Getting Started in EI: Your Initial Visit(s)
Over the last two weeks I have been focusing on how to "get started" in EI home care. The posts have discussed everything from having a back-up cell phone charger to what toys to "arm" yourself with before walking into a home. The feedback and comments from the readers has been very positive and I've really enjoyed hearing tips from other therapists! Due to the interest and comments that have been exchanged over the last two weeks, I've decided to continue on this path and address the next step—your initial visits!
So, you've got your bag of therapy goodies all packed, you have your Mapquest directions and your appointment is scheduled. Now what??! Well, here are some suggestions coming straight from my own routine as well as some helpful tips that one reader recently shared:
- OBSERVE! Back in October of 2008, I wrote a post entitled The Feeding Solution: Part 1—Evaluate. In that post I wrote, "I spend at least one entire session interviewing the family and observing the child in the home and daycare..." I continue to do this now at every initial visit without fail and it has proven to be foolproof every time. This visit gives me the opportunity to see what the child is capable of doing without my demands being placed on them, as well as see the dynamics that exist within the family—information that is priceless when working in EI homecare. In addition, it allows me to have a full hour to establish a strong and healthy rapport with the family—first impressions are important!
- INTERVIEW! Also back in October 2008, as well as into the first week of November, I wrote a series of posts entitled Interviewing Parents—Speech-Related Questions to Ask. Again, priceless. As well as observing the child and family at my first session, I also spend that time interviewing mom, dad and whoever else is available. Many times the paperwork we receive is slightly outdated or doesn't paint a full picture of the child. I use my initial visit as an opportunity to investigate and gather as much info as I can. Once I have the info, I can then begin planning an effective and appropriate therapy plan individually designed for that child.
- TEAM UP! If the child you are seeing has a team of therapists who have been working with them prior to your arrival, arrange to go to your first visit with one of these therapists. OBSERVE the child in therapy. SEE what they are doing with your colleagues. Why reinvent the wheel?? If the other therapist(s) already have a behavior system in place or a sensory diet that is working, you need to know about it so that you can incorporate into your session. Once again, this information is crucial to your therapy.
- PATIENCE AND A SENSE OF HUMOR! (compliments of Geri, SLP from NY) I wanted to include this pearl of wisdom because it is so incredibly true and so important to remember especially when you are first starting out. Have patience with YOURSELF and with the child and family. This is new for everyone. Also, relax, smile and learn to laugh at your own shortcomings. Some sessions are wonderful and some are terrible and it is important to learn from both!
Please write in and share how YOU conduct your initial visit with a new family!!