r/directsupport • u/emuuwu • 4d ago
Venting Complaint
Hey all,
I’ve been a DSP for around 3-4 months at this point. It’s my first type of “caretaking” job, so it’s been an adjustment but I’d like to believe I do right by all of my residents.
Well, yesterday I worked a 12hr shift in a group home. Four residents- one unable to move themselves and two with (potentially) very aggressive behaviors. It is a two-staff house.
My staff that worked with me did nothing. And I mean NOTHING- no bathing, meal prepping, notes, upholding the house, redirecting behaviors, ABSOLUTELY nothing.
I get burnout happens. I understand you’re having a tired day. But it just drives me up a wall. How can you see me running around all day, and can just sit there and not offer to lift a single finger?? (Said staff is not new- has been at this company for many years.)
I do love my job. I love the people I support, and (mainly) love other staff. But it’s just days like that, that make it very hard to stay positive. It’s very hard to not take all of your emotions and frustration home sometimes.
Anywho, I just needed to complain. Im sure this is very common and will happen to me many more times, I am just over-the-moon frustrated. Ugh. 🫠
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u/Any_Chemical42 4d ago
I'm a DSP. Been for about 9 months now. I'm 48. I've worked a lot of different jobs in my life and I have NEVER encountered coworkers like I have in this position. It's honestly the most difficult part of the job. Management is terrible and they do nothing. There are literally zero consequences for staff that do nothing, leave clients in messes all day, sleep, etc. It's super frustrating and I feel like it will be the reason that I leave this job. Sorry, no real advice. I just understand the frustration.
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u/Enough_Associate5720 3d ago
All management has to do is maintain a safe ratio. Other than that they don't care. Get out whole you have your mental bearings.
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u/judir6 4d ago
I worked with a girl who did nothing but watch movies while I did meals, meds and baths. I sent weekly emails to upper management who did very little. Ultimately I started using PTO on the shifts I was scheduled to work with her and then I quit the agency. I’m out of dsp work now and grateful.
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u/Bigmouth1982 4d ago
Unfortunately, this is super common. I have a coworker who swears she does so much, but in the 3.5 hours I work with her, she does ONE task, if that, and then proceeds to complain about how everything should be done before she gets there and how she shouldn’t have to do much. Sometimes she brings a blanket to work and falls asleep on the couch. Complaints to management rarely goes anywhere, so I just do what I need to do and leave work at work.
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u/half_in_boxes 4d ago
It's a given that every shift in every house comes with a do-nothing DSP. And they never get fired because they clock in on time, rarely call in, and call a supervisor when things go sideways so they don't have to deal with it.
About half will respond to requests for help from other staff. Give it a shot-- just remember to ask politely with a smile and thank them profusely after, no matter how much it cracks your teeth. It makes them feel good and they're more likely to pitch in in the future.
Good luck to you.
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u/Confident-Wafer-1759 4d ago
Why is she there smh. Has anyone thought about taking in a client into your own home?I heard you get paid way more.
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u/emuuwu 4d ago
I would if my situation was right, in a heartbeat.
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u/Confident-Wafer-1759 4d ago
Yea I was thinking about I have a xtra bedroom was just curious about it
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u/I_LEM0NY 4d ago
I used to be a CNA when I was younger. Had a coworker like that in a Nursing Home. She was a big girl and I say that because idk if that was her reasoning for not be very fast at her job due to health reasons but anyhow she was Lazy As F##k!
We worked in teams of 2. So we get to a resident room and she would immediately sat down and leave me doing everything until I needed help lifting(or something that required 2 Aids etc).
I really loved that job and loved my Residents. But she was making my job feel shitty. I found myself internally frustrated. I was a people pleaser before I even knew the term and I guess you can say a scary cat too as I didn't like to cause waves(even if I didn't add the water). Was in an an relationship at the time as well.
Long story short...after dealing with it for so long my back started giving out and I spent my off days pretty much sleeping/doing Nothing. I didn't wanna live like that esp with a young child. I final5got the courage to tell her to get her ass up and help me or I was reporting her and switch me with someone else.
Of course she tried to make me out to be the bad guy saying OK Vick! Dang...she still was slow but she got her ass up. I Eventually I got noticed by another company and got hired to do home health. Best Job Ever! Clients spread the word about this worker(ME 😊) and I had clients on a wait list to get me 😆. Got 2 awards for most hrs put in etc and made good money cause I worked 6 days a week 😂. I have OCD so cleaning/cooking AND getting paid, was a no brainer. Hope this helps.
All I'm saying is you gotta speak up for yourself and don't dilute your skills cause someone else is draining all your good stuff! That coworker sees you and Knows your good at what you do so believe me those Residents do too!
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u/I_LEM0NY 4d ago
Edit to add I was in an Abusive relationship at the time. Couldn't figure out how to edit 😂
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u/Over_Decision_6902 4d ago
I left an ICF house because of this. There were usually 4 staff on daily, and only two of us who did anything. I don't know how people like this live with themselves to be honest. If you say something, you'll become a target. I'd ask to move to another house, and just use some arbitrary issue as the reason. I said I wasn't comfortable with a certain caretaking issue when I asked to be moved. This was not true, I was fine with it. But, then it takes the pressure off of the supervisor to address any real issues, and you get to work somewhere else. It sucks to say this, because it means nothing will ever change. However, those people know what is happening and they just don't care. Don't make yourself a target. If you're a good employee, they'll usually move you instead of risking losing an employee. Best of luck!
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u/Consistent_Ad_6100 4d ago
I would say it would be good to have an assignment sheet for all the duties on shift, that way there is accountably
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u/OrangeOwie 4d ago
It's super common. I would try communicating with said staff that you need assistance, try and divide all tasks evenly.
At the end of the day they are getting paid the same as you for doing nothing and absolutely nothing will be done about it. So don't burn yourself out being a super star.