Meet Susan!
Throughout the month of September, we are recognizing Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) and their vital role to DSC and the people who choose DSC services. One of our goals is to offer a variety of perspectives and voices, which is why we thought that Susan would be a great family member to interview. Susan lives near Philadelphia, and her sister Becky who is in her 60’s receives services from DSC. They also have a brother, John, who is local to Champaign-Urbana. Earlier this year, their mother passed away just 17 days before her 92st birthday.
When their mother was in her 80’s, their family made the decision to move Becky from a state facility to one of DSC’s residential group homes. “Making a move like that was really difficult for my mom. The DSPs at the CILA (Community Integrated Living Arrangement) were instrumental during the transition. One in particular went out of her way to make sure that both Becky and my Mom were okay. At one point, my Mom broke her hip and she came to the hospital to see her. She’s just really good with Becky. It just took some time for my Mom to adjust. Moving Becky to DSC has been for the best.” Becky’s brother John is able to take Becky out to dinner and visit with her more often, since he is local. “When I visit from out of state, the employees at DSC keep me up-to-date on what Becky needs, for clothing shopping as an example, so I can make the most of my time with her, while I’m in town. DSPs are heroes.”
