But staff/resident dynamics at Virginia Manor have suddenly turned completely around and I'm worried about Matthew.
One female staff member seems to have it out for Matt. I can't tell if she dislikes him or dislikes that he disrupts her perfect world. Is a 12 resident group home too much for her? Schedules are important, rules are important. Making changes to suit your own needs might not work with a special needs crowd. Matt doesn't like to obey sometimes - so find a compromise. don't keep pushing your agenda because Matt pushes back
Example - short staffed so the shower schedule was moved up to 5:30 or something incredibly early. Why? So everyone could be tucked neatly in their beds by 9:00? Knowing that Matthew doesn't go to sleep early, asking him to get in the shower at 5:30 was futile. I happened to come by and tried to support the staff member. when I finally got Matt ready for the shower, another resident was in the shower. Seems like a big waste of my time and a pointless fight with Matt.
I mentioned in Matt's IHP Nov 2009 that this staff member harped on negative things with Matt and I asked that she be asked to try to look at the positive and not tell me bad things all the time.
This same staff member spent an entire day helping Matt rearrange his room - and its beautiful. So the signals are mixed.
Thurs Feb 4, 2010 This staff member took it upon herself to take Matt and I aside for what turned into a bash Matthew session. Everything bad that had happened in recent memory. I consider it staff failure if Matt is disruptive. However, I agree that Matt should NOT touch women inappropriately and Matt's brothers are going to step in and have a "discussion" that impresses Matt.