Letters to the Editor: June 1, 2020

Long term care facilities dedicated to COVID-19 response

As president of the North Dakota Long Term Care Association, I am in awe of the dedication of facility staff, families of residents and our state government to protecting the health of North Dakota’s most vulnerable population.

Like the rest of our nation, this pandemic was not something we anticipated, but – together – we have responded in ways simply not possible in many states. If I may, I’d like to walk through this journey and shine a light on some of the many above-and-beyond actions that have quietly taken place.

As early as mid-March, staff from the North Dakota Department of Health visited all 218 long-term care facilities across our state. They provided invaluable on-site assessment and evaluation to help our teams develop COVID-19 response plans and protective measures to deal with the many “what ifs?” that were about to occur.

Facility staff members used these assessments and guidance from the CDC to put in place protocols and restrictions to protect the almost 10,000 residents under their care.

It’s difficult to put into words how proud I am of this response. What many people don’t realize is that most long-term care providers work in this demanding field because they consider it a calling. If asked, they will tell you they believe they are doing what they were meant to do. Dietary, maintenance, housekeeping, activities, social work, nursing staff and so many more— oftentimes these dedicated professionals become a second family to the residents they serve.

Clearly, our long-term care teams have stepped up to the plate. While protective measures do not allow family members to visit loved ones, these individuals are working tirelessly to fill the void. They are conduits of communication between residents and families. If there is a bright spot in this pandemic – a silver lining, of sorts – it is the resourcefulness staff members have shown in bridging this gap. The stress of COVID-19 is weighing heavily on all of us, but I can assure families their loved ones are receiving compassionate care.

All of us want visitation restrictions to be lifted and families to be reunited. That is the mission of a statewide NDLTCA task force chaired by Chris Larson, a resident of Luther Memorial Home in Mayville. This dedicated group also includes residents’ family members, Governor Doug Burgum, the North Dakota Department of Human Services and the North Dakota Department of Health. Our governor and both state agencies have been valuable partners throughout this crisis and have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to providing adequate resources to our long-term care facilities. I have great faith this team will develop the protocols needed for a safe return to normalcy as soon as possible.

Until then, I encourage everyone to continue working together. Our state’s long-term care facilities understand there is no quick fix. The demands on these dedicated men and women will not let up anytime soon, but appreciation for their heroic role in this pandemic response is something each of us can provide. I hope you will join me in offering them the recognition they so deeply deserve.

Long-term care staff – thank you for your continued commitment to the residents in your care and your relentless response to these challenging times.

Shelly Peterson

President, North Dakota Long Term Care

Association

Be aware of COVID-19 utility scams

The effects of the COVID-19 virus have been felt around the world. Unfortunately, beyond health risks, bad actors are using the pandemic to capitalize off unsuspecting victims. Scams are nothing new, even in the utility world. Scammers prey upon victims by manipulating their emotions and creating fear.

Like other legitimate businesses, utility companies will never ask for personal information over the phone or by email to satisfy payment on a past-due account. Never give out your Social Security number, date of birth or other critical identifying information.

If you ever receive a disconnect notice by email or over the phone, verify the sender’s address or telephone number is your utility’s. Remember that phone numbers and caller IDs can be spoofed or mimicked. If in doubt, hang up and call your utility company’s customer service department to verify a request is valid.

A utility company will never call you and threaten immediate disconnection if you do not provide a credit card number by phone. Never pay your utility bill by giving your bank account, credit card or CVC number over the phone.

Also, never purchase a prepaid debit card or anything else someone tells you to that is not traceable by your credit card company.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, utility companies continue to work with customers on payment options, including balanced billing, when necessary. If you are experiencing a financial hardship, contact your utility provider to discuss a plan that works for you.

Be smart, be safe and always verify any requested information with your utility provider. Always call the utility customer service department using the telephone number listed on their website or your utility bill.

Report to your local authorities any suspicious phone calls or emails posing as your utility provider. This is criminal activity. You can find more information about utility disconnection rules on the Public Service Commission website at https://psc.nd.gov/public/consinfo/ysk.php

Brian Kroshus

Public Service

Commissioner