I’ve worked with Home and Community Options for 10 years as a full-time Direct Support Professional. In this role I am a teacher, a barber, a chauffeur, a cook, a housekeeper, a caregiver, a counselor, a friend; in some cases I am the closest thing to family that the individuals I support have. I work with men who have special needs for their care and stability. I have provided support that has allowed these individuals to continue living in their home without having to go to an expensive medical care facility. I am proud of my work and I am deeply committed to the people I serve.
The men I care for have high medical needs and limited communication skills. I need to be perceptive in identifying changes in their status to ensure medical problems are caught early. Sometimes assisting with medical emergencies requires me to work long hours so that I may address all the needs of the people I support. When co-workers call in sick, I’m oftentimes called upon to come in to work on short notice or on my days off. It is also not uncommon for me to be on my feet for 12 hours or more in a workday. These situations can take a toll on my relationship with my husband, often causing stress and “burnout”.
When I first started, it was very rare for other staff to have second jobs outside of our agency. Over the past few years, I’ve noticed a trend where they are now getting second and third jobs “to make ends meet”. Some are working at other places doing job functions such as cleaning, food service, or assembly work. The work that I do requires a far more extensive set of skills and responsibilities, yet these other jobs are paying more.
My current wages would make it very difficult for me to support myself on my own. The cost of gas, food, and other expenses continue to increase; yet there has not been a cost of living adjustment for a number of years. I would like to be able to enjoy retirement someday. However, all of my earnings will be spent on supporting myself instead of saving for the future, given my current wages.
In order to continue to provide quality services to the individuals supported by Home and Community Options, wages need to be competitive. Something needs to be done to keep health insurance premiums affordable. There needs to be incentive for people to want to work in our leadership positions. I truly value my work and feel that we should get paid in a comparable way to other jobs in the area. The work I do supporting people is important, and I’m hopeful that wages will begin to reflect the value of our role in the lives of our community members.
-Sara, who works in Winona
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