Offering people more choices has changed how we serve individuals and given them more opportunities to smile. Boundless staff members Susie Burke, director of quality assurance, and Todd Mitchell, operations manager, join host, Scott Light to share their decades of experience. They discuss the honor of families trusting them with their loved ones, getting through tough days with calmness and kindness, and the power of natural supports.
Offering people more choices has changed how we serve individuals and given them more opportunities to smile. Boundless staff members Susie Burke, director of quality assurance, and Todd Mitchell, operations manager, join host, Scott Light to share their decades of experience. They discuss the honor of families trusting them with their loved ones, getting through tough days with calmness and kindness, and the power of natural supports.
Welcome everyone to Well-being a podcast brought to you by Boundless. Boundless is a nonprofit that provides residential support autism services, primary health care, day programs, counseling and a whole lot more to children and adults. Our mission is to build a world that realizes the boundless potential of all people. And if you like what you're hearing, Hey, give us a great review. Wherever you listen to our episodes. I'm your host, Scott light. And for more than 41 years, boundless has been serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. So much has changed though in this field in terms of what we know the data to support it, and what we believe are the best practices moving forward to improve health and wellbeing for the people we serve today, and for the generations of tomorrow. With us today are two real pros of this work. And we are so fortunate that they're both right here on the Boundless campus. Susie Burke is Director of Quality Assurance. And Todd Mitchell is here as well. He's Operations Manager of Center-Based Programs. Welcome to you both. Thank you. Thank you. I want to start off here with a little rapid fire with both of you. So Susie, why don't you start us off with this in the last four decades, the biggest change in caring for those in the IDD community has been in blank.
Susie Burke:Respecting them, respect of their choices, respect of their wants, their dreams, their desires, respective their needs. Huge change, huge change over the years.
Scott Light:Todd, same question to you.
Todd Mitchell:Just gaining a better understanding of what's important to and for the individual, and using fewer reinforcements for what the person enjoys. If you're enjoying what makes you happy, life becomes more fulfilling.
Scott Light:Well, speaking of which, I'll go a little bit off script here because I've again, I mentioned to our audience, we've got two pros here, you're obviously both of you're obviously fulfilled. By this work, you have both been on this campus for decades, what has been fulfilling?
Susie Burke:I have a great close relationship with many of the people we serve. And I think that they are very important in my life, I believe I'm important in their life and their family's lives. We started out moving individuals into residential settings back in 1988. When you entrust an organization to caring for the individual, your son or daughter that you love, it is very important to build that trust for them to trust us to provide the right kind of care and support. Many of those families are gone. Now, those moms and dads, and I feel like that entrusting us to take care of their individual, the person that they love to provide them with what they need what they want. It's a huge honor for us to have that kind of, I guess, trust from those families.
Todd Mitchell:Having the privilege to to be able to work and to help so many people over the years. Extended family, seeing individuals out in the community that you've worked with, since adolescent. Just last week at the bowling alley, there was two individuals that I've known since probably the age of six, that are now in their mid 20s. That had some difficult childhoods, but are succeeding now. Once an artist Wow. So and then what Susie said, having families trust within you and what you're doing, just building the relationships. It's been an honor privilege.
Scott Light:Tell us a little bit more about your background. Todd, I know that you've got 30 years on the residential side of respite care, emergency care. Tell us about your background.
Todd Mitchell:I started back in 92 at a developmental center, east of Cleveland, for a very brief period of time. And then came to work for Franklin County Board of DD as a respite, emergency candidate care manager, planned respite where families could drop a loved one off for a couple of hours up to a few weeks, and then emergency care where individuals have lost a loved one and they had no place to go or behavioral challenges and had to be displaced so that we could help connect doctors provide a secure environment. And at times, they would stay short periods of time up to a few years but then finding placement, and then continuing the relationship for a while. On a personal level.
