UPDATE # 25: May 12, 2021

Idaho Governor Brad Little has updated the Idaho COVID guidelines.  We are now in 'Stage 4".  We will continue our rigorous sanitizing procedures of our areas, maintaining our social distancing and wearing a mask when indoors.  A mask is not required when you are socially distanced and outdoors.  We will continue our activitys and aggressively promote our outdoor gatherings.  

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UPDATE # 24: March 1, 2021

HISway family.  As usual the only thing that doesnt change is change itself.  Our Govenor has moved us  back into Stage 3 as we continue maintaining our social distance and wearing our masks.  We appreciate all of you that have been patient and have helped each other through this trying time. With the weather warming up we are encouraging everyone to get out and get some fresh air.  

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UPDATE # 23: November 30, 2020

HISway family, our Governor Brad Little has rolled back to a modified Stage 2 in an effort to slow the spreading of COVID-19. In response to this, HISway would like to reiterate those parts of our COVID-19 policy regarding our participants and staff. 

 

Staff are required to wear a mask in the homes.  We encourage all of our participants to wear a mask any time they are around other people.  We all practice social distancing of 6 ft. where we can.  We have stocked up on our personal protective equipment (PPE), including masks, gloves, shoe covers, eye protection and gowns. These are available at the building should anyone need it. 

 

We realize things are difficult for everyone but we ask that you stay positive and chip in to make sure we make it through this safely.

 

UPDATE # 22: September 8, 2020

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HISway still remains at Stage 4 with COVID-19.  We continue to wear our masks, maintain social distancing and refrain from going out in the community. 

 

The GOOD NEWS  is that we are preparing for our 2020 season of HISVOICE.  Start practicing your singing, dancing and other talents. This season will be amazing and like no other we have ever had. 

 

Online Bingo continues to be a tremendous hit, especially SUPER BINGO with Darth Vader and the Empire giving out Earth money or Imperial credits.  Our BBQ trips to the lake continues to be a favorite as well with great food and great fishing.

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UPDATE # 21: August 21, 2020

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The Governor of Idaho announced we will remain in Stage 4. This means community gatherings in public are not permitted, masks need to be worn and social distancing should be maintained.

 

We empathize with our community as we are all frustrated and want this to be over. We are committed to complying with the Governor's recommendations and ask that you understand the greater picture. We are making the best of things by expanding our online connections with each other, going on nature outings and having a great time together within our limitations. 

 

We would like to congratulate Jack on his successful completion of CPR and First aid training.  WAY TO GO!

 

UPDATE # 20: August 10, 2020

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As we continue to keep our staff and participants safe, HISway has re-imagined new ways of keeping everyone engaged.  Our latest creation is SUPER BINGO. Once a month, the HISway community is visited virtually by Darth Vader and Captain Phasma. All prizes are cash money and everyone has a good chance of winning. Check out the HISway calendar for times and dates. 

 

Our next new and exciting activity will be HISvoice OUTDOORS! Participants and staff can show off their wonderful voices in the new season. Contestants will be singing out doors and the audience will be in cars listening over the vehicles FM radio via the HISway Transmitter.  This new twist will be a huge hit with everyone! 

 

As always, we will continue to follow the guidelines of the CDC and Governor by participating in constant sanitization of the homes, wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) and limiting our exposure to the public.

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UPDATE # 19: July 14, 2020

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HISway requires all staff wear a mask when in the homes and recommend participants wear a mask when within 6 ft. of another person.  

 

With a heavy heart, we are cancelling HISway's annual camping trip this year due to an increase in COVID-19 cases in Idaho.   We will however be having new and exciting virus friendly activities so be sure and watch your calendars!  The HISway family is stronger than any virus and we will be doing everything we can to stay safely connected.

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UPDATE # 18: July 2, 2020

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Boise Governor's Mask Requirement.

