WhatsUpJayTee Direct Care Staff Training

You might be tempted to simply use your to-do list's completed items view to track what you've encountered in a day's shift in your own personal diary but a work written communication is very feasible in this business. Making notes such as “Billy throwing up at dayhab”. Between co-workers not completing a duty, unexpected problems arising, and just a case worker paying a visit during your shift. Communication can easy be broken when it comes to electronic/wireless communication such as text messages. Writing it down can assure the next staff is not missing out. Some Provider/companies use spiral notebooks and some use binder notes. The best organization option is to file by months for easy reference. Let's take a look at some examples:

Abuse is the improper usage or treatment of an entity, often to unfairly or improperly gain benefit. Abuse can come in many forms, such as: physical or verbal maltreatment, injury, assault, violation, rape, unjust practices; crimes, or other types of aggression. Emotional abuse is any act or use of verbal or other communication, including gestures, by an employee, agent, or contractor. The Texas Administrative Code – Title 40 – Part 19 – Chapter 711. The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services 1-800-647-7418 REPORTING ABUSE BY THE STATE   ( list researched and created by WhatsUpJayTee, copyright) Types of Abuse , for additional information and resources  (printable fact sheet)

Every prescription and non-prescription medication that is centrally stored in the group homes must be logged. All prescription medications for the consumers  should be locked and inaccessible to unauthorized staff and consumers . A consumer is allowed to store his/her medications and injections in his/her assigned room. All staff must ensure that such storage ensures the safety of consumer in the group home. Store medications in accordance with label instructions (refrigerate, room temperature, out of direct sunlight, etc.). Prescription bottle labels cannot be altered by anyone other than the dispensing pharmacist. Prescription medication for consumers that requires refrigeration must be centrally stored and locked in a receptacle, drawer, or container. The medication should be kept separate from food items. (Caution should be used in selecting storage containers as metal may rust.) Facilities can also choose to use a locking refrigerator dedicated only for this purpose, or pl...

I am sure many of you are saying to yourself, “Of course, I listen to my consumers,” but do you really? Or are you like the vast majority of us, listening while taking notice of what else is happening around you, or impatiently waiting for a break in the conversation so you can tell the consumer what you think about whatever it is they are saying or, worse, changing the subject to something you want to talk about or deal with the situation at hand? Think back, how many times have you said, “you are not listening to me!” This is exactly how the consumer would feel. The value of listening to your consumers in a focused, attentive manner is that it allows you to see the world as they see it, along with their needs, wants, desires, fears, and concerns. It also demonstrates respect and goes a long way to building strong, long-term relationships with the consumer. Developing a deeper understanding of your consumer is exceptionally powerful and will take your relationship with him or her t...

A fire extinguisher is an active fire protection device used to extinguish or control small fires, often in emergency situations. It is not intended for use on an out-of-control fire, such as one which has reached the ceiling, endangers the user (i.e., no escape route, smoke, explosion hazard, etc.), or otherwise requires the expertise of a fire department. Typically, a fire extinguisher consists of a hand-held cylindrical pressure vessel containing an agent which can be discharged to extinguish a fire. Fire extinguishers manufactured with non-cylindrical pressure vessels also exist, but are less common. Fire Extinguishers Manufacture Association The Anatomy of the Fire Extinguisher  WhatsUpJayTee Disclaimer *The videos linked does not belong to WhatsUpJayTee , for additional information and resources ONLY .

TRANSPORTATION Transportation is not included in CFC (Community First Choice), a new Medicaid State Plan Benefit. Transportation is an activity included in the HCS (Home Community Services)/SHL (Supported Home Living) and the TxHmL (Texas Home Living) /CS (community support)services. An example of transportation is driving an individual to a community activity associated with an outcome on the PDP. As of November 1, 2015, transportation is identified separately from SHL supported home living, CS community support , and CFC PAS (personal assistance services)/HAB (habilitation) on the IPC under the new service codes TR or, if the individual is using the CDS (consumer directed services) option, TRV. An individual's SPT (service planning team)must determine the person's priority outcomes and include a PDP action plan for transportation if the team determines it to be a necessary support to accomplish those outcomes. - If an individual receives transportation from a program provid...