Scott Light:Susie, how about the background for you tell us
Susie Burke:I started my career in the 70s, late 70s. I'll say more. that at a large Developmental Center. Here in Columbus, we had over 3000 individuals that lived on that particular area and the on that campus, individuals that had a lot of needs. And their needs were not always met very well went through the whole process of deinstitutionalization, where many of those individuals were moved out of those developmental centers, oftentimes, into settings that were not providing them the correct supports. But we, we had to downsize those developmental centers. And so seeing that happen, seeing individuals that maybe weren't in the safest environments or weren't supported properly, we, I was very lucky to be hired by the Franklin County Board of Developmental Disabilities, when we started our residential programs. And we opened in intermediate care locations and various areas around town, and also supported living. So we have individuals that were in settings that we were really thinking about what choices they wanted to have happen in their life, what their desires were, what their needs were. And we had a an amazing team, as we do today that had that was able to respond to their needs to support what support the outcomes they wanted in their life. So I've gone from from really one end of things being very institutional to where we are now, which is built a great deal on choice. I say choice choice choices is really what we try to provide people.
Scott Light:And maybe picking up on that word choice. Over the years, am I correct that care in in the IDD world has gotten individualized. And that's a good thing, right?
Susie Burke:Very much so.
Scott Light:Talk about that.
Susie Burke:Very much. So I think that you just think about our own lives and how important choices to whether we're choosing our own physicians, our own psychologists, whether we're choosing what we want to do during the day where we want to work, who we want our friends to be, how involved, we want our families to be in our lives, all of that what communities we belong to, all of that is extremely important to all of us as it is to the individuals we serve. And asking those questions. Trying to understand even our individuals that we serve, that aren't maybe able to be verbal or aren't to articulate, being able to say what makes them smile? Well, we figure that out, let's make sure they have a lot more opportunities to smile. And so I think really getting to know people and be able to respond to what they want is extremely
Todd Mitchell:Yeah, I think that a few decades ago, it was important. based on whether or not what bed was available. And that individual was placed at that location, which then there was a catchment area. So that decided where they were going to go to work. They're friends, were in the apartment, or on the property, you went out on an excursion in a group, a van 15 individuals. And that was all predetermined. So it wasn't about the individual and what they like, it was about how you could accommodate 15 people. And you picture excursions around that. So we're much more center-based now. Individuals as we get to know them, and their likes their loves there wants we're able to meet those.
Scott Light:Both of you talk about building natural supports. What are those talks about those? And then are they built kind of like bricks brick upon brick? Is that how you do it kind of one by one?
Todd Mitchell:Yeah, I think what you want to do is to find out again, what the individual enjoys, you make those connections within the community, you introduce, and you find those connections. And then as a provider, or as a worker, you want to pull out of that and allow that individual to gain that relationship, that natural support with that end, you know, with that other individual. And then from there, they meet other people similar to what we do on a day to day basis. So I think it's important that as a staff member that we understand, when to start to pull back and allow that person to either gain that relationship or maybe let that relationship falter. And let's protecting and allowing that individual to, again in enjoy it in a natural setting.
Susie Burke:I would agree, I think that we need to make sure that we are exposing the individuals that we serve, with many experiences. Naturally, supports are built in places like churches and bars and clubs and libraries. And, and those are the kinds of places that we kind of reach out, we have an individual that we serve who lives here in Northern Columbus, who has developed a relationship with a group of folks that at a bar that he goes into frequently, he's on a dark team with that group, he you know, is very much integrated into into that kind of scene, he also has volunteered at the local high school helped with coaching. So you know, those are the kinds of connections that you love to see. Those are the kinds of connections that we really try and help people build. You know, what churches, we have individuals who attend various churches, they're in various groups at those churches, golly, just anything that you can connect people participating in community fairs, and they introduce themselves, banks, grocery stores, you just never know where you're going to find that natural support. And the goal is always that you want people to move away from paid staff if they can.
