Brent’s Experiences With The NADSP E-Badge Academy

The National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP) recently asked Brent about his experiences with the NADSP E-Badge Academy. The questions covered how he carries out her work as a direct support professional (DSP), the skillsets he demonstrates on a daily basis, the impact that the E-Badge Academy has had on his professional recognition, and how he gets credit for competency.

Describe the story you shared in carrying out that competency:

One of the men I support was a devout Catholic throughout his life, but the progression of Alzheimer’s disease was making physically going to church an uncomfortable and scary experience for him. One of his long-time housemates who he looked at as a brother preferred to watch church on TV in his private sitting room. I talked with his housemate. He agreed to watch it in the living room  so that the man with Alzheimer’s disease could still have a religious experience every week with someone he considered family – without actually having to go to a physical church.

Why is this competency so important to DSPs?

I think, when caregivers hear “well-being” they often go straight to physical well-being and emotional/mental well-being. Less often, spiritual well-being is considered. All – very important. However, as a DSP, you need to consider how the person you’re supporting weighs them before you consider your own. I’m not religious whatsoever, the person I was caring for was extremely religious. Well-being is an all-encompassing term people need for living long, happy, and fulfilling lives. Taking a personal approach to well-being helps facilitate that.

Have you used this competency in your work?

There is a thin line to walk between the recommendations from professionals and the wants of the people you’re supporting. As a DSP, I often found myself between the two. The wants of the person you’re supporting are always going to trump the recommendations from professionals unless it puts the person you’re supporting in immediate danger. However as a DSP, you also have a duty to be a good influence for those you’re supporting. My most used tool in that toolbox is modeling, promoting well-being by projecting well-being.

How can other DSPs replicate your practices?

Make it a point to sit down often and talk to the people you’re supporting about what is important to them. Adopt a flexible case-by-case definition of well-being. Be aware of how you’re presenting to the people you’re supporting, trying to model positive well-being. Be aware of any perceived changes in the wants of those you’re supporting. Consider the impact of other factors (health, age, etc.) and whether they’re genuine changes in wants or simply changes in ability to participate in wants. Try to adapt, rather than exclude.

How does the NADSP E-Badge Academy benefit your agency?

I think the testimonials get DSPs to really think about the impact they have. It sort-of forces them to realize how big an impact they make in the lives of those they support. Also, an official, nationally standardized and recognized certification for DSPs has the potential to lead to increased funding – something nearly every agency across the country is struggling with. Making training courses nationally standardized creates a lot of responsibility for those trainings to be done well, therefore makes DSPs more knowledgeable.

How does NADSP E-Badge Academy benefit the people you support?

More mindful and informed caregivers and the potential for increased funding benefit everyone involved.

What does the future hold for your involvement in the NADSP E-Badge Academy?

Currently, I have no immediate plans for involvement aside from recertification when it is due and continuing to do NADSP approved trainings through Relias. If I find myself in a situation that would make for a good testimonial, I may make it a point to submit it.

How has NADSP E-Badge Academy affected your professional image?

I do feel more mindful of the care I provide, which in-turn improves care provided.

NADSP E-Badge Academy Earners Of The Month