Findings basics

When writing findings:

• Start with the person – End with the person.  If you get stuck, go back to the person.
• Write them in first person:  “Amy, we understand you enjoy going out for pie and coffee.”
• Start with a positive statement or at least a factual statement with a positive tone
• Stick to the facts
• Be objective.  Keep your own judgments out.
• If you need to write on a challenging issue, write it in a positive way
• End with a positive statement or at least a factual statement with a positive tone.
• Use the person’s name:
• Only once in a paragraph.  Most of the time it works best at the beginning.
• When you want to get the person’s attention on a certain topic.
• Be aware of what each support provider’s role and responsibilities are for supporting the person.  For example:  the case manager may not know all the intricacies of the person’s day to day activities.
• If there is an opportunity for improvement (I) or concern (C) finding, clearly identify and state the issue.  Make sure you list the opportunity to improve under the best life area and not several life areas.
• When writing findings you can reflect if the quality circle member has knowledge of the person’s needs and if they are supportive.  For example:  “Mary, your case manager is aware…” or “Lori, your guardian is supportive of your relationship with your boyfriend.”
• If you are having a hard time writing a finding, determine if you need more information to clarify.  Go back to the person and what the person feels.
• If you still need more direction, call LeAnn.

 
 
 

      Findings examples 

Example 1  

Basic Assistance      R

John, we understand staff assist you with your personal care needs.  You have made it known that you like your food in bite-size pieces instead of pureed.  They are aware what foods work best in your diet and others that don’t work so well.  They know that liquids are very important for you and it is difficult for you to get enough of them.  One thing they have learned is you will eat Knox Blocks (Jello), and this is an option to get more liquids in your diet.   

John, because you live in an ICF/MR facility, there are certain licensing requirements that say you need to have certain programs in place.  One of those programs your staff have been working with you on is applying lotion to your arms.  They realize that you like the feel of the lotion and the touch of someone rubbing your arms.   
 

Example 2 

Special Assistance      I

Jacob, we understand staff at work are aware of your medical needs and assist as needed.  You have some medical cares in regards to your catheter care that need some special attention and your home staff assist work with this. Staff also told us they are aware that you need to be repositioned due to circulation problems and recurrent leg ulcers. You do have some padding in your wheelchair that helps with getting sore from the length of time that you are sitting. At this time there is no special schedule for repositioning. You used to spend some time relaxing in a recliner at work, and staff would use a Hoyer lift to transfer you from your wheelchair to the recliners. A quality circle member said the Seniors site has been short on recliners, so this is not always possible.  Since this repositioning is so important your quality circle members are concerned about your recurrent leg ulcers if the repositioning isn't done on a consistent basis.  Your quality circle needs to work together to address this need for repositioning and it's consistency. 
 

Example 3 

Relationships       R

Staff at home ensure that you maintain an active lifestyle.  You participate in a variety of Park Rec and Community Education opportunities.  When possible, you are encouraged to invite a friend.   

You see your family every other weekend and periodically go on vacations with them.  When at your family home, you often take advantage of the opportunity to visit old friends.   

There was concern expressed regarding one of your housemates and the way he interacts with you.  However, it is believed that the weekly therapy sessions will help to alleviate this concern.   Both your family and staff recognize this as a concern and are available to assist you as needed.   
 

Example 4 

Inclusion       R

At your home, you and your housemates have community meetings on a daily basis.  These meetings allow you the opportunity to share events of your day and to work through any issues that have presented themselves.  You are the designated facilitator of these meetings, which you do with pride.   
 
 
 
 
 
 

Example 5 

Economic Support      E

Mike, we understand the quarters you receive from your incentive program are used for going out to eat with others from work.    

At this time home staff take you to work and work staff bring you home after work.  In the past you rode the work van and staff realized that was not a good fit for you.  You also tried the city bus for awhile, and quality circle members agree that this wasn't working for you either.  To make you and other peers more comfortable and avoid some conflicts you have had, both of these rides are one on one rides from staff.

This arrangement shows that staff want to do what they can to make your transportation arrangements successful for you and is something above and beyond what they need to offer. 
 

Example 6

Coordination       I

Curt, your staff feel that your coordination of services works well for you.  They are aware of your desire to keep busy and know that you appreciate the balance of work in site and Cracker Barrel, and recreational activities at the other day program.  Your quality circle works together in regards to communication.  With a change in staff at home, quality circle members are working to help home staff know what information each member needs and the timeliness of that information.  This has been a challenge, but your quality circle is working to make that clear.  They understand the need to put an extra effort into improving this communication, especially during this time of transition while moving into a new home.   

Curt, although quality circle members are working toward improving communication, there seems to be frustration on what information is needed for each quality circle member and when that is passed on.  To work through this challenge, all quality circle members need to talk openly in order to improve the communication.