JAN'S GROUP HOME SUPPORT

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.

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.

Most group home overnight shifts are “overnight-awake” shifts. Staying up all night in a quiet and dark house can be challenging.

The reasons that a group home would need staff to stay awake all night:

• Group home residents have seizures
• AWOL risk
• Unable to get out of bed without assistance
• Adult diapers need changing during overnight
• Resident needs to be repositioned regularly
• Medical care needs to be given during overnight

Ways to help yourself stay awake and be alert:

• Take nap before shift begins
• Limit caffeine to last half or later in shift
• Have things to do
• Set phone (or other alarm) to go off every hour or so
• Avoid laying down
• Every couple hours do something physically active

Group home residents will depend on you to be safe and comfortable throughout the night during your shift as group home support staff. Being prepared before your shift and getting adequate rest will assure that happens.

Overnight shifts can be challenging because you have to stay awake all night, but because many residents are sleeping most of the time, it often can be an easy shift. The advantages to overnight shifts:

• Once you clean, the house remains clean
• Crafts and other hobbies can be worked on during “down” time
• Homework/reading can be done
• Tasks can be completed with minimal interruption
• It’s quiet and relaxing
• If you are a parent, your children will be sleeping while you are at work

With good management of time and rest, a group home overnight shift can fit into school and family schedules easier than traditional shifts.

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