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Best Life Alliance Letter by Phoenix Residence Employee

An article written by Shawna Zechmeister, Program Manager at Ludden House about the need for a 5% rate increase for Home and Community-Based Services

An article written by Shawna Zechmeister, Program Manager at Ludden House about the need for a 5% rate increase for Home and Community-Based Services was shared by the Best Life Alliance communications team to legislators and leaders in the disability community.  Thank you Shawna for sharing your story!

Real People, Real Impact

I manage a home where six people with disabilities live.  They need support with bathing, dressing, eating, visiting friends and family, attending medical appointments, communicating their wants, needs, desires, and to accessing their own community.  

Without a rate increase, we are unable to provide our staff better wages and the high turnover will continue. We cannot compete with other businesses. Minnesota's caregivers have families and bills to pay.  Staff go where they don't have to work more than 40 hours a week to make a living.

When staff leave it results in a shortage... not just a shortage for a day or two, but rather for months.  A shortage of staff can affect our ability to get individuals to scheduled medical appointments, and community events are limited and or canceled.

Temporary staff are brought in and often only meet the minimum needs of each person.  People don't get a chance to trust their staff. Constant turnover can result in medication errors and opens the door for vulnerable adult reportable incidences.

People we serve greatly suffer with turnover.  They wonder who is leaving me today and who is going to see me at my most vulnerable times?  Will the activity I was looking forward to be rescheduled (again)?  

We push every day to set individual goals, build skills, and increase independence, but this is difficult if we can't provide the basic support due to staffing.  

Please make a 5% increase a reality this session!
-Shawna, The Phoenix Residence