Transcript Lifestyle Transitions

“When Life Happens”
Helping People Adapt to
Change
Melissa A. DiSipio, MSA, PCHC
AAIDD 2011
Objectives
Participants will be able to…
• Promote health and safety during transition.
• Identify behavioral aspects of moving and the
effects of change.
• Learn importance of documents needed
(Lifetime Medical, Family History, Insurance).
• Identify tactics to increase awareness of cultural
sensitivity (family, environment, ethnicity)
HOW DO YOU COPE WITH CHANGE?
Some changes that occur
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Change in house layout (environment)
Change in peers
Change in community
Change in staff
Change in physicians
Change in day programming/school/job
Change in activities
Change in expectations
Change in day to day routines
Change in health
Psychology of Transition
• Enduring a life transition can be stressful
enough to cause depression, various anxiety
disorders, physical illness, the disruption of
social relationships, etc.
• Change can also represent new beginnings,
friends and improved experiences.
Our job is to highlight and support the latter.
General Signs of Adjustment Issues
• Perseveration/questions about the move
• Fixation on things associated with the move
• Increase talk of past events
• Increase in adverse behaviors
– Fight or Flight is the natural response to change
• Increase in aggressive behaviors
• Increase in avoidance behaviors
Psychological Indicators of
Adjustment Issues
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Depressed mood most of day , almost daily.
Loss of interest or pleasure in almost all activities
Weight and/or sleep problems
Restlessness* or slowed down
Concentration problems
Being easily fatigued*
Muscle tension**
Irritability*
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Possible target symptoms of depression if 5 or more symptoms
* possible signs of depression or anxiety target symptoms
** usually associated with anxiety only Adjustment Disorder or trauma related diagnoses are also possible
Suggestions • Involve the person as much as possible or as
much as they would like throughout change.
• Try to maintain daily routines.
• Be patient.
• Empathize with the individuals feelings.
• Observe for adjustment issues.
• Don’t rush the person into new programs, etc.
Slow down –We All Need Time!
Know the Individuals you Support!
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Personality and Culture
Likes and Dislikes
Identify health care needs
Create an environment that welcomes
C.H.O.I.C.E.
• Communication is KEY!!
• Acknowledge thoughts and feelings about the
anticipated change
• Support discussion about prior experiences
Wellness Triangle
Create a triangle representing the three sides
of wellness.
Physical Wellness
Social
Physical
My favorite physical activity is...
My favorite healthy food is...
A physical health goal I have is...
Mental Wellness
My favorite movie/TV show/music is...
A favorite hobby is…
A mental health goal I have is...
Social Wellness
Mental
The most important people in my life are...
My favorite thing to do with friends is...
A social health goal I have is...
Houck Middle School
www.houck.salkeiz.k12.or.us
Coping with Transition
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Involve the individual completely in the process.
Create a new sense of normalcy - Resilience
Planning + Preparation = Productivity
Be patient and empathize
Create link to the past
– Photos, furniture, decorations, contacts/visitation
• Assist the individual in getting involved in the
new community
• Create smooth transitions
Coping with Change
In with the new and the old!!
What do you need to know about the
person?
What is important?
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The person
Team meetings
Staff education
Observant
Process – slow introduction
Involvement
What will help?
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Individual Support Plan
Lifetime Medical History /Physician support
Behavioral Health History – behavior support plan
Health Insurance information
Therapy option when appropriate
A good history and involvement from family and
previous staff
“My Life is My Own”
• Everyday Lives
• Incorporate cultural traditions in a time of
transition.
Examples:
– Italian Tradition (wine, bread and salt)
– Native American Tradition (smudging)
– African American Tradition (house blessing)
• Give responsibility – aids the individual in
feeling in control of their transition.
Social Capital Matters
• Decreases rate of suicide, colds, heart attacks,
strokes and cancer
• Reduces crime, teenage pregnancy, child abuse,
welfare and dependency
• People cheer us up, bring us chicken soup when
we’re sick, offer job leads when we’re unemployed,
loan us money when we’re broke, watch our kids…
Resources
• www.pbrookes.com/store/books/bradley6261/excerpt.htm
• www.health.state.pa.us/transitionchecklist
• http://www.joarduo.com/2008/11/what-aretraditions-surrounding-moving.html
• http://www.strengthforcaring.com/manual/ab
out-you-celebrating-cultures/culturaltraditions-and-respect-for-elders/
THANK YOU !!!
Melissa A. DiSipio, MSA, Assistant Director,
Philadelphia Coordinated Health Care (PCHC),
SE PA Health Care Quality Unit (HCQU)
[email protected]
(215) 546-0300 (ext. 3636)