DerbyCity Area Chapter of the National Spinal Cord Injury Association
ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION
The Derby City Area Chapter of the N.S.C.I.A. is a membership organization for individuals with spinal cord injuries, their families, and health professionals. Founded in 1984 as a Charter Member of the N.S.C.I.A., it was incorporated under IRS Section 501 (c) 3 as a not for profit organization. The Board of Directors consists of the Officers, Past President and the Board Members At Large.
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OFFICERS
PRESIDENT
David Allgood - (502) 589-6620
VICE PRESIDENT
Adam Ford - (502) 425-2206
TREASURER
Tom Stokes- (502) 957-5865
LIAISON TO FRAZIER INSTITUTE
Jill Farmer
FUNDRAISING CHAIR
Betty Perry—(502) 647-0368
CORRESPONDING SECRETARY/WEB MASTER
Michael Feger- (502) 647-0368
PAST PRESIDENT
Adam Ford- (502) 425-2206
BOARD MEMBERS AT LARGE-
Mike Perry
Kelly Young
NSCIA DERBY CITY CHAPTER NEWSLETTER
Editor- Barbara Davis
Contributor- David Allgood
Visit Our Website at www.DerbyCitySpinalCord.org
The Derby City Area Chapter Newsletter is brought to you through the generous support of Frazier Rehab Institute
HAPPY PCAS, CONT’D
Don’t gossip. Don’t gossip or speak unfavorably of one PCA to another, and don’t reprimand one aid in the presence of another. Don’t initiate, tolerate, or contribute to gossip, and don’t allow your PCA to talk about their other consumers. Frankly and politely establish that this behavior is not wanted or acceptable. If the behavior continues, let them know that it can result in termination. Be Organized and Safe. An organized, well-supplied and maintained work area and stocked cabinets will save time and contribute to efficiency and be less stressful to your and your PCA. Keep an inventory of medical, cleaning, or cooking supplies where your PCA can checkmark them when supplies run low. On the next supply run, your PCA can take the list to stock up. DeGraff also suggests keeping all supplies where they are used—to save PCAs unnecessary steps and frustration. He urges keeping narcotic medications, cash, credit cards, and other valuables in a small safe to eliminate any chance of theft. DeGraff learned the hard way that no matter how much you trust your PCA, keeping valuables in a safe eliminates opportunity and suspicion. For errands, use only cash or sign checks with the store’s name filled in—never use credit cards. Verify receipts immediately. Nip Problems in the Bud. Learn how to read your PCA’s tone of voice and body language to identify the presence of a problem—work-related or otherwise. You don’t need to hear all their personal problems or become a dumping ground, but you still can show compassion. If your usually jovial or upbeat PCA is suddenly quiet or moody, ask if something is wrong—using a positive, caring voice. For those PCAs who begin to complain about personal problems, simply and gently tell them to let your home be a safe and positive place where they can leave their troubles at the door. Don’t move the finish line. Be comprehensive when listing daily needs so your PCA knows what to expect when he or she walks in the door. Keep a complete list of tasks. Note extra duties when your PCA arrives so they can mark them off and plan their workday. If you work from home and your routine is interrupted by constant phone calls, let your PCA know up front that during these times they can perform other general tasks. Be Nice. Even if you’re having a bad day, be pleasant and you will avoid anger and stress for all involved. A morning workout routine or meditation will keep you fit and centered and help you vent anger or stress. Picture coming to work to encounter a boss who’s angry or highly stressed,” DeGraff says.
