.99-$9.99 a month LiveJournal Journey Video Journal Video Journal Free-$19.95 $4.99 UNC FPG CHILD DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE AUTISM TEAM 21 22 Tips for Creating a Task Analysis 1. Choose a task with a definitive start and end (e.g. set the table, get dressed, make bed) 2. Write down the steps as you do the task or as you watch another adult do the task 3. Give the steps to someone else to try to follow and make sure they are clear. 4. Write the final steps on a piece of paper to guide instruction for teaching the task to your son/daughter. 5. If needed, draw, or take picture cues for each step to post as a visual schedule for your child to reference. 6. Teach the task using the prompting strategy that fits your child best. Some learners who get easily frustrated may do best with most-to-least prompting in which you assist more, while other learners may reach independence with the task more quickly using a least-to-most prompting strategy. Most-to Least Least-to-Most Prompting Prompting Full Physical Visual Prompt Partial Physical Verbal Prompt Modeling Gestural Prompt Gestural Prompt Modeling Verbal Prompt Partial Physical Visual Prompt Full Physical UNC FPG CHILD DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE AUTISM TEAM 33 23 Make a Snack Target Steps Date 1. Go to kitchen 2. Get a plate from cupboard 3. Place plate on counter 4. Take banana from basket on counter 5. Place banana on plate 6. Get cracker box from cupboard 7. Open box 8. Sprinkle an appropriate number of crackers onto plate 9. Close box 10. Put box back in cupboard 11. Get a cup 12. Fill cup with water 13. Take water cup to table 14. Get napkin 15. Take napkin and plate to table 16. Sit down and eat #/# % UNC FPG CHILD DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE AUTISM TEAM 35 24 Unload the Dishwasher Target Steps Date 1. Open dishwasher 2. Pull out bottom rack 3. Remove plates one at a time 4. Place plates in appropriate cupboard one at a time 5. Remove any pots/pans 6. Place pots/pans in appropriate cupboard 7. Remove utensil basket 8. Place utensil basket on counter near utensil drawer 9. Place each utensil in appropriate matching drawer section 10. Replace utensil basket in bottom dishwasher rack 11. Push in bottom dishwasher rack 12. Pull out top dishwasher rack 13. Remove glasses one at a time 14. Place glasses in appropriate cupboard one at a time 15. Remove mugs one at a time 16. Place mugs in appropriate cupboard one at a time 17. Remove any other items one at a time 18. Place other items in appropriate cupboard one at a time 19. Push in top dishwasher rack 20. Close dishwasher #/# % UNC FPG CHILD DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE AUTISM TEAM 34 25 Task Analysis Template Target Steps Date 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. #/# % UNC FPG CHILD DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE AUTISM TEAM 1 26 Video Chat Apps FaceTime WhatsApp Skype Free Free Free (Apple) Marco Polo Facebook Zoom Messenger Free Free Free Google Hangouts Free UNC FPG CHILD DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE AUTISM TEAM 55 27 Calling with FaceTime 1. Select the FaceTime app. 2. Select who to call. 3. Wait for them to answer. 4. Talk with them. You can ask questions such as: x What shows have you watched? x Have you played any fun games inside? x What books are you reading? 5. Say, “Bye.” Then end call. UNC FPG CHILD DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE AUTISM TEAM 53 28 Marco Polo for Video Chats 1. Open Marco Polo App 2. Select who to send a video. 3. Press ‘Start’ and make your video. 4. Press ‘Stop’ when you are done making your video and send your video. UNC FPG CHILD DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE AUTISM TEAM 54 29 Salt Dough Recipe - Not Edible Make ornaments and/or decorations (Great craft, provides sensory input, beautiful finished product to hang in the house) Ingredients: 4 cups all-purpose flour 1 cup salt 1 1/2 cups warm water Directions: 1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). 2. Mix flour and salt well. Gradually add water, stirring with a large spoon. Finish mixing with hands. Knead until soft and pliable. 3. Roll out on floured surface about 1/8 inch thick. Cut shapes with cookie cutters. Place on cookie sheets. With a toothpick make a hole in the top of the ornament for threading string. Bake at 325 degrees F (165 degrees C) until hard, about 1 hour. Decorate with paint and varnish to preserve. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © 2020 Allrecipes.com Printed From Allrecipes.com 3/25/2020 30 Go to Links • ReelAbilities Goes Virtual https://reelabilities.org/newyork/? gclid=EAIaIQobChMI4cvNt4Wx6AIVaYVaBR1EbgSCEAAYASAAEgIkhfD _BwE • Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/pin/142285669451615896/ • Fave Crafts https://www.favecrafts.com/Gifts/22-Easy-Craft-Projects-For- Adults • Stretches https://www.coachup.com/nation/articles/the-10-best-stretches- for-total-body-flexibility • Wheelchair and chair Yoga https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=FrVE1a2vgvA • Free Bingo Maker https://myfreebingocards.com/bingo-card-generator • Oriental Trading https://www.orientaltrading.com • CP Unlimited https://www.cpunlimited.org/ • COVID-19 updates https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/ index.html • NYC COVID-19 updates https://www1.nyc.gov/site/doh/covid/covid-19- main.page 31 Additional Resources Educational Resources for Kids Starfall MathGames Scholastic NASA’s Kid Club The Weather Channel: PBS Kids Games America’s Science Classroom National Geographic Kids Google Arts & Culture UNC FPG CHILD DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE AUTISM TEAM 47 32 Educational and Movement Resources for Teenagers Educational Movement Khan Academy Free online courses, Yoga with Adriene lessons, and practice Scratch Program your own Born to Move animations and stories TEDEd Videos on topics of interest The Fitologists Smithsonian Teen Tribune Articles about hot topics written across reading levels UNC FPG CHILD DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE AUTISM TEAM 49 33 Calming Routine 1. Take 4 deep breaths 1 2 3 4 2. Clench fists 4 times 4 3. Count to 10 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 4. Good job! UNC FPG CHILD DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE AUTISM TEAM 25 34