Todd Mitchell:I was talking to a colleague the other day, and he was talking about somebody that he works with that went down to a local theater, and applied got his own job. So it's kind of nice to hear that. And now he gets to go watch movies for free and has seen a local movie over 30 times
Susie Burke:And loves it loves, he is able to drive his motorized wheelchair to work, it's right around the corner from his home. And he, we were sitting chatting in a meeting about how we're going to have to help him find a job. And lo and behold, he said, I've already found a job, I you know, I made the movie theater where I go to watch movies just hired me. And so you know, those are the good stories. Those are the kinds of things you want to hear.
Scott Light:That's got to be a great feeling for both of you.
Susie Burke:It's a great feeling for us, but it should we we praised him so much, because he took that initiative, he has that level of confidence, he is able to advocate for himself. And those are the kinds of things that we try to build with people, you need to be strong, and you need to advocate for yourself and speak up. So yeah,
Scott Light:Susie, you say this is difficult work. If it's done, right.
Susie Burke:It is difficult work, connecting people to their community as an easy, finding natural supports isn't easy, you cannot give up on people. I think also, we have a truly you can't let people down. If you say you're going to do something, I'm going to pick you up, I'm going to take you here to help you pick out a chair at Lazy Boy or whatever, which is one of my something that I owe somebody right now to do that. You You have to really never let people down. And I and I do believe that we watch our individuals go through ups and downs in their life. I know I've when I was preparing for this podcast, thinking about the kinds of supports that we provide individuals. And and, you know, I've sat by the bedside of people that I've served, when they were dying. And you know, that's something that is very difficult. You are that person's family, you you need to be there. And our we feel that our staff need to be there as well. And we really expect that of staff. So it is very, very hard work in that regard. We also at times see people in their younger years really doing very well. And as they age, they may get dementia or they may get have some kind of medical issue, and you watch them start to fail. And you have to support them through that as well. You support them in the good times and you support them in the bad times.
Todd Mitchell:When it's done. Right. I mean, yeah, I mean, looking at the aspect of providing the care, the respect the love separating what is the work versus the personal. I think, you know, it's, it can become very emotional, joyful as well, when somebody is succeeding, but then when they're struggling, and that you feel at times hopeless, that you're unable to help you see it. But there's, there's really nothing you can do, but to provide the love the care. And I think at times it can be difficult separating the two. I think on one hand it's very difficult. It's it's a tough job. But on the other hand, I'm not sure it is a job. It's kind of feels like daily life extended family.
Susie Burke:I do agree when it feels less like a job and more like a commitment or more like a, you know, just a profession that I look back on my 43 years of doing this. And I, I don't think there have been tough days for sure. But no, I, I can't imagine doing anything else. I can't imagine.
Scott Light:Susie that teed up my very next question, what is a tough day?
Susie Burke:A tough day, I think is supporting someone through behavioral crisis. supporting someone who may be aggressive, or, or self injurious. A tough day is helping someone through the loss of a family member that they cared for a great deal, supporting someone through a health crisis. I think just like our lives, it's supporting somebody during those tough times. And being able to do that with calmness and kindness. I think those are those are probably the two biggest things that we need to remember, we need to remember that people that people have had trauma in their life, and those traumas can be sparked by various events. And then, you know, I think that those traumas can then bring out some of the problematic behavior, some of the complex behaviors that we see. Those are those are tough days.
Todd Mitchell:I would agree with Susie, I think it's just day to day life. You know, the ups, the downs, depression, anxiety, as we learn more about trauma, the triggers behind it, I'm just seeing somebody that's not having a good day. Same as a
Scott Light:I know it is also tough hiring people right now, loved one. that is in all facets of healthcare right now. But boy, that is especially acute in behavioral health. What happened here? Broadly, does this get to? You know, is it reimbursement rates coming back to organizations like Boundless? Is that the long hours is the traditional lower pay? Is it nonprofit versus private sector? I've probably covered a whole lot there. That could maybe be a podcast episode in and of itself. But what is it?
