OPINION: Supported living home staff need to be paid a living wage and better trained

Regarding the tragic death of Regina Suazo, a woman with disabilities who was being cared for under our state DD Waiver system, I feel compelled to respond as both the parent of an individual living in a supported living home, and as a physical therapist — now retired — who has provided services for clients who are on the DD Waiver program.

Among the problems with supported living is the lack of adequate compensation, training and professionalism afforded to direct care staff. Staff in supported living homes are not paid a living wage. They are responsible for the care of individuals with often times complex behavioral and medical needs, including cooking, hygiene, managing therapist plans, and the unique needs of each person.

In the past, staff were able to engage with clients in some recreational activities, such as going out to dinner or a ballgame. Agencies have been very short-staffed since the COVID years, and staff are sometimes substituted who do not know the individuals and are not fully trained in their care. The staff who stay on these jobs sometimes work extra shifts to cover time slots where no one is available, and burn out is frequent.

Homes are often not fully staffed to the level seen in the past. Since COVID it has been even more difficult to hire staff to provide direct care in the homes, let alone provide the kind of support that is truly needed beyond basic care. The direct care staff position can be viewed as entry level, but it should not be seen this way. Direct care staff are key to the health and well-being of these vulnerable individuals.

Compensation needs to be increased, as well as opportunities for advancement.

Another concern is the role of the guardian. Guardians range from involved family/ friends, to corporate guardians. Some individuals are their own guardians. Guardians must speak up and get involved when there is a problem, and follow up.

As the parent of an individual who is her own guardian, I continue to keep my eyes open and know the staff in my daughter’s home. I do feel fortunate that her home has some very dedicated staff, but newer staff really tend to come and go. Somehow funds and supports for staff need to be delivered to direct care, not to administrative and other expenses.

As parents continue to age, and our adult children with special needs are cared for by others, the concern mounts. No doubt Regina Suazo’s mother would be horrified at how her daughter’s life ended.

This is intolerable, and I hope that this never happens again to a disabled individual on the DD Waiver program. We need better trained and well-paid staff in the homes. The position attracts applicants who in some cases have fewer opportunities for a well-paying job. If the career path for direct care staff could be valued and respected, with clear expectations for what is entailed in the work and compensation to reflect the responsibility that is taken on with such work, the care system could evolve to improved management of clients and employee satisfaction.

I believe this is a way toward improved care and quality of life for these individuals who are depending on us all for their well-being.