Support Document Examples
The examples below show the five subjects commonly included in support documents that address known, serious risk. These are:
- About the Issue
- Prevention
- Signs and Symptoms
- Support
- Documentation
Latif's Wasp Sting Protocol
About the Issue
Latif is very allergic to wasps. When stung, he experiences swelling. This can lead to difficulty breathing. Latif’s last wasp sting was in 2021. He went to the emergency room. Latif is afraid of bees and wasps, but he does not let this get in his way of spending time and being active outside.
Prevention
Supporters avoid wearing sweet or floral scents. Supporters have instructions for what to do if they notice wasps or a wasp nest outside. This includes how to help Latif feel less fearful. Supporters bring an EpiPen along on any trips outside the home.
Signs and Symptoms
Latif will tell staff if he has been stung. He will point at where he has been stung. Latif may be very upset (crying, distressed sighs). Staff also watch for any unexplained swelling, redness, and raspy breathing.
Support
Staff are given clear instructions on when to give Latif medication (Benadryl), when to use his EpiPen, and when to take Latif to the emergency room. There are also instructions on how to provide emotional support and comfort through this scary experience.
Documentation
Latif’s staff contact the house manager as soon as it is safe to do so. The staff who was present creates an incident report.
Sage's Safety Plan (vehicle safety section)
About the Issue
Sage has great safety skills when crossing the road. He needs support from his foster provider to be aware of moving cars while in parking lots. Sage may not see backup lights on cars and cars may not see them due to their height. Sage is often excited to get to their destination. In the past, this has led to Sage exiting the vehicle and walking through the parking lot alone.
Prevention
Before parking, Sage’s foster provider verbally reminds Sage to wait for the foster provider before getting out of the car.
Signs and Symptoms
The foster provider might observe Sage becoming restless or excited as they approach their destination (pulling at seat belt, drumming on their knees, or repeating “come on, come on”).
Support
If Sage begins to walk through the parking lot, the foster provider has clear instructions on how to support them. This includes what NOT to do (raise your voice at Sage, physically try to stop them from walking unless there is imminent danger).
Documentation
The foster provider used progress notes to record when they supported Sage with vehicle safety. If Sage were to walk through a parking lot alone, the foster provider would complete an incident report.
Mel's Dehydration Protocol
About the Issue
Mel takes medication that can cause dehydration. She may not realize if she is becoming dehydrated. How she is feeling can change very quickly. In the past, Mel has felt confused and passed out when dehydrated. Mel created this protocol with her supporters at work. She wants them to know that this support is what works best for her.
Prevention
Mel has a favorite water bottle that she likes to carry along with her at work. Staff help to fill this up. They track how much water Mel is drinking during the workday. This information is shared with Mel and her mom after each day at work.
Signs and Symptoms
When Mel is becoming dehydrated, she often becomes quiet and might speak only when asked direct questions. Supporters at work have also observed her appearing confused (trouble making eye contact, unclear speech).
Support
Detailed instructions are provided around what to do in various situations. This includes encouraging fluid intake. Water, juice, and applesauce work well for Mel at work. Contacting Mel’s mother is an important support. Instructions on when to call 911 are also included.
Documentation
Information about when to contact Mel’s mother is provided, as well as when to call 911. Her job coaches use progress notes to record any observations related to dehydration.
