"These indivduals have voices, they're out and about, and I realized that I can have a positive impact on someone with an intellectual disability. "
Name: Jamie
Role: Direct Support Professional, Mentor Community Services, PA
Tenure: 2 years
Role: Direct Support Professional, Mentor Community Services, PA
Tenure: 2 years
How did you come to Sevita and this work?
I inquired because I saw employees out with clients, individuals, and saw them go to movies and do other things in the community. I saw you could have an impact on their life, and I was just intrigued.
Tell us about the individuals in your home. What are their ages and abilities?
I inquired because I saw employees out with clients, individuals, and saw them go to movies and do other things in the community. I saw you could have an impact on their life, and I was just intrigued.
Tell us about the individuals in your home. What are their ages and abilities?
I work with men in the home. Drew is 31, he’s autistic and non-verbal, so he doesn’t say much, but he does talk. If you pay attention and you listen and spend enough time with him, he lets you know what he wants, like “car ride,” “pop,” “chicken,” that’s his favorite.
Tyler, the other individual, has Prater Willie Syndrome, he’s 23. He has a couple of different challenges, like he stopped growing at a certain age, and he eats and he’s never really satisfied. Tyler is very verbal so my house has a lot of different behaviors.
What are the qualities of a successful caregiver in your location?
Somebody with compassion, patience, somebody that’s available. Both emotionally and physically available for the shift.
You’ve shared what attracted you to the company and this kind of work. What motivates you to stay?
The time I spend with my individuals and seeing how far they have both come. I’m focused on helping them do things for themselves. When you set up a routine and do it consistently you see the change. Like I stressed to Tyler, “Hey we have to get our teeth brushed. You can grab the toothbrush, and I’ll do the toothpaste.” I did hand over hand to help him brush his teeth for months and now he’s brushing his teeth by himself.
When I first started, Drew was just jumping at me and making noises to communicate versus now I ask “Is this garbage? Do you want me to throw this away?” And he’ll say “garbage.” When I first started it was very hard to communicate with him, it was really challenging, but I was determined to break through. Drew’s eyes tell it all. He wants to say things but he can’t and I just have to try and make a connection. Sometimes you don’t have to say anything, he just needs me to sit next to him and say “it’s ok”.
Have you had an “aha” moment with either of them where you think to yourself, “I’m doing well. I’m in the right place – where I’m supposed to be.”
When I first started, Drew was just jumping at me and making noises to communicate versus now I ask “Is this garbage? Do you want me to throw this away?” And he’ll say “garbage.” When I first started it was very hard to communicate with him, it was really challenging, but I was determined to break through. Drew’s eyes tell it all. He wants to say things but he can’t and I just have to try and make a connection. Sometimes you don’t have to say anything, he just needs me to sit next to him and say “it’s ok”.
Have you had an “aha” moment with either of them where you think to yourself, “I’m doing well. I’m in the right place – where I’m supposed to be.”
Well Drew, if he sees a new face, he’s like a shark, he sees blood, he’s going to fight. It’s hard for him to adjust to new people, and now when he sees me, we’re good.
He gave me a hug the other day. He was just standing there, quiet and then grabbed me by my wrist, pulled me, and I got scared. I thought ‘he hasn’t done this before’ and I said “What’s wrong? What’s the matter?” And he just hugged me and squeezed me so hard. It brought tears to my eyes because he’s not really like that, he does his own thing. He’s very independent. He’s not really touchy feely. I tell new people that I train or anybody new in the house, “If you want to know how Drew’s doing, throw your fist out there and if he gives you a pump, he’s okay.”
We’re past the fist pump phase, I think we’re huggers now!
He gave me a hug the other day. He was just standing there, quiet and then grabbed me by my wrist, pulled me, and I got scared. I thought ‘he hasn’t done this before’ and I said “What’s wrong? What’s the matter?” And he just hugged me and squeezed me so hard. It brought tears to my eyes because he’s not really like that, he does his own thing. He’s very independent. He’s not really touchy feely. I tell new people that I train or anybody new in the house, “If you want to know how Drew’s doing, throw your fist out there and if he gives you a pump, he’s okay.”
We’re past the fist pump phase, I think we’re huggers now!
Is there anything in particular that helped you create such a strong bond with Drew and Tyler?
You want to review the information we have on each individual to get to know their backgrounds and more about them as people. Drew loves princesses, so bringing a coloring book with princesses in it and sitting with him is going to help, he will feel like you know him. Tyler, he loves food, talking about deep fried, baked chicken – he loves chicken, it’s his favorite. I also talk to him about healthy food options, what do you like? How can we make a healthy meal? So just engage with Tyler about food. Tyler is also big on church, loves church. When I first started and Tyler was aggressive I would put on church music. He would start singing and I would sing and snap my fingers with him and it would completely change his mood. So just learning what they like and trying to adapt to them.
So looking back, what would you tell your younger self? What advice would you give?
Follow your passion, do something you love to do because you might not be here tomorrow. Or even lean towards fear. I was afraid of growing, afraid or discouraged, so I would say don’t be afraid to step out of the box or do something that you know is one of your dreams. Just being a personal trainer and speaking in front of others, I used to think “I can’t do this.” I would get a new client and the night before I’d be pacing back and forth. But I’m good at it, I’m really good at it so I took that leap of faith. Now being certified for 2 years, I think, “Wow, I’m really doing this.” So don’t be afraid, lean towards fear, and when you are afraid go for it.
What do you do for fun outside of work?
I work out, I need my alone time. I really like to train. I like to read books – I don’t think people know that. I like to read motivational books, non-fiction. I listen to podcasts and music. I love R&B, I love all kinds of music.
What do you do for fun outside of work?
I work out, I need my alone time. I really like to train. I like to read books – I don’t think people know that. I like to read motivational books, non-fiction. I listen to podcasts and music. I love R&B, I love all kinds of music.