Monday is here.

 I want to share a previous blog post for a perspective of where we have been. and where we could be. 

 

In the fall of 2010, I was privileged to be part of the conversation about the Nebraska Direct Support Professional Network and moving toward a registered/credentialed workforce. 

The only question was how much will it cost to hire a Direct Support Professional? 

Let's take a look at some of the costs associated with having a "professional" do the job. 

Let us say that your car needs the brakes fixed, new pads, rotors turned, and maybe a new master cylinder. 

Your neighbor will do it for the cost of parts and a six-pack of Bud Light. 

The local certified mechanic costs $120.00 per hour plus the parts. 

You choose the low-cost option. 

Fast forward, Monday morning on your way to work, brakes fail, total car, cost $ 38,000. 

Is the most important question, when providing support, for one of the most vulnerable populations "How much will it cost"? 

When looking for that direct support person, consider the cost of a true professional, Ethical action, demonstrating personal growth, displaying professional development, and excellence in practice. 

The true cost of not having professionals in place? 

Lives wasted, people abused, neglected, and abandoned! 

What will the true cost be when Monday comes?