Ian Cochran

In group homes, it is often the responsibility of the house manager or program manager to make sure there is food in the fridge and meals planned throughout the week. This generally means devising a menu and conducting a weekly shopping trip with or without individuals served. But these days, more and more programs are …

Pros and cons: Partner with a meal service or have house managers shop on their own? Read More »

Given all the chaos in the world, it can feel hard to find the bright spots this year. But 2020 did bring us at least one welcome change: an increase to Minnesota’s minimum wage. On Jan. 1, 2020, the rate increased to $10 an hour for large employers and $8.15 an hour for smaller companies. But what …

What does Minnesota’s minimum wage increase mean for people with disabilities? Read More »

There’s no doubt about it: Working with the elderly, people who have disabilities or people who are housebound can be draining in many different ways. After all, it requires workers to see to the comfort, welfare and safety of others — often putting others’ needs above their own to help ensure quality of life. As …

Facing employee burnout? Here’s how to help your people Read More »

The COVID-19 pandemic has created a public health crisis on two fronts. For one, there are obviously the people who have contracted the disease and are fighting to get better. But even for people who haven’t gotten sick, the entire situation has caused significant stress, anxiety and fear, and disrupted many of the normal routines …

How to cope with public health crises Read More »

The coronavirus pandemic has made life more difficult for everyone, but especially seniors and people with disabilities. The disruption of established routines and the isolation required to flatten the curve of infections has taken an emotional toll on many individuals in this population. During this difficult time, individuals may have questions about COVID-19 and what …

How DSPs can talk about COVID-19 with people served Read More »

The current job market can be a nightmare for college students who have yet to fully enter their chosen career, but still need a way to make money and gain experience. That’s why many college students are choosing to become direct support professionals (DSPs), providing care for seniors and people with disabilities. While working as a DSP …

5 reasons why being a DSP is a great job for college students Read More »