NYS Department of Health COVID-19 Hotline 1-888-364-3065
Employee COVID-19 Wellness Resources
Right now you are faced with many challenges – providing/supporting care to our local community, uncertainty in the news, protecting your family, your own health and wellness, among many other facets of life that can understandably leave you feeling confused, stressed, and or drained during this time.
To help you meet these daily challenges, we are providing information on a variety of topics. This page outlines what you need to know about employee COVID-19 testing, our organization’s response to the pandemic and protocol, managing your own health and wellness, and using virtual resources to calm and de-stress among many other areas that should support you during this time.
Feel free to check back to this page as we will continue to add supplemental resources (updated 1.12.21)
Employee Health
Employee Health is here for employees who are feeling ill, concerned about COVID-19 exposure, or who need clearance to return to work. Below is some helpful information related to hours, exposure, self-monitoring, and tip sheets we recently distributed.
If you have or believe you have been exposed through direct or indirect contact with a person who is presumed or confirmed to have COVID-19, please contact employee health immediately.
You must call Employee Health prior to your trip or prior to returning to work to schedule an appointment with us to be rapid swabbed ideally within 24 hours of your return, or as soon as feasible thereafter.
This is important, as we need to get you registered prior to your appointment with us. Additionally, there are times when we are unavailable and we want to be sure someone is able to help you.
Our phone number is: 315-361-2907 or x1438.
Come to employee health at your scheduled appointment time. If you are symptomatic, please do not come, but instead call us to let us know.
Unless you are symptomatic, you can begin your shift. We will call you with your results, which could take a few hours depending on volume in the lab.
Continue to monitor your symptoms for 14 days and call us immediately if you develop any signs of COVID-19 (do not report to work, or leave work immediately).
*Please also refer to the link above for international travel. There are no exemptions for essential workers if you have traveled to a Level 2 or 3 country, which means you will be required to quarantine for 14 days without pay.
In an effort to keep our patients, residents, and staff safe, we have developed a COVID-19 Symptom Monitoring Tracking System Tool. All employees are required to complete this form daily and have their manager and/or supervisor review it daily.
The document below addresses in detail the following areas: mandatory monitoring of all staff, symptomatic healthcare employees, if you have been tested for COVID-19, and employees who have been exposed to COVID-19 in a healthcare setting.
We have received many questions from employees concerned about the health of their family members. As a response, we have created a tip sheet offering recommendations which may reduce the chance of you exposing those at home when returning from work.
There are a number of measures that can be taken to reduce your chances of getting COVID-19 no matter if you are at work, in public, or at home. From washing your hands, practicing social distancing, to following respiratory hygiene, there is opportunity to reduce your chances of getting COVID-19.
The PDF below is a helpful 4-step guide on how to protect your facial skin as it relates to wearing a N95 face mask daily. If provides tips on how to prep your skin, release the pressure, how to do it safely, and help facial wounds heal.
Early studies have shown that soap is better for disinfecting your hands than other traditional methods. Of course, any form of disinfectant is better than none, but soap is preferred if it is readily available.
This is a challenging time for many. As healthcare employees, our mental well-being plays an integral role in the quality of care we can provide to our community. We need you to take care of yourself! Below are two areas of resources that you may find helpful for your mental heath: web access to free meditation and mindfulness content and free mental health and support hotlines.
If you need someone to talk to, we are here for you. Please talk to your manager or supervisor.
Meditation and Mindfulness Tools
The following are mediation and mindfulness tools that are currently free.
New York State has partnered with Headspace, a global leader in mindfulness and meditation, to offer free meditation and mindfulness content as a mental health resource for coping with the unprecedented public health crisis. You can access a collection of science-backed, evidence-based guided meditations, along with at-home mindful workouts, sleep and kids content to help address rising stress and anxiety.
The CNY Behavioral Health Care Collaborative (BHCC) is currently offering 5-10 minute guided meditation sessions which are free to attend over the phone. They are offered Monday-Friday at 8:15 am and 4:00 pm, Saturday-Sunday at 8:15 am.
The dial-in number is 315-498-1494. (conference id: 712 766 273)
Mental Health and Support Hotlines
The following support services are free and confidential.
Even in this time of physical distancing, it’s critical to seek social support and connection with others. It’s also important to know the signs of anxiety, panic attacks, depression and suicide so you can easily identify them, not just among your family, friends and neighbors, but for yourself.
Signs of anxiety
Persistent worry or feeling overwhelmed by emotions.
