More Than Meets the Eye (of the Hurricane)

Working at the group home is more than just being a parent and role model to 5 autistic and/or mentally retarded young adult women.

For one thing, there is a ton of paper work. I don't think I've seen that much paper since the time I worked for the U.S. Postal Service.

Each girl has a set of goals that she must meet daily or weekly. The Program Specialist needs to keep track of these goals and their progress.

What also needs to be tracked are behaviors, any new marks or injuries on their bodies, and the management of their ADLs (Activities of Daily Living). Then there is also the Communication Log Book that must be reviewed at the beginning of each shift.

Yesterday there was much to record.

Apparently one of the girls had a difficult day. And she made it difficult for the staff.

For 6 hours straight, Sally engaged in truly challenging behaviors.

She pulled out thick hunks of hair from her head 3 times. The scalp on top of her head was red and raw.

Sally put 3 holes in her bedroom wall. She overturned a small table. She broke a mirror. And she threw a tall table lamp and fake tree across the room.

I didn't get to see any of this because I had the other 4 girl downstairs in the rec room to keep them away from all the action, while Karla and Sue (another staff member) were busy with Hurricane Sally.

Whenever I heard a loud thud upstairs, I talked louder to the 4 girls. The biggest concern was that Sally's rampages upstairs would create a chain reaction downstairs. Thankfully that didn't happen.

All during that time we had to carefully migrate around Sally while trying to get the girls ready for their meds, showers, and bed.

Karla had to administer 10 protective holds on Sally throughout the duration.

By the time Sally finally was calm enough to go to bed, there was a guarded relief. Karla was sore, tired, and ready for bed herself.

Sally remained in bed when my shift was over.