Two
individuals were already present when I arrived, as they live in a little town
15 minutes away and were dropped off by their parents to “work” for the
day. The bulk of the residents started
arriving at the center at 0830 via the Valley County Transit Bus. These next individuals came from the three
group homes in Glasgow. As the people
arrived, I was seen as a “novelty,” as I was “new,” and had a nametag on which
was interesting to those who came. I was
given hugs by most of the individuals, and welcomed unconditionally, as if I
was a long-lost relative.
As the
day went on, I was allowed to be involved in an online visit between a person
who attended the center and this individual’s parents who lived in another
state. I felt humbled to view this
interaction.
Next, the
“runner” returned with the first load of dirty laundry for the day. The center is paid by facilities, today from the
local hospital, based on the weight of the laundry, with laundry being weighed
before it is separated. After the laundry was weighed by a caregiver, and
written into a log, we all worked together to separate the laundry, while wearing
gloves. I was “taught” how to do this by one resident as I did not know the
system. Then the separated laundry was
loaded into the commercial washing machines in another room by individuals,
with staff in attendance. When the
washing was done, those assigned for the next task removed the laundry from the
washing machines and loaded the dryers with the clean laundry. While this revolving process was going on,
snack time occurred. I assisted in
feeding one autistic person, cleaned up after snack time was over and socially
interacting at the tables with individuals. After snacks the first loads of
laundry were done. Dry laundry was put
on a big table and all those capable assisted in folding the laundry after
carefully sanitizing their hands. I was
“educated” on the correct way to fold certain pieces of laundry, which made
individuals laugh and smile at my lack of “knowing!” One individual said, “We all have to start
someplace,” and another said, “don’t worry I can teach you,” etc.! This same procedure went on throughout the
morning. Those individuals who “worked”
in this area are provided wages, which they learn to spend wisely assisted by
caregivers. I noticed a few of the
people had plans for their wages, goals they wanted to obtain with the money,
and/or what they had already used their earned money for.
While the
“work” in the laundry area was going on those that either did not want to
participate, and/or could not participate in this work, were busy in the
activity room. The activity this day was
related to making balloon balls covered with blue string dipped in glue, with the
balloons popped after the string glue was dry.
These beautiful “balls” were to be used as decoration for the upcoming
Easter season at the center. A few
individuals were not capable to do the craft, yet did sit in their wheelchairs
and watched, smiling and “talking.”
Lunch is
prepared by staff and assigned also on a rotating basis. Today the activity caregiver made a healthy
chef’s salad that the individuals enjoyed. After lunch we cleaned up and then
went back to the previous activities of the day. When the laundry was completed and put in
plastic tubs, it was taken back to the hospital, which occurred around
1300.
Next
cleaning was done, all floors mopped, bathrooms cleaned, “work” area tidied,
etc. I was amazed at the organization of
how the day was run, as well as the willingness for all to help. If individuals would ask each other for help,
“teamwork” was quickly seen and happily done.
Throughout the day a few behavior problems occurred, with staff quickly
and expertly addressing each behavior appropriately.
All
activities were done for the day at 1400.
A few individuals only stayed until after lunch, and then were
transported back to their homes by the transit bus system. The bulk of individuals starting leaving the
center at 1500, via the transit bus system.
To note,
throughout the day, I noticed my preceptor was busy filling out logs, as were
the other caregivers, on each individual present, which he explained to
me. The logs are used to show the person
is at the center, what they do all day long, etc., this allows the individual
to stay in the program and the agency to continue to obtain funds to pay
staff. I also was shown and explained
the “plan of care” notebook which included each individual and their specific
assessments, diagnosis, plans, interventions, evaluations, and their goals.
This plan of care notebook is adjusted based on the individuals need with
family, staff, friends, etc., being involved when changes are made or needed.
If no specific changes are needed, the plan of care notebook is still examined
for and with each individual quarterly. Also, an interesting fact discussed
with me by the CEO was that of the individuals they work with, at least 50% of
these people have both a developmental disability and a mental health
diagnosis.
As I
reflect back on the day, the first word that enters my mind is “love” the
second word is “respect.” My face hurt
from smiling all day. I had/have not
received so many hugs in a really long time, and felt so honored to be with
these special individuals and caregivers.
I did ask
when I can come back and was told “anytime!”
That said, I will be back on 4/18/14 at 0800. My final comment is, I received more from
those I encountered then they received from me, I am sure. I am anxious to attend my last day.
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