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The Boise Mayor, Lauren McLean, requires everyone in the city limits of Boise to wear masks while in public beginning July 4, 2020.  If you do not have a mask, please contact the Activities/Facilities Coordinator, Holly, and she will get one to you.

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UPDATE # 17: June 22 2020

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BACK TO PHASE 3

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Due to the rapid increase in positive COVID 19 cases, the Governor of Idaho has recommended that we return to Stage 3. 

 

HISway is complying with this as follows: 

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• Grocery shopping is permitted with a mask.

• Utilizing drive-thrus for food are approved. 

• Exposure to the community is recommended to be kept to a minimum.

• Access to the building is limited. The building will be locked for the foreseeable future. 

• Games and activities will be continued via teleconference.

 

Please stay updated with our activities calendar. 

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UPDATE # 16: June 16 2020

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PHASE 4-REOPENING

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The Governor of Idaho has implemented "Phase 4" of re-opening for the state in combating COVID-19. With safe measures encouraged, all businesses can resume operations. 

 

At HISway, we will social distance, limit access to the main doors at the building, require hand washing to take place prior to entering the main office, wear a mask when in public places,  stay home when sick or have a fever and cover coughs and sneezes.  The building is still not open for normal operations and we encourage participants not to visit each others houses.

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UPDATE # 15: June 1 2020

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PHASE 3-REOPENING

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HISway, LLC is continuing to follow the guidelines set by the Governor of Idaho.  Grocery shopping with a mask and utilizing drive thrus are approved.  HISway is recommending that all other exposure to the community is kept to a minimum. 

 

We are planning the company picnic on June 13 which coincides with the Governor's breakout day.  There will be no potluck and the food tables will have a gloved server behind a cough shield. The HISway building restrictions are still in place and the building will be locked for the foreseeable future. 

 

We are continuing our games and activities via teleconference.  

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UPDATE # 14: May 11, 2020

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PHASE ONE-REOPENING

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HISway, LLC strives to ensure that all participants and staff are kept safe and are supported throughout the COVID-19 or COVID like Illness (CLI) emergency situation. Based upon Idaho Rebounds and CDC Guidance, HISway, LLC will re-introduce services and community access as follows:

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Idaho is currently in stage 1 of reopening as a state (May 1- May 15, 2020). Given that HISway, LLC works with a vulnerable population, it has chosen to begin its reopening transition starting May 18, 2020 and following protocols for Idaho Rebounds stage 2 at that time. This transition will go into effect on May 18, 2020  as long as no significant increase in cases occur within Idaho and criteria are met. (This criteria will be based on Idaho Rebound and direction from the State of Idaho.)

 

Beginning May 18, 2020 HISway, LLC will discontinue providing shopping services for participants. As a Residential Habilitation Agency, HISway understands the importance of promoting self-reliance while still providing essential services to participants and maintaining the health and safety of participants and staff. HISway, LLC will support participants to begin entering the community and accessing community services following these guidelines:

 

1. All individuals will be asked to continue following social distancing guidelines and maintaining 6ft between themselves and others while in the community.

2. HISway, LLC asks that all participants and employees wear face masks while accessing community based services.

3. HISway, LLC asks that all individuals that are “vulnerable” to COVID 19 or CLI continue to self-quarantine and maintain current precautions.

4. HISway, LLC asks that all participants and employees adhere to strict protocols regarding hygiene and infection prevention as outlined by the CDC.

 

During stage 2, some restaurants will begin to re-open dining room facilities to the public. HISway, LLC recommends that Participants refrain from utilizing dining room facilities in restaurants during stage 2 reopening.

 

Beginning May 30, 2020 (following Idaho Rebounds protocol) vulnerable populations are free to resume public interactions but should still practice social distancing. Gatherings of 10-50 people are optional as long as social distancing and precautionary measures can be observed.

 

1. All individuals will be asked to continue following social distancing guidelines and maintaining 6ft between themselves and others while in the community.

