Date: February 13, 2025
To: All Homecare Workers, Personal Support Workers and Personal Care Attendants.
From: ODHS Office of Aging and People with Disabilities, Office of Developmental Disabilities Services and Oregon Health Authority – Medicaid Division
Re: Update on inclement weather and related emergencies
We are writing to provide you with reminders of resources available as you follow emergency plans for inclement weather and related emergencies. This also includes information about working extended hours.
Background:
Many parts of Oregon are experiencing winter weather conditions including snow, ice and unsafe driving conditions. To help prepare for inclement weather conditions, please take a moment to review the information and reminders below.
Important reminders for weather related events:
Office closures or delays: While we make every effort to notify providers of office closures as early as possible, sometimes this information changes quickly. When bad weather happens, please call local offices before visiting to see if it is open.
Follow the emergency plan: The Oregon Department of Human Services and Oregon Health Authority want to make sure that the Oregonians we serve, as well as their paid care providers, are prepared. Providers should make sure the individual for whom they work is safe and comfortable. If the person is not safe and comfortable, you should assist them in getting to a safe place according to their emergency plans.
Extending hours during an emergency: Providers who work urgent/emergency hours should follow the processes in place for their provider type. This includes requesting, providing notice of, getting approval for, documenting and recording these hours.
For questions or help with this process:
- Homecare Workers and IHCAs should contact the APD case manager.
- Personal Support Workers should contact the CDDP service coordinator or brokerage personal agent or CIIS service coordinator.
- Personal Care Attendants should contact the PCA service coordinator with Comagine.
For the most up to date closure and delay information, use these resources:
- Check your local ODHS office for closure information
- Visit these websites for information about closures and delays: Lane Council of Governments, Northwest Senior and Disability Services, Oregon Cascades West Council of Governments
- Follow ODHS on Facebook for quick updates
Resources:
- For general information on resources available to help, including warming shelters: 211Info
- For information about weather in your area: The National Weather Service
- Oregon provides information on Hazards and Preparedness is a good emergency preparedness reminder to be two weeks ready.
- Sign up for emergency alerts through OR-Alert
- OHCC Care Provider Safety Manual: Care Provider Safety Manual