Friends For Life Podcast Tony Stuart

Welcome back to "Friends for Life," the podcast where we dive deep into the realities and nuances of working in the field of developmental disabilities. I'm your host, Tony, and today we're tackling the often daunting topic of Major Unusual Incidents (MUIs). From personal experience and countless conversations with professionals, I know that facing an MUI can be stressful, but it doesn't have to be a nightmare.
In this episode, we'll discuss practical strategies for staying calm during an MUI, the importance of meticulous documentation, and why it's crucial to stick to the facts. We'll also explore common mistakes people make during these situations and how to avoid them. Remember, MUIs are about documenting facts to prevent future issues, not about assigning blame.
For those new to this topic, I encourage you to check out our previous episodes on MUIs and reach out to your local departments for more information. As always, we are here to support you with valuable insights and resources to help you navigate your career in developmental disabilities.
Sponsored by:
Friends for Life Residential Care: Specializing in support for individuals with developmental disabilities, offering Adult Day support and Home Health Care. IntellectAbility: Providing health risk screening tools, e-learning courses, and person-centered training. Assured Health Services: Helping individuals reach their goals through residential care and ADS services. Reliable Drug & Alcohol Testing Clinic: Offering pre-employment and occupational testing services. THS Remote Supports: Improving independent living through dynamic and personalized services. Tune in, stay informed, and remember: Your ability is stronger than your disability. For more information and career opportunities, visit friendsforliferc.com.
About Friends for Life: Friends for Life Residential Care specializes in empowering individuals with developmental disabilities by providing top-notch support services that enhance quality of life. We live by the motto "My ability is stronger than my disability." We're currently hiring passionate individuals who want to make a difference. Learn more at friendsforliferc.com.

Welcome to another insightful episode of the IDD Health Matters Podcast, hosted by Dr. Craig Escude. In this episode, we delve into the critical aspects of health, wellness, and equity for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Our special guest, Ernest "Ernie" McNutt, joins us from the New York Alliance for Inclusion and Innovation, where he plays a pivotal role in care coordination for people with IDD.
Ernie shares his journey into the field, which began during his college days working in a group home. He discusses the evolution of care coordination organizations (CCOs) in New York State, established in 2018, which aim to provide holistic care management. These organizations serve as independent advocates for individuals with IDD, helping them access necessary services and integrate into their communities.
Ernie elaborates on the role of care managers in developing personalized life plans that address the unique needs and desires of each individual. He emphasizes the importance of viewing people with disabilities not just through the lens of their disabilities but as individuals with unique differences and abilities. Through stories of successful interventions and personal growth, Ernie highlights the transformative impact of dedicated care and support.
Dr. Escude and Ernie also discuss the broader implications of this work, including the importance of volunteering and fostering a more inclusive society. They encourage listeners to see beyond disabilities and recognize the rich contributions that individuals with IDD can make to their communities.
Tune in to learn more about the vital work being done to support people with IDD and the ongoing efforts to promote health equity and inclusion. Whether you're a professional in the field, a family member, or simply interested in making a difference, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration.

Welcome to the Friends for Life Podcast! Hosted by Tony and Paul, this podcast delves into the ongoing lives and issues faced by individuals with developmental disabilities, aiming to spark positive change in the field—all while having a lot of fun.
In this episode, Tony emphasizes an important lesson: common sense is not common. He urges listeners to abandon the ideology that everyone inherently knows the same things. This episode highlights the importance of documented standards and procedures in the field of developmental disabilities, explaining that without them, management and supervision would be unnecessary. Tony illustrates this by discussing how personal differences in cleaning and cooking standards demonstrate the need for consistent, documented guidelines.
He further advises that when training new hires, one should not assume they know everything. It's crucial to provide thorough teaching, showing, and helping until the new tasks become habitual. Tony mentions that creating a new habit typically takes about three weeks, though this can vary from person to person. He concludes by encouraging listeners to embrace better practices and to give feedback on the podcast's content.
Tune in for this insightful discussion and let us know what topics you'd like to hear about next time!

Join Dr. Craig Escude on this enlightening episode of "ID Health Matters," where we delve into health, wellness, and health equity for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In today's episode, we are thrilled to welcome Dr. Harold Reitman, affectionately known as "Hackie," joining us from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Dr. Reitman shares his inspiring journey from a young aspiring doctor in Jersey City to becoming a renowned orthopedic surgeon and an advocate for neurodiversity.
Listen as Hackie recounts his unique path through medical school, his unexpected venture into the world of boxing as a Golden Gloves champion, and his profound personal experiences that led him to work in the field of neurodiversity. Discover the origins and mission of DifferentBrains.org, a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering understanding and inclusion for people with neurological differences. Dr. Reitman's story is not just about overcoming the odds; it's a passionate call for empathy, understanding, and the celebration of individual strengths in a diverse world.

Join Tony and Paul as they bring you inspiring stories and important discussions about the lives and issues faced by people with developmental disabilities. At Friends for Life Residential Care, we specialize in providing top-notch support services, including Adult Day Support and Home Health Care, all aimed at enhancing empowerment and quality of life. We live by the motto, "My ability is stronger than my disability."
We are actively hiring individuals passionate about making a difference. Discover more about our services and career opportunities at friendsforliferc.com.
 
Management Tips and Best Practices
In today's episode, we delve into the challenges of middle management and share essential management etiquette tips:
Confidentiality: Respect and maintain the confidentiality of sensitive information. Appearance: Dress appropriately for different occasions while adhering to company policies. Handling Frustration: Manage frustration constructively, remembering the primary goal of serving individuals.

Welcome to the IDD Health Matters Podcast with Dr. Craig Escude, where we explore health, wellness, and health equity for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). In this episode, Dr. Escude hosts Lorene Reagan, a seasoned professional with 40 years of experience in IDD nursing.
Lorene shares her journey into the field, which began by chance in 1984 when she took a job at a school for children with IDD. She describes her diverse career, from clinical nursing and working in group homes to serving as the Nurse Coordinator for the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services. Her extensive experience includes administrative roles, working with the New Hampshire Board of Nursing, and consulting for a National Medicaid firm. Currently, she contributes her vast knowledge and expertise at IntellectAbility.
The conversation delves into the significant challenges in achieving health equity for people with IDD. Lorene and Dr. Escude discuss issues such as the lack of preventive care, untreated chronic conditions, and systemic barriers that contribute to these health disparities. Despite these challenges, they also highlight positive changes, such as the shift from institutional to community-based support systems and the increased focus on health equity by national and international organizations.
Lorene emphasizes the importance of education and the evolving role of developmental disabilities nurses. She encourages nurses to get involved with professional organizations like the Developmental Disabilities Nurses Association (DDNA) and to stay informed about the latest clinical practice guidelines.
In a segment called "Three in Three," Lorene offers three actionable suggestions for improving health care for people with IDD:
Get to know individuals with IDD and their families to better advocate for their healthcare needs. Become involved in interdisciplinary teams and support the broader community of IDD healthcare professionals. Stay updated with the most current clinical practice guidelines to provide the best care possible. Join Dr. Escude and Lorene Reagan for an insightful discussion filled with valuable advice, personal anecdotes, and a shared passion for improving health equity for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.