Texas State Supported Living Centers (formerly state schools) are a collection of residential facilities run by the state for people with intellectual disabilities in Texas, United States. The schools, operated by the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services, operate under the Federal Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICF/IID) program. The 13 state facilities provide round-the-clock care for more than 4,500 Texans with mild, moderate, severe or profound developmental delays and people with developmental delays who are also medically fragile or who have behavioral issues. The average age of residents is 46, and 72 percent of residents have profound or severe developmental delays (i.e., IQ is below 40). On May 20, 2009, the state reached an agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice on a comprehensive action plan to improve care and coordination of services for persons who reside at state supported living centers. The agreement outli...

Texas Administrative Code, copied from DADS Texas  (information purposes only) TITLE 40 SOCIAL SERVICES AND ASSISTANCE PART 1 DEPARTMENT OF AGING AND DISABILITY SERVICES CHAPTER 72 MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH OTHER STATE AGENCIES SUBCHAPTER B MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING CONCERNING COORDINATION OF SERVICES TO PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES RULE §72.205     Texas Rehabilitation Commission (a) Direct service responsibilities to persons with disabilities. (1) Vocational Rehabilitation Program. (A) This program prepares eligible individuals with disabilities for employment. Services include evaluations to determine vocational, educational, medical, and psychological abilities and needs; limited vocationally necessary medical treatment; training in trade schools, business colleges, rehabilitation centers, halfway houses, colleges, and universities; interpreter services for the deaf; job placement and assistance to employers in modifying jobs for persons wi...

Many people have difficulty swallowing whole tablets or capsules or need a dosage less than one tablet in size. Crushing tablets, emptying capsules or cutting tablets is commonly done and is acceptable for many medications.          Many tablets are scored (have an indented line across them) which allows them to be broken with the fingers easily. Cutting tablets which are not scored is most easily accomplished with a tablet cutter. There are also many medications which cannot be cut or crushed. In general,  any medication which is extended release, sustained release, sustained action, slow release, time release, delayed release, repeat action, or enteric coated should not be cut or crushed, but there are exceptions.     When there are problems with a form of medication, it is best to call the pharmacy for clarification . Never just assume it is acceptable to cut or crush a  medication. Many medications come in liquid forms which...

Medications can break down if not stored properly. Medications also affect body function and can be harmful if not taken properly or if taken by someone other than the person for whom they were prescribed. There are three important factors which must be met when storing medication: environmental conditions, security/access, and convenience. Medications are chemicals. Like all chemicals they may undergo chemical reactions or breakdown thus deactivating the drug. Conditions which promote chemical decomposition of most drugs include heat, moisture, light, air and time. How much each of these factors affects a medication depends on the specific chemical. Therefore, most medications should be stored in a cool (room temperature), dry, and dark place, unless otherwise directed. The bathroom medicine cabinet is the worst place to store medication as it tends to be the moistest and warmest place in the house. The kitchen is likewise not an ideal  storage place as it is also quite warm and...

SEIZURE DISORDERS (EPILEPSY) The brain contains billions of nerve cells that create and receive electrical impulses. Neurons  (nerve cells) communicate through these electrical impulses. When there is abnormal and excessive  electrical activity in the brain, a seizure occurs. This  causes an altered level of awareness, changes in behavior, and/or muscle contractions and movements typically seen during a seizure. Characteristics of  seizures depend on location and path of electrical discharges. Generally this activity only lasts for seconds to minutes.   TYPES OF SEIZURES Seizures have many forms depending upon the type and cause. Symptoms can be mild or severe. Seizures are classified according to the patient’s appearance or behavior during the seizure and the pattern of electrical activity in the brain, as measured by an electroencephalogram (EEG).    It is difficult, even for trained physicians, to classify seizures based on what someone looks li...

Safety Program (click here for initial site, subject to change) This post will just get you a better breakdown on where to find the requirements. Each provider with a facility must design and maintain a safety program that ensures continuing attention to the health and safety of DBS staff members, consumers, and the visiting public. The plan must include: quarterly fire drills emergency evacuation procedures; other , In times of emergency, the State of Texas collects and makes available information needed to address the safety and security of its citizens and their property. United States Department of Labor , How to plan Workplace emergencies and evacuations. Texas Department of Public Safety , State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry (STEAR) - Public; Do you or anyone you know need some assistance during times of an emergency event? The state of Texas presents the STEAR program. The STEAR program is a free registry that provides local emergency planners and ...