The Don Taylor Users Manual

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Welcome to the Taylor Trailblazers Team!

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DRT  You are joining an amazing team of fun, caring individuals that provide around the clock care for Don Taylor. He is a cool, creative man who has ALS. Because of this disease Don is a quadriplegic on a ventilator, and uses an eye-gaze computer to communicate. He requires someone to monitor and assist him at all times, and a team of two to get him in and out of bed everyday. Don manages his own care in his home, with the help of his sister Kate, and of course all of his awesome caregivers. Because Don's treats everyday as an adventure, he enjoys having lively, equally adventurous people surrounding him. So we think you will really enjoy being a part of this team. First we will have to get all the boring paperwork completed, then you will read through the Orientation materials before starting your first day of Training. You can expect at least 3 Hands-on Training shifts before you (and Don) decide you are ready to work alone with him. Even our licensed Certifi...
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READ BEFORE 1st Training- Communication

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DRT  My most basic form of communication is with my eyes- open for YES, closed for NO. My best way to communicate is when I am on my eye-gaze computer. But if I am not on my computer, and you need more than yes or no, use the SPELLBOARD.  The colored side faces you.   Important! You only get 3 chances to guess what I need - after that get the spell board. Please don't waste time especially in the middle of the night guessing.  During your counting with the numbers when I close my eyes it means you are on the wrong side. For example when you say 1 and I close my eyes go to number 5.  The following are also some communication shortcuts using my lips and/or eyes- LIP READING Lips open and closed quickly = chapstick  When I chew = that means suction please When I feel pain, I will make an ugly face.  There are a few words that you must learn that I try to do with my mouth. For example, off and up. These require serious lip reading.Unfo...
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Read Before 1st Training- Personal Attendant (PA) Duties

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DRT  ON ARRIVAL TASKS Wash hands at start of visit. Greet Don. Water Management needed? Suction needed? Read the latest reports, cross off your name.  Read and follow the caregivers white board.  Check Current Calendar for your schedule, and update Draft of Next Months Calendar. Does posted Staff Chart have your most current phone number and address? Do you have all of the caregivers phone numbers in your cell  phone?  ROUTINE DUTIES DURING YOUR PA SHIFT- Feed Don food and "meds" (see menu chart in kitchen) Suction and/or burp as needed Assist Don with communication computer set up and use  Important, if Don is in his wheelchair and starts coughing out of control, do the following quickly:  Clamp burp tube  Put shoes on  Raise feet up all the way  Do mouth suction  Driving to doctors, errands, and for outings. Going on walks with Don. Help CNA with transfers, ROM, comfort breaks, and shower as needed....
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