Dependable. Caring. Trustworthy. These are the three characteristics that Julie uses to describe her Direct Support Professional, Rafael Lara Reyes. Julie especially appreciates Rafael on days that are difficult. She says,
I can be having a bad day, and his sense of humor always cheers me up. When I feel better, he reminds me that I need to be happy to be in my best health. He truly cares about my health, and my being able to stay in my home.
Rafael helps Julie live the life she wants. He assists her with transportation to Costco to pick up medication and to the grocery store to stock up on groceries and household items. Rafael also helps Julie manage her chronic fatigue by assisting with transfers and lending bathing support. Julie prefers to bathe independently, but her shower was inadequate and caused her to be more dependent than she wanted. She was unable to wash her legs and feet by herself, and she had to wash her hair in the sink. Rafael helped install a handheld showerhead so that Julie can comfortably wash her hair in the shower and gain greater independence.
Julie sums up Rafael’s outstanding personality and excellent support by saying,
Rafael is always celebrating life, enjoys helping me to continue to be able to live at home, and if I need anything, and he is free, he will come to help me. He is a godsend to me!
We are honored to recognize Rafael Lara Reyes as one of our Direct Support Professionals of the Year. Thank you, Rafael, for your continued support and amazing care. It is your character that allows independence to reach new heights.
Muchas gracias,
Your Consumer Direct Care Network team