Milestone HCQU West Blog - News, Resources, and Innovative Ideas & Supports

December 3, 2025

Health Care Appointments Make You Go “EEEK”? Consider These Tips

Going to the doctor can be stressful at times for some people. Whether you are the person supporting someone with Intellectual Developmental Disabilities (IDD) and Autism or you are a person with IDD and Autism, there are simple ways to make navigating appointments a smoother and a more positive experience. Before the Appointment Prior to going to the appointment, it can...

General/Resources

November 26, 2025

One Small Slip, One Big Setback – Preventing Falls Before They Happen

Falls happen fast, and they can change everything in an instant. A single fall can lead to broken bones, hospital stays, or even a loss of independence. Although this may sound daunting, the good news is that most falls are preventable. Whether you are navigating your own fall risks or supporting a loved one, these tips can help you stay...

General

November 19, 2025

When The World is Overwhelming: How to offer helpful support to individuals who experience sensory challenges

Intro According to the National Institute of Mental Health, approximately 5%-16.5% of the population experience sensory processing issues. Sensory challenges can affect people in different ways. People can experience mild to severe sensory challenges, experience too much sensory input, or they may not get enough sensory input. It can affect a person’s daily functioning, and make it difficult to complete...

Community/General

November 12, 2025

The Pressure is On: The Fight Against Pressure Injuries

November 20th is National Pressure Wound Awareness Day. It occurs the third Thursday of November each year. According to National Pressure Injury Advisory Panel (NPIAP), 2.5 million people develop pressure injuries every year. Additionally, 67.1 thousand people die every year as a direct result of pressure injuries. Not only is there a high cost of life, but also the financial burden...

General/Resources

November 5, 2025

Like to Shop? Check Out the Holiday Shopping Guide

Many people like to give gifts this time of year as part of their holiday traditions. Perhaps you pride yourself on finding unique surprises for birthdays or anniversaries. Maybe you’re the type of person that springs an unexpected gift on a loved-one just because it is wonderful Wednesday. Whatever it is that gets you shopping, did you consider our Holiday...

Community/Resources

October 29, 2025

Metformin (Glucophage): A Common Medication for Type 2 Diabetes

Diabetes in America is a common diagnosis. In fact, the prevalence of diabetes in 2018 was 34.2 million Americans, or 10.5% of the population. Of those more than 34 million people, which breaks down to about 1 in 10, 90-95% have Type 2 Diabetes. In addition 88 million American adults, aged 18 or older have prediabetes, that’s 34.5% of the...

General

October 22, 2025

From Awareness to Action: Building a Culture of Workplace Safety

No one goes to work expecting to get hurt, but unfortunately, injuries can happen at any workplace. These injuries could be from heavy lifting, repetitive motions, or even a slip on a wet floor. Although there are many ways to get injured at your job, most workplace accidents are preventable with the right approach. Employers typically have guidelines and safety...

Employment

October 15, 2025

For the Love of Horses

Have you heard of Elliott Acres Therapeutic Riding Center in Butler, PA? The Center offers therapeutic riding opportunities to adults and children with physical, intellectual, and emotional disabilities. When I visited the owner, Deb Campbell, was nothing but delightful. She and her staff were patient in offering instructions on how to groom the horses. Riding will be offered again beginning...

Community/General

October 8, 2025

A Practical Guide to Preventing Falls

Each year, more than 14 million adults aged 65 and older experience a fall in the United States, according to CDC statistics. Approximately 21% of older adults who fall each year end up in the emergency department. Around 7 % of falls among older adults result in hospitalization. People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) face a significantly elevated risk...

General

October 1, 2025

National Down Syndrome Awareness Month

October is National Down Syndrome Awareness Month. To honor this month and bring attention to it, I’d like to take a moment of your time and introduce you to the Down Syndrome Association of Pittsburgh (DSAP). For those of you who may not be familiar with the DSAP, it is a small, non-profit agency which supports the Down syndrome community...

General/Resources