|
Behavior data sheets are used to track information about group home residents. Data sheets are an essential component of behavior health treatment plans. All group home support staff should make filling out the data sheets accurately a priority.
The reasons this is important:
- Used to develop behavior treatment plans
- Provide history and information regarding behaviors
- Required for monitoring residents who are receiving certain medications
- Evaluates effectiveness of plan
- Effects group home residents quality of life
- Track progress or lack of progress
Group home support staff should check for the following when filling out behavior health data sheets:
- Name is printed with initials for reference
- Data is on correct day
- Numbers are easy to read (close “0″’s so they doesn’t look like a 6 or 8 and close “9″’s so they don’t look like a 4)
- All spaces are filled in
- Initials are in appropriate spaces
- Notes are written regarding behaviors as needed
- Totals are correct
With accurate information on behavior health data sheets, the group home residents can get behavior treatment plans that will effectively help them to reach their goals.
|
|
I haven’t tried all of these, but it could be worth checking out these home remedies for group home residents. It can be less expensive than some over-the-counter remedies and help stretch group home budgets.
- Burns-use Colgate toothpaste as a salve
- Headache-drink 2 glasses of Gatorade
- Sunburn-apply Noxema cold cream
- Stuffed nose-chew a couple peppermint Altoids
- Upset stomach-eat peppermint candy or drink peppermint tea
- Achy muscles from the flu-mix 1 Tablespoon horseradish in 1 cup of olive oil. Allow to stand for 30 minutes then use as message oil on achy muscles
- Sore throat-mix 1/4 cup vinegar with 1/4 cup honey. Take 1 tablespoon six times per day.
- Urinary tract infections-dissolve two tablets of Alka-Seltzer (do not use “plus cold medicine” ) in a glass of water and drink at the first signs of urinary tract infections
- Skin blemishes-cover blemish with a dab of honey and place a band-aid on top of it. This works overnight
- Toenail Fungus-soak toes in Listerine and then rinse
- Foot odor-soak feet in Listerine and then rinse
Of course group home support staff should check with primary care physicians when treating medical conditions with alternative methods.
|
|
It’s summer time again and time to review summer safety for our group home residents. Some parts of the country are still enjoying comfortable weather, but here is AZ we have already hit 100+ degrees!
Group home residents are at higher risk of heat related health issues because of the following:
- Medication that increase sun sensitivity.
- Inability to communicate discomfort.
- Developmental delays that interfere with decision making skills
- Physical limitations that make them dependent on others
Medication side effects
- Review the side effects of medications that are administered to the residents.
- Review how to protect residents who have added sun sensitivity due to medication side effects.
Heat related illness can be serious. Residents who are showing signs of serious heat related symptoms should receive medical attention. Know the policy and procedures of the resident provider that you work, for professional medical care for group home residents. If in doubt, call 911. It is better to call unnecessarily than to call after it is too late to help a resident. Heat related illness can escalate quickly.
Signs of heat exhaustion
- Heavy sweating
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Pale, clammy skin
- Thirst
- Rapid heartbeat
- Dizziness, fainting
- Nausea, vomiting
- Muscle cramps
Signs of heat stroke (very serious-seek medical attention)
- Fever (temperature above 104°F)
- Irrational behavior
- Extreme confusion
- Dry, hot, and red skin
- Rapid, shallow breathing
- Rapid, weak pulse
- Seizures
- Unconsciousness
Heat related illnesses are very serious. The best thing to do is prevent them from occurring. Group home support staff can prevent heat related illness the following ways:
- Limit group home residents time outdoors in the heat
- Be sure residents are properly hydrated (start the day before when possible)
- Use shade in environment (trees, buildings, etc)
- Create shade with hats, umbrellas, canopies, and tents
- Observe residents and look for sweating, redness on skin, and signs of heat illness (listed above)
- Touch exposed skin and monitor if excessively hot to touch or dry
- Help residents recognize signs they are in the sun too long
- Teach residents appropriate decision making skills regarding time in the heat
- Be alert to shade “moving” and move residents who are not mobile out of the sun when the shade moves
Make the most of summer time activities with group home residents while keeping them safe from heat related illnesses.
|
