Comments on: A Bug Infestation in the Home…What Do You Do?

By: Dana Childress, M.Ed.

Dana Childress, M.Ed. — Fri, 24 Jan 2014 21:13:40 +0000

In reply to Janet.

That’s really interesting, Janet. I’ve also worked with CPS workers that said that “it depends” on whether the infestation is truly a safety or health hazard (or is just a bug problem that can be managed). As with any situation where the provider is concerned about possible neglect, calling CPS and talking with them about the situation can be very helpful in determining whether or not a report is warranted.

By: Janet

Janet — Fri, 24 Jan 2014 20:15:37 +0000

I just got in from a training with CPS. This infestation topic came up. CPS claimed that this topic falls under our mandated responsibility to file a complaint with CPS.

By: Dana Childress, M.Ed.

Dana Childress, M.Ed. — Fri, 24 Jan 2014 19:53:20 +0000

In reply to Leigh Anne Ross, RN.

These are great ideas, Leigh Anne! Thanks for reflecting on what you did and could have done. That’s how we all learn together!

By: Leigh Anne Ross, RN

Leigh Anne Ross, RN — Fri, 24 Jan 2014 19:19:32 +0000

In reply to Dana Childress, M.Ed..

I think I would have tried to get more information about what the family had already tried other than buying their own bug bombs. I would have tried to find out more details about how their previous encounters with management had been. Based on the new information, I could have explored whether or not any of their neighbors were concerned and encouraged the family to approach the management as a group. Perhaps a role play would have helped the family feel more confident complaining again. I definitely should have let the family have more control in the situation. I am open to suggestions…..

By: Dana Childress, M.Ed.

Dana Childress, M.Ed. — Thu, 23 Jan 2014 21:56:25 +0000

In reply to Leigh Anne Ross, RN.

Hi Leigh Anne! Wow, this is a powerful story. I agree, sometimes it’s hard to tell how a situation will work out until you are in the midst of it. I’m glad you were able to work with the family and the Health Dept to resolve the infestation, to the benefit of the family and probably the other apartment residents as well! Since you mention it, if you think back, how might you have handled the situation differently if you were using coaching?

By: Leigh Anne Ross, RN

Leigh Anne Ross, RN — Thu, 23 Jan 2014 20:45:56 +0000

I tried to help a family once and it kind of backfired. An apartment complex was infested with roaches and the family asked for help. They had complained to management repeatedly, but were told spraying was too expensive. The family was trying bug bombs, but of course treating only one apartment doesn’t do any good. The family was tired of wasting money. With their permission, I offered to look into it. I explained the situation to a friend of mine who works for the city, and he said not to worry that he would speak to management about it. I was feeling very proud of myself until my next visit. The family let me in the door and as I closed it I noticed a big sign on the back of the door announcing a $25.00 per month fee to cover exterminator costs. You can imagine how badly I felt. Long story short, we had to get the Health Department involved and eventually the complex management was held responsible for spraying. Luckily, the family understood that I was only trying to help and they knew that I certainly didn’t mean to cause additional financial hardship. Sometimes taking the bull by the horns doesn’t give us the end result we are hoping for. Another reason that coaching is the way to go!!

By: Cori Hill

Cori Hill — Thu, 16 Jan 2014 22:27:36 +0000

Well, I have to confess that I felt a bit itchy after reading this one! I think the tips, suggestions, and strategies are “spot on!” I do think the critical part is how to manage these situations respectfully. I’ve never met a family yet who wanted a pest infestation!

By: Dana Childress, M.Ed.

Dana Childress, M.Ed. — Wed, 15 Jan 2014 13:56:29 +0000

In reply to Janet Hammond.

Yes, I agree, the most appropriate response to these situations really can’t be prescribed across families. It needs to be very individualized to the family’s needs and situation, just like all of early intervention. It IS a very real and challenging topic and needs to be dealt with in a compassionate manner that won’t offend the family. Since an infestation problem can happen with families at any end of the SES spectrum, different supports might be needed but sensitivity is always required. Thanks for joining the conversation Janet!

By: Janet Hammond

Janet Hammond — Wed, 15 Jan 2014 01:08:04 +0000

Thank you for addressing one of our challenges in working with some of our more marginalized families. Some of the things we see are really tough. I have done some trainings on “challenging families” and only heard my easier families described. We see all kinds of things and need to know what response will help this family and which would only further marginalize them.