RSI Promotes a Safe Environment and Jobs During COVID-19 Outbreak
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American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR) represents disability service providers before Congress and recently studied the impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on providers of service to the Disabled.
Residential Services Inc (RSI) is one of many companies coping with COVID-19. Safety measures and regulations have changed the way people do their jobs. Although different, representatives say the jobs will get done.
“We’ve been very blessed that they’ve stayed healthy,” said RSI vice president Todd Stallings, referring to individuals with disabilities served by RSI.
The staff at RSI makes sure clients are kept as safe as they can, using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and social distancing. Their main job is assisting those who are intellectually disabled to get the help they need to stay in their own homes.
“They’re used to staff taking them out, having them socialize, letting them go to the store, the movies and do things like that. It’s hard for some of them to understand why they can’t do those things,” said Stallings.
The ANCOR survey shows companies like RSI face challenges with staffing, getting personal protection equipment and overcoming financial blows.
“We use PPE and we had all the same problems that hospitals had and doctors’ offices, so we were actually kind of competing with them to get equipment,” Stallings said.
Data from that same study shows out of the companies surveyed 68% report having to eliminate or minimize some of its services. Thirty-two percent report revenue losses, while just over half report increased overtime expenses. RSI has so far been able to maintain it’s operations, and is even seeking additional help to meet the needs of their clients.
“We have immediate needs for day and night shifts.” Stallings stated, adding that applications can be submitted directly through the website at www.RSIcares.com.
VIEW RSI FEATURED ON WISH-TV Video
As a practicing Registered Nurse, Etelka was keenly aware of a void in quality patient care that could be provided in the home. She embarked upon a journey to develop a home health care agency that would exceed all expectations and become a trusted partner to physicians and patients.
A Distinguished Career From Nurse to Director of Nursing to President of Home Services Unlimited
Etelka’s distinguished career followed a logical progression to her position as President of Home Services Unlimited. She graduated as a nurse practitioner with a Bachelor of Nursing (RN) in 1972 from Meshgorya University in the Ukraine, close to where she lived with her family. She married her husband Phil in 1973 and decided in 1977 that they would relocate to the United States to be closer to family and to come to this land of opportunity. With an eagerness to continue her budding career, Etelka sat for and passed her Boards in the U.S. in 1979.
A Love and Talent for Working with the Elderly
Etelka began her nursing career in the U.S. at Colonial Crest, now part of Golden Living, where shewasthe In-service Coordinator, the Director of Training and Education and Director of Nursing, a position she occupied for several years.
With a group of partners, she co-founded Adept Corporation, which operated group homes for the mentally challenged. The business was successful and in 1996, Etelka sold her share to return to her roots, caring for the elderly.
In January of 1997, Etelka opened Home Services Unlimited as a fully licensed business to provide home health care. In her quest to learn to do better for her patients, she had already obtained a Masters in Healthcare Administration (MHA) in May of 1990 from the College of St. Francis. As President of Home Services Unlimited, Inc., Etelka guides the trusted, experienced care model Home Services Unlimited uses to continue providing excellent home health care.
Giving Back to the Community of Indianapolis
Volunteering for community services is a high priority for Etelka. Her memberships include the Indiana Association of Rehabilitation Facilities, Executive Women in Health Care and the Indiana Association for Home and Hospice Care, where she is a member of the Board of Directors.
Etelka has also served on the Board of Directors with Hooverwood Home, a highly regarded geriatric facility, since 1997 and as the President for 2005-2006. Through her community work, she has received several awards and accolades, including the Nora McFarland award in 2002, from the Indiana Association of Home and Hospice Care.
Etelka was honored as a “Health Care Hero” by the Indianapolis Business Journal. The issue can be read online here:
http://mags.ibj.com/activemagazine/welcome/html/ibjhch.html.
After clicking on the link, then click on the image of the issue’s front page. After that, you can browse through the issue or click in a box near the top of your internet browser to adjust the page to 17, which is where Etelka’s article appears.
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