2. HISway, LLC asks that all individuals that are “vulnerable” to COVID 19 or CLI continue to self-quarantine and maintain current precautions.

3. HISway, LLC asks that all participants and employees adhere to strict protocols regarding hygiene and infection prevention as outlined by the CDC.

 

HISway, LLC will continue to keep the main office and group activities closed/suspended at this time. Idaho Rebounds encourages businesses to continue to promote telework and social distancing within the workplace as much as possible.

 

Beginning June 13, 2020, Idaho Rebound allows for large venues to begin re-opening. HISway, LLC will hold the Annual HISway Company Picnic on June 13, 2020. HISway, LLC will continue to encourage vulnerable individuals to practice social distancing and maintain strict hygiene and infection prevention procedures. Per Idaho rebound, social distancing must still be upheld and precautionary measures observed.

 

HISway, LLC will no longer require employees to wear masks during community outings, but still encourages vulnerable individuals to do so for safety reasons.

 

HISway, LLC will plan to begin re-opening the main office, in limited capacity, beginning July 1, 2020 providing Idaho continues to meet the required criteria per Idaho Rebounds standards.

 

HISway, LLC reserves the right to modify stages of re-opening based upon relevant Idaho and CDC guidelines as they relate to the COVID-19 or CLI national emergency.

 

Please continue to maintain social distancing guidelines as set forth by the CDC.

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UPDATE # 13: April 29, 2020

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We have received our new high speed, "no touch" thermometer and are monitoring staff and participants temperature for fevers. Temperature checks take place in the homes and at the building.  

 

Our food shopping for the participants is going well and we are trying the best we can to get the brands and quantities they want. 

 

For virtual activities, please check our website activity calendar often.  We have "Tele-Bingo" every Wednesday with more activities being put together by Holly and Kristen. 

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UPDATE # 12: April 21, 2020

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Before "Tele-Bingo" on Wednesday's, HISway will be offering "CHOGA" (chair yoga) at 10 a.m. The Director of the DDA, Mary will be instructing.  With everyone at home, now more than ever it is important to stay active and stretch your body. If you would like to join the fun, contact the Activities Coordinator, Holly, at holly.wegman@hiswayid.com. 

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UPDATE # 11: April 20, 2020

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Due to HISway's mission of wanting to provide participants with full calendars of opportunities and activities, HISway will now be hosting "TELE-BINGO" every Wednesday at 11 a.m. The first game will commence on April 22, 2020. If you want to join the fun, contact our Activities Coordinator, Holly, at holly.wegman@hiswayid.com for the invite. Prizes will be awarded and delivered to your houses. We look forward to seeing your faces and know this is going to be AWESOME!!!  

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UPDATE # 10: April 16, 2020

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Governor of Idaho, Brad Little, announced that the "shelter in place" order is now extended until April 30th. HISway continues to abide by this order until it is lifted.  We have increased our grocery shopping as the consumption of food by the participants has escalated.  We are continuing to encourage participants to engage in in-home exercises and activities. 

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UPDATE # 9: April 10, 2020

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We are continuing to support full calendars for our participants by encouraging them to conduct outside "stay at home activities," like wood working, gardening and having BBQs. 

 

Although we are not hosting our annual Easter celebration at HISway this year, we are delivering Easter baskets to each participant on Saturday. We wish you all a happy, "sheltered in place," Easter. 

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UPDATE # 8: April 7, 2020

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Due to a recommendation from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HISway recommends anyone going out in the community to wear a face mask. With a shortage in masks, our Art Director, Kristen will make masks for participants and staff. 

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With grocery shopping activities shifted from participants to our Facilities Coordinator, we ask each house to ensure their shopping lists are filled out. This new form helps us ensure our shopping supports the menus and dietary restrictions of our participants.

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UPDATE # 7: April 2, 2020

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Due to travel restrictions placed on our participants, HISway is now conducting grocery shopping for each of our homes. We continue to monitor their food inventory and ensure they have healthy food.

