Fostering Gratitude in the Family

As the days grow longer and the temperatures rise, parents everywhere are gearing up for summer break. For parents of special needs children, however, summer planning can come with its own set of challenges. From scheduling doctor appointments to finding engaging activities, it’s essential to plan to ensure a smooth and enjoyable summer for the whole family. If you’re in our beautiful state of Michigan, chances are you are planning on a trip up north or to the beach. There are plenty of options available to make this summer one to remember. Let’s dive into some tips and resources to help you efficiently prepare and plan for the upcoming season.

• Start Early: The key to successful summer planning is to start early. Begin by making a list of all the activities and appointments you want to schedule for your child. This might include medical check-ups, therapy sessions, and recreational activities. By getting organized ahead of time, you’ll avoid last-minute stress and ensure that you secure the dates and times that work best for your family and your vacation plans.
• Schedule Doctor Appointments Now: Take the time to schedule any necessary doctor appointments for your child before the summer rush hits. This might include routine check-ups, consultations with specialists, or adjusting therapy sessions if you plan to be out of town. Many healthcare providers experience increased demand during the summer months, so booking appointments in advance is essential. Be sure to communicate any specific needs or concerns with your healthcare provider to ensure that they can accommodate your child effectively.
• Explore Kid-Friendly Activities: Southeastern Michigan offers a wealth of kid-friendly activities that cater to children of all abilities. From sensory-friendly museums to inclusive parks, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Take the time to research local attractions and events that are accessible and accommodating to children with special needs. Consider reaching out to community organizations or support groups for recommendations and tips on inclusive activities in your area. Maybe you can even suggest that more venues offer sensory-friendly options!
• Consider Summer Camps and Programs and register soon: Summer camps and programs can provide valuable opportunities for children to socialize, learn new skills, and have fun but spots fill up fast this time of year. Look for camps that offer specialized programming for children with special needs, especially those that include sensory-friendly activities and trained staff. Many camps in Southeastern Michigan offer scholarships or financial assistance for families in need, so don’t hesitate to inquire about available resources. Be aware that some of the scholarship programs for camps and summer programs are first come first serve.
• Create a Visual Schedule for your Kids: Visual schedules can be incredibly helpful for children with special needs, providing them with a clear understanding of their daily activities and routines. Take the time to create a visual schedule for your child’s summer break, incorporating doctor appointments, outings, and leisure time. Use pictures, symbols, or written words to represent each activity, and involve your child in the planning process to foster independence and self-awareness.
• Get a jump on Fall: An IEP is a personalized education plan designed to support a child with a disability. It can be a lengthy process to get an IEP in place for your child. To start the process, request an evaluation from your child’s school or school district, then work with the IEP team to develop a plan tailored to your child’s unique needs. If you need additional guidance, consider reaching out to local parent advocacy groups or special education organizations for support and resources.

Early summer planning may require some extra time and effort, but the rewards are well worth it. By starting early, scheduling doctor appointments, exploring kid-friendly activities, considering summer camps, and creating visual schedules, you can ensure that your child has a memorable and enjoyable summer break and save yourself some panic later. Remember to prioritize self-care and relaxation for yourself as well, and don’t hesitate to reach out to local resources and support networks for assistance along the way. Here’s to a summer filled with fun, adventure, and plenty of cherished memories!

Let us reinvent your workforce for the better. Expect to receive effective and reliable staffing solutions from us.

Positive Relationships

Because METROstaffing is therapist-owned and operated, we know how important your needs are. We will handle finding and retaining your therapist and supporting them clinically so you are free to focus on running your facility!

By working with METROstaffing, we take care of everything and immediately begin to reduce your costs at the outset of our relationship.

Your facility will no longer bear the concerns and overhead for items such as pensions, disability insurance, healthcare, and administrative costs. Our experience shows an average savings of 8–10%, in payroll alone for each full-time employee.

We provide maternity, medical leave, and FMLA coverage for all of your related service needs: Speech, OT, PT, Psych & Special Ed Teachers.

We provide therapists for part and full time and can also cover both short and long term placements. We also offer Tele-Therapy services that can be used as a bridge until a ‘live’ therapist is procured; to keep students in IEP compliance and prohibit litigation possibilities.

Building A Better Business

We have developed a highly successful model that enables facilities and therapists to work together in ways that benefit both parties. Granting job satisfaction for the therapist translates into the longevity of your facility.

We provide therapists for part and full time and can also cover both short and long term placements.

From our web-based billing and payroll system to our clinical support team, we support our therapists completely so your time and effort can be directed to other areas of your business.

Innovative Remote Services

METROstaffing offers unique Tele-Practice Therapy services for rural, remote, and underserved communities, as well as to culturally and linguistically diverse populations. Through the application of telecommunication technologies, we can provide therapy services at a distance.

If your facility falls into one of these categories or if you would like more information on this great service, call us today! We would love to answer your questions about our other services such as teletherapy and pediatric therapy in Metropolitan Detroit.

What is a Frenectomy?

A frenectomy is a minor surgical procedure involving the removal or modification of a frenulum, a small fold of tissue that prevents an organ in the body from moving too far.

Frenectomy Care

Follow Post-Op Instructions:

• Adhere strictly to the post-operative care instructions provided by your healthcare provider.

Pain Management:

• Use recommended pain relief medications as directed.
• Apply cold compresses to reduce swelling and discomfort.

Oral Hygiene:

• Keep the area clean to avoid infections. Gently rinse the mouth with a saline solution as advised.
• Avoid using mouthwash with alcohol as it can irritate the surgery site.

Dietary Adjustments:

• Stick to soft foods and avoid hot, spicy, or acidic foods that may cause irritation.
• Ensure adequate fluid intake to stay hydrated.

Stretching Exercises:

• Perform any stretching exercises as recommended by the surgeon to ensure proper healing and flexibility.

Monitor Healing:

• Keep an eye on the surgical site for signs of infection such as increased redness, swelling, or discharge.
• Contact your healthcare provider if you notice any unusual symptoms.

Follow-Up Appointments:

• Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments to monitor the healing process and address any concerns.