Care planning and a well-organized system to keep track of important documents can save time and create comfort during uncertain times. This article provides some tips for building a “care notebook,” which might be a three-ring binder, an accordion file, or a portable file box—whatever makes sense for your organizational style and the types of Read More
Category: Health & Wellness
Information on physical, mental, social, and emotional well-being.
Tips to Organize Your Child’s Medical and School Documents
Technology Provides Options for Medical Care from a Distance
A Brief Overview During the coronavirus pandemic and statewide stay-home orders, some providers are offering online appointments. This article includes information about access to telehealth and how to prepare for a virtual visit. Federal privacy laws have been relaxed during the shutdown to allow more opportunities for on-screen healthcare. Washington’s telemedicine parity law was updated Read More
Stay-Home Help: Get Organized, Feel Big Feelings, Breathe
How to Prepare for a DDA Assessment
Here are tips for getting ready for an assessment with the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA), which is managed by the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS). Be sure to send information to the DDA case manager ahead of time and keep a copy. If you save the assessment electronically in Word/Google Documents, Read More
Families and Youth Have a Voice on Mental Health Matters Through FYSPRT
A Brief Overview FYSPRT (pronounced fiss-burt) is a hard acronym to learn, but it’s worth the effort for families and young people who want to talk about improving mental healthcare systems. Here’s what FYSPRT means: Family members, Youth and System Partners (professionals) get together at a “Round Table” (meaning everyone has an equal voice) to Read More
Genetic Testing: Parents Face Many Choices
A Brief Overview More than 1,000 genetic tests are available. Whether to test is voluntary, and families can consider how the testing might impact social and emotional well-being. Genetic testing is available at various ages and stages through the lifespan. Read on for information about options from pre-birth through adulthood. A directory from the National Read More
Helper Dogs Provide Service, Therapy or Emotional Support
A Brief Overview Service dogs and therapy dogs have different jobs. Read on to learn more about the differences and how dogs can help people with diverse disabilities. A service dog is trained to support a specific person in unique circumstances. Therapy dogs are chosen by temperament and trained to use closeness and touch to Read More
Children’s Long-Term Inpatient Program (CLIP) Provides Residential Psychiatric Treatment
A Brief Overview CLIP serves children ages 5-18 by providing residential mental-health treatment for a long-term stay that usually lasts 6-12 months. Read on for more information about CLIP eligibility and how to initiate a referral. Governor Jay Inslee in December recommended $675 million in new funding for behavioral health improvements statewide, and policymakers are Read More