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We take our participant's to doctor appointments as appropriate and are having "virtual sessions" with them when we can.

 

While we are keeping participants out of the community, we do encourage them to go for walks in their neighborhoods or take excursions to the country side.

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The "shelter in place" order has been difficult on our participants. In response, we are reimagining ways to stay connected to our community from afar. On April 3, 2020, Owner Ellen will host a video chat with the participants to provide an area where they can ask questions and stay connected to HISway and its greater community. 

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UPDATE # 6: March 25, 2020

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The Developmental Disabilities Agency (DDA) is still open and looking forward to regular onsite programming.

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UPDATE # 5: March 25, 2020

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All parents and guardians of our participants will be receiving an email invitation to attend a virtual meeting via Google Meet with HISway Administrator, Ellen Hampton. The meeting will be an "Update, Question and Answer" session. To join the session, follow the link in the email.  There will be two sessions, the first will take place March 25, 2020 at 7p.m. The second session will be March 26, 2020 at 11 a.m.  Please bring your questions and any concerns you may have.

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UPDATE # 4: March 24, 2020

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Due to sporadic food and supply shortages, HISway is having participants, supported by staff, conduct in-home food inventories. We are closely monitoring each participant to ensure they have enough food to go about their daily lives.

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UPDATE # 3: March 23, 2020

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Effective Immediately: In order to minimize the risk of contracting COVID-19, participants are not to be transported by HISway staff to the community without approval by their program coordinator. 

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UPDATE # 2: March 20, 2020

 

In our continuing efforts to minimize exposure to COVID-19 within our community, we have limited our program coordinators to conduct one house visit per day. Additionally, staff has been directed to limit the participant's time in the community unless absolutely necessary for the retrieval of basic needs, food, supplies, etc. 

 

We understand that limiting community involvement is a challenge on our community and can increase behaviors. Although we temporarily shut down our Cre8 kitchen/ art room, our Art Director, Kristen, has re-envisioned the program by bringing CR8 activities to the homes of the participants. She will be assisting with the activities and tailoring them to each individual home.

 

HISway's aim is to help participants gain independence and practice activities of daily living. For this reason, participants play a crucial role in the sanitization process. Cleaning activities in the homes have become a major focus as we assist our participants in maintaining clean and healthy environments. Hand washing throughout the day has also become a frequent activity.  

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UPDATE #1: Mar 16, 2020

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During this pandemic, HISway is focused on the health and safety of all of our participants and staff. Recognizing we are a 24/7 organization, we must focus on staying healthy and wise to provide around the clock care. HISway has implemented preventative measures to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 within our community. 

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First, out of concerns for the health and safety of our community, all recreational activities in the building are temporarily postponed. Should events in the building continue, we have stationed hand sanitizer throughout the building and encourage staff to support participants in practicing good hygiene habits. 

 

From today until HISway has determined that it is no longer needed, access to the HISway office will be limited. Entrance is permitted through the main entrance only. The double doors will be locked, however, the receptionist will welcome you in after she has verified that you have washed your hands. A hand washing station is positioned outside by the main entrance where anyone entering the building is required to wash their hands for at least 20 seconds.    

 

Access to the office of the Owner, Ellen and Director of Operations, Rob, is restricted unless granted special permissions. To communicate with Ellen or Rob or obtain any needed items, visit the service window which is adjacent to the main entrance. 

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Business will continue as usual with an acute awareness of wellness. We ask that any staff who exhibits symptoms of COVID-19 stay home. Any staff or participant with a fever of 100°F or more should notify their program coordinator and administration and will then be advised to seek medical attention. 

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With no foresight on how long the pandemic will last, our goal is to ensure that staff will not lose hours should a home close. 

 

For parents and guardians, we ask that you provide us with a 48 hour notice before your participant enters back into the facility to secure staffing for their arrival. 

 

For more information, check back as this page will be updated regularly.