Excessive worry about a number of concerns, such as health problems or finances, and a general sense that something bad is
going to happen.
Restlessness and irritability.
Difficulty concentrating, sleep problems and generally feeling on edge.
Signs of a panic attack
Sweating, trembling, shortness of breath or a feeling of choking.
A pounding heart or rapid heart rate, and feelings of dread.
Such attacks often happen suddenly, without warning.
People who experience panic attacks often become fearful about when the next episode will occur, which can cause them to change or restrict their normal activities.
Signs of depression
A lack of interest and pleasure in daily activities.
Significant weight loss or gain.
Insomnia or excessive sleeping.
Lack of energy or an inability to concentrate.
Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt.
Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide.
Risk factors for suicide
Talking about dying or harming oneself.
Recent loss through death, divorce, separation, even loss of interest in friends, hobbies and activities previously enjoyed.
Changes in personality like sadness, withdrawal, irritability or anxiety.
Changes in behavior, sleep patterns and eating habits.
Erratic behavior, harming self or others.
Low self-esteem including feelings of worthlessness, guilt or self-hatred.
No hope for the future, believing things will never get better or nothing will change.
Help is available. Please see the resources contained in this section for more details based on what type of support you, a co-worker, friend, or loved one may need.
The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provides free, confidential short-term counseling services to Oneida Health employees and your covered dependents. Licensed social workers trained provide counseling services to individuals in need of personal assistance provide counseling. For questions or an appointment, contact 315-697-3949.
LeadingAge NY has been contacted by PsychAssociates, a group that provides psychological services to a number of our members.
PsychAssociates has been reaching out and offering support to all staff of nursing homes and elder community programs. They are expanding availability and want to reach out to facilities throughout New York State, particularly to all who are working and living on the frontlines of this crisis, regardless of affiliation.
During these difficult times, everyone is coping as best as possible, but many could use a little support. PsychAssociates is offering emotional support to nursing home staff, caregivers, family members, and members of hard-hit communities.
PsychAssociates has set up a support line for people who are on the frontlines of this crisis and therefore often under a tremendous amount of stress. The support line can be reached any time, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The caller will speak briefly with a PsychAssociates office staff person, or they can leave a brief message at all other times. One of the PsychAssociates psychologists will return the call at whatever time the caller’s message indicated would be convenient for them.
There are no out-of-pocket costs to staff members for any calls, and all calls are completely confidential. Please share contact information with staff, families, and community members.
The NAMI HelpLine is a free, nationwide peer-support service providing information, resource referrals and support to people living with a mental health conditions, their family members and caregivers, mental health providers, and the public. HelpLine staff and volunteers are experienced, well-trained and able to provide guidance. Text NAMI to 741-741
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
New York State has created an emotional support helpline to provide support to those struggling with anxiety, stress, depression, trauma, and grief. Call now for free and confidential support.
The Disaster Distress Helpline can provide immediate counseling to anyone who is seeking help in coping with the mental or emotional effects caused by developments related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Emotional support for staff is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week by phone. Staff should call 315-464-THEM(8436) and ask to speak with a social worker. Social workers are available to listen, offer support, and provide information and resources.
Physical Health Resources:
Your physical health is also very important during this time. With the current social distancing policies and closures in effect, we understand that it may be difficult to access physical fitness options to help reduce stress and improve your physical wellness. Below are some resources that offer extended free trials to videos related to fitness and meditation – many that do not include equipment.
*Please note that we are not endorsing any one vendor or business over another. These are just a few resources that we have identified which may be useful during this time. Many have offered extended free trials or free resources that we thought may be helpful. Please review them carefully before signing up.
Peloton is currently offering a free 30-day trial to their digital membership. The Peloton Digital Membership gives you access to thousands of live and on-demand classes anywhere, anytime, with or without equipment. It includes a diverse selection of indoor cycling, running, walking, bootcamp, strength and outdoor (audio-only) classes.
You can access the videos through the Peloton App on your iPhone, iPad, Android device, Fire TV, or on the Peloton website.
Go to www.onepeloton.com to learn more. The free trial does require a credit card to begin using the service. Monthly fees after the 90-day trial are $12.99 a month
Planet Fitness is currently offering free daily live streams on their facebook page at 7:00 pm ET. They are 20 minute or less workout videos to relieve stress and stay active. They also have archived these videos on their Youtube Channel if you want to catch up or see what has already been published. Planet Fitness also offers videos on their app, which is free for everyone.
