Direct Support Professionals, often referred to as caregivers, personal assistants, or home care aides, are the lynchpin to the ultimate success or failure of community-based long-term supports. DSP workers build close, trusted relationships with the millions of seniors and people with disabilities they assist each day. They work in community settings assisting people with disabilities with medications, preparing and eating meals, dressing, mobility, and handling daily affairs.
Unfortunately, these critical supports are being threatened by a growing workforce crisis. The U.S. Department of Labor statistics show that the average U.S. worker makes about $16.75 an hour, while the average DSP makes about $9.26 an hour for the close, nurturing, and intimate critical support they provide. Many DSPs work two jobs to make ends meet for their own families. The daily challenges these front-line workers face are both physically and emotionally demanding. Inadequate wages have led to high turnover (as high as 86% in some residential settings) and ongoing vacancies in the direct support workforce.
Despite these significant challenges, we are so fortunate here at Imagine! to have so many dedicated, talented, and passionate people who are willing not only to take on this difficult job, but to excel at it.
In honor of DSP Recognition Week, here's a big shout out to the DSPs at both SmartHomes - Jessica Brennan, JT Glover, Andrew Goforth, Alex Johnstone, Cailin McCarthy, Nathan Railla, Philip Robinson, and Joseph Tonelli (Boulder), and Pramila Adhikari, Emily Laks, Michelle Larkin, Taylor Sims, Michael Ulfstam, Jennifer Vaughan (Longmont). You guys are the best!!!!
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