Recruiting, Selecting, and Retaining Direct Service Workers to Provide Self-Directed HCBS
Factors That Foster Resiliency
1. Listen
2. Read
We all handle stress differently. Some people handle stress better, but everyone can learn ways to better manage stress and burnout. The protective factors of resiliency include:
People who have a purpose or a passion are more resilient. Sometimes people think that if their purpose is simple, then their purpose doesn't matter. That's not true! Everyone gets to decide what matters to them. For some people their purpose is being an advocate for something or someone. For others, their pets may give them purpose in life. Purpose comes when people use their strengths and talents for something they care about.
A DSW may find it hard to find time for their own social supports. It’s important for people to make time to connect with others. Making time to connect with family and friends is an important way to build social support.
This can also happen through online support groups or social media forums. Connecting online is also becoming more common. Many online opportunities are community activities. These include church or faith-based groups, sports groups, book clubs, and anything in between. Making time for DSWs who work for you to connect with others in a meaningful way increases their resiliency to stress.
Adaptability means you are able to respond quickly when something changes. For example, your car breaks down when you need to get to an appointment. Being adaptable means you call a rideshare instead of panicking.