The Comox Valley Head Injury Society provides programs and services for acquired head injury survivors and their families. To do this, particularly in these uncertain times due to the COVID – 19 pandemic, CVHIS has relied on their staff team to be flexible, constantly adjust to change and look at new and innovative ways of supporting clients.
Many Changes Occurred Within The Organization Due To COVID-19
At first the changes were small.
- Right away we went into ‘clean mode’ making sure everyone was using hand sanitizer, washing their hands, social distancing at the office and during activities.
- We served food instead of offering the usual buffet style lunch, and extra cleaning of bathrooms and common surfaces took place.
- We had some fun and a couple of clients put together a video on washing hands; the next day we were closing the office, unsure of what was next except that for now staff would need to adjust to finding a good home work space.
Then The Office Closed
- We went from person-to-person meetings and contacts to many more emails and phone calls while working off site. All of a sudden we were on a steep technology learning curve, figuring out how to offer online zoom meetings and wellness session to support clients online.
- Our food program halted due to regulations around COVID-19 so staff started looking at ways to support clients with continued healthy eating supports by looking at other alternatives such as stocking our food pantry, partnering with our agencies, and asking funders to be flexible to offer grocery and hot meal deliveries.
Comox Valley Head Injury Society Staff Zoom Meeting During COVID-19
Staff Have Gone Above And Beyond
As an example of how staff have gone above and beyond to assist head injury survivors in the Comox Valley during the pandemic, includes the work done by our Case Coordinator Linda Tutin.
- Linda searched for a senior and homeless client during COVID-19 until she spoke to him and knew he was okay.
- She continues to assist an older client (without a computer) file for unemployment insurance on a weekly basis after a layoff due to COVID-19.
- She provides information and registration assistance to clients for local emergency food supports during COVID-19.
- Linda sums up below her recap of how COVID-19 has changed her work situation.
For me, the COVID has forced me to change the way I deal with the clients without coming into contact. I need to constantly be learning new tech things and find creative ways to be able to access and support them.
Linda
Other Staff Have Also Stepped Up.
- They made deliveries of mail.
- Created engaging weekly newsletters to stay connected to clients and advise of constant changes.
- Set up survivors’ group, special peer support meetings and activities through online and zoom sessions.
- Offered wellness activities such as remote counselling sessions, mindfulness and journaling.
- Delivered hot meals to clients in need.
This current crisis has been challenging for everyone and while we all continue to grapple with the continued and constant changes, we know that those with acquired head injuries may be struggling more than ever.
The CVHIS staff recognized this and adjusted programs and services to continue to support clients even while the office was closed. They have gone above and beyond to offer services to support head injury survivors in this critical time of need, all while dealing with their own personal lives that include: home schooling, laid off spouses, caregiving survivors and supporting elderly family members.
Helping others during this time takes extra courage to rise above what we normally feel comfortable in doing. We are extremely proud of the efforts the CVHIS staff team have made during this time.
