Group homes for people with disabilities disproportionately affected by Covid-19 – Crain’s New York Business

The coalition is hoping to receive state support to purchase more protective equipment for its workers, pay staff for overtime and get more clinical support in the homes.

The agencies also reported 92 staff members had been diagnosed with Covid-19, and three had died as of April 5.

The homes provide residential care to individuals with a wide range of conditions, including autism and cerebral palsy. To comply with state guidelines, the facilities have canceled day programming and work opportunities.

Webb attributed the higher hospitalization rate among clients to the degree to which residents have underlying conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and congestive heart failure.

The homes have used an existing telemedicine relationship with StationMD to keep clients out of emergency departments when possible.

Cerebral Palsy Associations of New York State, part of the coalition, received a $13 million grant to expand telemedicine at the residenceslast year.

"The telemedicine has been just a fantastic added value, and fortunately we were ahead of the curve in using it," Webb said.

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Group homes for people with disabilities disproportionately affected by Covid-19 - Crain's New York Business