BE PREPARED

Boy Scouts know this motto well!

I just interviewed a lady who lived in group homes and now is a successful artist, valued staff at a group home, a college graduate, an art school graduate, and an inspiring woman. She doesn't allow being hearing impaired effect anything about her or does she use her past as an excuse to avoid using her talents.

Something that stood out when she talked about staff in some of those group homes, was they weren't properly trained, so they didn't have the tools to work effectively with the children they were caring for. Your company may not have the resources available to train each staff thoroughly on the specifics of each residents individual challenges. It's to your atvantage to get the information you need.

This is what you can do;

1. Talk with staff that works with the residents.
2. Read the information on the residents.
3. Make the most of any training that is offered in house where you are employed.
4. Educate yourself. Get on the internet, go to the library, take a class, etc.

Do what you need to. You may not be the only staff this person has, but you may be the only staff that can make a differance. The lady I interviewed turned her life around because of one woman's consistancy, stability, unconditional love, and belief that she was worth the effort. Be the one who creates an environment that residents can thrive in and reach their potential. Be the one who inspires your co-workers. There's no telling what a resident can accomplish in a home where every staff makes a positive impact on the resident's life.