mickeymouse123

I work in a specialized home for mentally challanged, and she has down syndrome, however, I have never ran into this problem before with others with down syndrome. I am currently looking up any abnomilities in this area with down syndrome. I will try again tomorrow, if not I will have to call in her Doctor, who will probably call in someone else and then who knows. It is a strange one. Just had a thought, I will post this message on the specialty site for the Developmentally Delayed site. Thanks

I tried and tried, until I ran out of catheters to insert a foley into a female client. I had no trouble finding the meatus, however the tubing would not advance very far, I could feel the tubing above her pubic bone, so I put my hand on top of the pubic bone and the tube would go to the left or right. I tried tilting her pelvic upwards... I ran out of ideas and options. Any suggestions or ideas????

Hi again, I think shadowing the group home would be a good idea. Often you will get a "feeling" of the home when you spent an average day there. I would also find out what the staff turn over rate is - not so much with the casual staff, but the full time staff. 3 out of 4 of my full time staff have been with me for over 10 years. They may not have a lot of common sense(which causes most of my head banging against the wall) but they do have a big heart and love the residents. I would also find out who the medical professionals does the society uses - are they comfortable with DD?, are they educated or open to learning and suggestions? etc. I am not sure what the system looks like where you are, I am in Canada, and where I live we have access to specialized professionals if needed. We have been lucky with GP's and dentist as they are very good with our residents. However, I have run into other managers who have horrible stories with the health system, and I am forever thankful for the relationship I have with our medical team. After shadowing for the day, and asking questions about the protocals of the society, then perhaps you will be able to make a decision. After all if you don't try it, you can't make a difference or change what needs to be changed. Good luck

Hi, I am an RN that manages a group home for developmentally delayed adults. I specialize in older adults that are rapidly aging. As the previous post states that a lot of the workers are under trained and under paid, which can result in a lot of frustration on your part when you try and pass on some repsonsibilites to the staff. The support that the association/society gives you will make or break your ability to do a rewarding job. Personally I find the work with the clients/residents very rewarding and appreciative, it is the work with my staff team, medical professionals and social workers the most difficult. Good luck.

I have a resident that has an ulcer on her coccyx and have tried many different dressings and techiniques to get the dressing to stick. The ulcer is right above the beginning of the butt crack and that is where it will not stick. Any advice would be well appreciated Thanks