Speaker: Donzel Shepherd
Please introduce yourself in a few short sentences.
Donzel Shepherd: My name is Don Shepherd and I'm from Cleveland, Ohio. I have a paralysis and I've advocated for myself and for others for over 35 years.
What waiver do you use to receive home and community based services?
Donzel Shepherd: The insurance that I have is Medicaid. The Western Reserve of Aging is the managing company of those funds. I use a home health care agency uh to provide my personal care. I receive Ohio home care waiver.
What kinds of things do direct care workers help you with?
What is your life like when you have all of your care needs met?
Donzel Shepherd: The assistance that I receive from direct care workers consist of daily activities such as bile care, bathing, dressing, uh transferring from the bed to the wheelchair preparation of meals, laundry and also shopping.
How has the direct care workforce crisis impacted you?
Donzel Shepherd: I am medically diagnosed as a C5 C6 quadriplegic, also known as tetraplegic is a condition that results in the paralysis of all four limbs and typically occurs due to spinal cord injuries or certain medical conditions. I use a power wheelchair. I have been a quadriplegic since 1985 due to an accident that occurred while practicing for a high school freestyle diving competition. I have watched over the last 8 to 10 years. My home care service conditions take a turn for the worse, especially during COVID. It was the worst time ever to get help. Imagine not knowing whether or not you're going to receive help, getting out of the bed and back into the bed. The emotional and psychological impact this has had on me has been devastating. However, I remain resilient and resourceful to overcome this profoundly difficult time. I am hopeful the pay increase will kick in soon so that I can continue the good fight. I've spoken with many direct care workers. 99.9% stated pay is what made me leave the direct care field. Again, I am hopeful. This increase will bring back the passion for compassion in the hearts of the direct care workers that we have lost. In conclusion, direct care workers play a vital role in providing essential care and support to individuals in need. Their dedication, compassion and contribution to enhancing the quality of life and well-being of care recipients. Recognizing the challenges that they face providing professional development opportunities and advocating for their rights and fair treatment are critical steps in valuing and supporting direct care workers and their invaluable work they do.
What do you think is needed to address the direct care workforce crisis?
Donzel Shepherd: I believe the direct professionals should be treated as professionals, meaning they should have the increase in pay which is long overdue and some type of pension uh should be put in place because they are professionals.
