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1. Course: DDSD Residential Health Training – Part 2 Lesson 6: Advocacy and Sources of Health Information Lesson 6 of Residential Health Training • This lesson will cover: • Advocacy • Sources of Health Information You are required to read all information contained in this lesson, including linked information. Page 1 of 13

2. Course: DDSD Residential Health Training – Parr 2 Lesson 6: Advocacy and Sources of Health Information Advocacy Have you ever been to the doctor’s office or an emergency room and had to wait longer than expected to see a physician? Have you ever tried explaining your health concerns to a physician or other health care professional and wondered if they were really listening? How about the experience of having a medical person use terms you don’t understand? Most of us are not shy about speaking up for ourselves or our loved ones when we believe we aren’t getting needed health care services or information. Imagine how frustrating it can be for someone who has difficulty expressing his or her needs. When you advocate for a person it means you assist in presenting the person’s needs to others and ensuring his or her voice is heard. When advocating for a person it is always important that you involve the individual as much as possible in communicating his or her needs. Even if the person can only participate at a minimal level, doing so can provide a great deal of satisfaction and some sense of control. Page 2 of 13

3. The Individual Direct Support Professional Health Care Coordinator Case Manager Family Key Sources of Health Information Course: DDSD Residential Health Training – Part 2 Lesson 6: Advocacy and Sources of Health Information • Program Coordinator • Primary Physician or other Health Professionals • Records Let’s look at each of the categories above and how they work together to paint a picture of the person’s health needs. Go to the next screen. Page 3 of 13

4. Course: DDSD Residential Health Training –Part 2 Lesson 6: Advocacy and Sources of Health Information Imagine the circles represent sources of health information. The closer to the individual the source is located, the better the source probably knows the person. The individual is always the primary source of information (even if he or she can’t speak). Always ask open-ended questions – “How do you feel?” not “Do you feel bad?”. If the person cannot speak, try to use physical cues - “Point to where it hurts”. Use physical observations to find problems - Check temperature, pulse, blood pressure, respirations, etc. Individual Individual Page 4 of 13 Page 1 of___

5. Course: DDSD Residential Health Training – Part 2 Lesson 6: Advocacy and Sources of Health Information This is where the Direct Support Professional fits in relation to providing information. • The DSP often works with the individual many hours a day. • The DSP can become sensitive to subtle changes in the person’s health. • The DSP exchanges information with others to clarify and monitor the person’s health issues. • The DSP can be a major advocate for ensuring the person’s health needs are met. Direct Support Professional (DSP) DSP Individual Page 5 of 13

6. Course: DDSD Residential Health Training – Part 2 Lesson 6: Advocacy and Sources of Health Information This is where the Health Care Coordinator typically fits in relation to providing information. • The HCC is selected by the individual’s team. TheHCC can be the individual, a family member, foster parent, agency companion or other residential service provider staff. • The HCC is responsible for gaining an understanding of the individual’s health needs, and making sure they are met. Health Care Coordinator (HCC) DSP Individual HCC Page 6 of 13

7. Course: DDSD Residential Health Training -Part 2 Lesson 6: Advocacy and Sources of Health Information There are specific DDSD rules which define the responsibilities of the Health Care Coordinator (HCC). Even if you are not the HCC, it will benefit you to know and understand these responsibilities. Complete rules are available on-line at : http://www.okdhs.org/divisionsoffices/visd/ddsd/ OAC 340:100-5-26. HEALTH and WELLNESS (3)(G) The Team identifiesa health care coordinator (HCC) to ensure implementation and coordination of health care services for the service recipient. The HCC: (i) is a person who has anunderstanding of the service recipient's health care needs and lifestyle, and may be the service recipient, service recipient's family member, foster parent, companion, residential provider staff, or other person who is familiar with the service recipient's needs. Page 7 of 13

8. Course: DDSD Residential Health Training Part 2 Lesson 6: Advocacy and Sources of Health Information This is where the Case Manager typically fits in relation to providing information. Case Manager • Monitors all programs, supports and services. • Assists individuals and teams in gaining access to needed services. • Medical, social, vocational, educational or other services • Team leader for development of the Individual Plan. DSP Individual HCC Case Manager Page 8 of 13

9. Course: DDSD Residential Health Training – Part 2 Lesson 6: Advocacy and Sources of Health Information This is where Family often fits in relation to providing information. Family • Excellent source of health info and personal history. • Family medical history may provide clues to future health issues the person may experience. • Family members can be big advocates for you, the caregiver. So do your job well! DSP Individual HCC Family Case Manager Page 9 of 13

10. Course: DDSD Residential Health Training – Part 2 Lesson 6: Advocacy and Sources of Health Information This is where the PC fits in relation to providing information? Program Coordinator (PC) • Provides supervision of the residential staff in the individual’s home. • Should be aware of all medical/health related issues pertinent to the individual, and be able to provide guidance to DSPs and the HCC. • Maintains close communication with the case manager. PC DSP Individual HCC Family Case Manager Page 10 of 13

11. Course: DDSD Residential Health Training –Part 2 Lesson 6: Advocacy and Sources of Health Information This is where Health Professionals fit in relation to providing information? Physician or other Health Care Professional • Source of health information specific to the • individual. • Physician can treat illness and injuries and • prescribe medications. • Can often provide training to DSP necessary to • safely care for theindividual. Health Professional PC DSP Individual HCC Family Case Manager NOTE: Health professionals often do not know the person as well as you do. They depend on you for important clues when health status changes! Page 11 of 13

12. Course: DDSD Residential Health Training – Part 2 Lesson 6: Advocacy and Sources of Health Information An individual’s Records are very important in relation to providing information Records The individual’s health record is an essential tool in ensuring health and safety. Items specific to the individual’s health include assessments performed by medical professionals, the person’s individual and family medical history, records of lab work, other medical tests, medication administration records, and the person’s DDSD plan of care. As a Direct Support Professional one of your duties will be to maintain and add to the person’s health records. This is an essential function. Everyone uses these records. Missing or incorrect data in these records can have dire consequences for the person you support. Health Professional PC DSP RECORDS Individual HCC Family Case Manager Page 12 of 13

13. Course: DDSD Residential Health Training - Part 2 Lesson 6: Advocacy and Sources of Health Information Congratulations! You have completed Lesson 6 in the Residential Health Training course. You may now take the test. Good Luck! Page 13 of 13