Winter Storm Uri | We're Thinking of You
Friday, February 19, 2021
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Posted by: George Linial
Dear LeadingAge Texas Members, As we come to the end of an unimaginable week across Texas, I wanted to take a moment to reach out and let you know we are thinking about your communities, residents, staff, and families. After close to a year of being physically apart, we need each other now more than ever. On behalf of the LeadingAge Texas Board of Directors and staff, we hope that you and your loved ones are safe. We also know that while the worst may soon be behind us, there are weeks and months of challenges ahead, both physical and emotional. And we know that you have already experienced a year of pandemic related stress. In addition to surviving a crisis, our community has stepped up yet again. We have already seen many of our vendor members provide donations, meals, and more to their communities, plus we are hearing incredible stories about our member communities going above and beyond to help others in need. It’s kind of built into our DNA and is why we are stronger by association. I’ve included some helpful resources and links below for LTC Providers during an emergency. Particular thanks to Direct Supply and USI Southwest for their help and advice. Please do not hesitate to reach out to your LeadingAge Texas family, whether it is to me or another staff member directly. Our staff is here for you and we look forward to being fully back online next week. Best regards, 
George Linial, CAE, CASP President & CEO, LeadingAge Texas
HHSC: LTC Provider Resources During an Emergency
Long-term care providers impacted by the current severe weather event should be implementing emergency management plans. LTC providers in need of resources or assistance during an emergency, such as the current severe weather, are reminded that you can: • Contact your LTCR regional office regarding events that are affecting residents (such as no heat, evacuation, frozen fire sprinkler systems, etc.). They can initiate an emergency request. • Contact your local emergency management or Regional Advisory Council, who can initiate a STAR request. • Contact your local power company if you are having power issues. Nursing facilities, assisted living facilities, and inpatient hospices should inform the power company that you are a LTC provider, as those providers are prioritized for service restoration per the Public Utility Commission rules. • Contact your Texas Department of Emergency Management District Coordinator if you are having challenges getting generator fuel. If you need guidance or assistance in relocating residents, work with your LTCR Regional Director. All requests to exceed licensed capacity must be approved by the Director of Survey Operations. If your facility is projected to exceed its licensed capacity because it is accepting residents who have been evacuated from another facility, email Renee Blanch-Haley and include State Capacity Increase Request in the subject line. Please refer to Provider Letter 2018-19 (PDF) as applicable and to your program’s rules for additional important information regarding emergency preparedness. If you have any questions, contact your LTCR regional office, email LTCR Policy Rules and Training or call 512-438-3161. ----- Additionally, • Direct Supply has a network of service providers that can help with plumbing repair as a result that the weather challenges within Texas this week. Their providers prioritize our senior living customers first, but it is still dependent on availability. Members would be able to submit requests to their TELS Building Services providers at (800) 634-7328. As you can imagine, this team is working 24/7 to meet the current demand. • USI Southwest hasprovided advice for filing insurance claimsregarding to property damage from frozen pipes.
Lastly and always, please don't hesitate to reach out to our team.
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