Down Dog is currently offering a free trial for health care employees until July 1st. They are providing the following apps free for use exclusively to the healthcare field – Down Dog, Yoga for Beginners, High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), Ballet Inspired Workout (Barre), and 7 Minute Workout.
For more information on Down Dog for healthcare employees, please visit www.downdogapp.com
FitOn offers free group fitness, giving users instant access to a wide variety of unlimited, premium group classes no matter where they are—all led by world-class personal trainers, such as Cassey Ho, Danielle Pascente, Katie Dunlop, and many others.
For more information on FitOn resources, please visit fitonapp.com.
Getting a good night’s sleep is essential to your overall well-being. Do you love to grab a snack before bed? Be aware that what you choose to eat can impact your ability to get a good night’s rest.
Beware:
Large portions and high fat foods (like French fries) interfere with falling asleep.
Spicy foods slow down digestion.
Alcohol may make you feel drowsy and have a relaxing effect at first, then cause you to wake up because it interferes with deep sleep and interrupts the sleep cycle.
The stimulant powers of caffeine, found in coffee, tea or chocolate, take several hours to wear off. Even decaf has some caffeine.
High-sugar foods and overeating can also interfere with your ability to sleep.
The good news? Some bedtime snacks can help you take in nutrients your body needs. Going to bed hungry can keep you awake so the next time you want a night time snack, try a small portion of one of these healthy options about an hour before you turn in.
Nuts, including walnuts, almonds, cashews and pistachios
Seeds, such as flax seeds, pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds
Whole-grain cereal with low-fat milk
Peanut butter on whole-grain toast
Low-fat cheese with whole-grain crackers
One ounce of turkey or chicken on a slice of whole grain bread
Bananas and other foods high in potassium, which helps you to stay asleep
Below is a video from A Healthier Upstate, a non-profit health and wellness blog, with some helpful tips related to reducing cravings or over eating due to boredom or stress. For more information please visit www.ahealthierupstate.org.
Clinical Guidance and Information for Staff:
The following includes information for proper PPE usage, visitor restrictions, educational videos, and proper attire. We are currently enforcing the following COVID-19 Safety Guidelines:
Before COVID-19 was determined a pandemic, we initiated our COVID-19 Visitor Response Plan. This plan enforced visitation restrictions across our entire network and was shared publicly. Please familiarize yourself with restrictions specific to your area.
As we and the nation learn more about PPE usage as it relates to preventing the spread of COVID-19, we have created PPE practices for our different clinical and non clinical areas. These guidelines are reviewed daily.
We are currently recommending that all employees wear comfortable clothing to work that can be readily laundered after the work day. Suits and more formal attire are not recommended. No jeans at this time please.
We are also recommending long sleeve shirts for our clinical staff to reduce skin interactions with the increased use of PPE such as gowns.
Having conversations with families about Advance Care Planning is important to their loved one’s care. The brochure below, provided by Excellus, provides some insight and support for both families and care providers.
Each day our President and CEO, Gene Morreale, shares a daily correspondence through email. The purpose of these messages are to keep you up-to-date on the impact and direction of our organization as we learn more about COVID-19. Below you will find an archive of his correspondences to date (updated 1.12.20).
The Clear Path for Veterans COVID-19 Community Task Force, formed in response to community need during a time of crisis, provides emergency services to Veterans, military members, and their families.
They are located in Chittenango. For more information, please click here (PDF).
A community resource, a healthier you provides health and wellness expertise, news and trends for every phase of life—from fertility and pregnancy to raising kids to end-of-life issues, while creating a network of support.
Interested in some creative activities and parenting tips during this challenging time? Would you like some ideas on how to talk to your children about the Coronavirus? Go to www.nysparenting.org and download their parenting resource guide.
The Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Rochester, who serves all of New York State, is offering free consultation to discuss your current financial concerns.
They are open from 9am-5pm Monday through Friday. Please call 585-546-3440.
For individuals who may have lost coverage due to COVID-19, NYS of Health is offering assistance. Please call 1-877-355-5777 or visit them online at www.info.nysofhealth.gov.
For assistance with the application process contact please contact ACR Health at 315-475-2430.
LeadingAge New York has compiled a list of online resources for seniors and loved ones to use while practicing social distancing. This includes free virtual tours of museums, monuments, exotic locations and live virtual performances from music and theater including the New York Philharmonic, Apollo Theater, and the Metropolitan Opera to name a few. They also offer free online classes and cooking.