Todd Mitchell:I think by the reimbursement rates continuing to be where they are at causes low wages, as the profit world can pay more and up prices for, for supplies, we we do not, we're still here, we're taking care of the individual at the same rate. Over the years, I think that health care in itself has declined in people being interested in it.
Susie Burke:I would agree, I think certainly, we have done a great job with recently raising a lot of our direct support professionals and behavior technician salaries, which is helpful. But certainly when you look around the community, you can see what pay other companies are providing. And, and often you don't have some of the pressures that our staff have. Think you truly have to have a passion for this job, passion for supporting people, and be be able to always be ready to support. That is not easy. As I said earlier, I think it's it is a difficult job. But I also think that it can also be the most fulfilling job you would ever do. When you you are so important to the individuals you serve. I sit at apartments and I will watch a car pull into the parking lot and just see people's face light up. Oh, look who's here. Todd's here, oh my gosh, you know and run to the door. And you know, they are so happy to see you and know that you are going to be able to provide them the support, they need the joy they need at that on that particular day. You I see it every single day when I'm out in apartments, just how important our direct support professionals our BTs are to the people that they serve. If you want to go away with a you know, with your heart bursting, this is the job for you.
Todd Mitchell:And I think by increasing the wage, I think the more people that we can get interested once they're here, and they're hired, you know, rather quickly if you're going to if they're going to stay.
Susie Burke:There's a great opportunity here for people. You may start out in a I mean, Todd and I both started out as direct support professionals, you know, years ago, you start out there and you find your niche and you find what you like and You move, you're able to move around in a company like this, or, you know, in this field, there are lots of opportunities. And I but I agree with Todd, I think that you see very quickly people that have the heart for it. And that's the most important part.
Scott Light:Well, and you know what, let's also be honest, we need people like you making that elevator pitch to young people, because I mentioned the pandemic just a minute ago, that exposed and continues to expose even greater flaws. And in our healthcare system and our social safety net, we know that behavioral health services are needed now more than ever, and we need young people in these fields, don't we?
Susie Burke:We most definitely do. And I think, you know, Todd, and I probably are good ones to give an elevator pitch, because you can see how it has this type of work has enhanced our lives, our family's lives, you know, our kids are both in the care field, because they've watched us do that. And so I think that, yes, it is a great opportunity for people to really make a difference in other's lives and, and provide them with the support they need.
Todd Mitchell:If you're interested reach out, we'd be more than happy to discuss it, tour, talk.
Scott Light:As we start to wrap up our conversation, I asked you both a few minutes ago, what's a tough day, I want to flip that to what's a great day?
Todd Mitchell:watching somebody succeed in whatever they're calling success, the accomplishments, the smiles. What Susie said, as you're pulling up to a location, and we've seen this many times with Suzy, especially in Grove City, we're about 24 individuals know that she's there, and they're all wanting to talk to her. So might be a quick stop, that turns into several hours. Those are the things.
Susie Burke:But I also think that a good day, if you put the individuals we serve first and foremost, and make your decisions based on that you're never going to make a wrong decision. But you know, I am also very proud of in my new role as a quality assurance person, and really looking at data which for those people who know me very well know that data is has never been particularly important to me. But I also can see how important it is to see success. And then to be able to say to staff, look at this, look, look at what you guys have done, you have made a difference in this person's life, their, their weight is down, their involvement in their community is up, they you know, are happy they are expressing that happiness. The all of we look at all of that as we as we provide services and and put those individuals first and foremost.
Scott Light:Well and just the arc of both of your respective careers. Look at your dedicated servers, you're both in relatively new and expanded roles. And Todd I also understand you are the reigning employee of the year here at Boundless so that's just that is terrific as well. Exactly. That's right. Oh, we bow to Todd here. Susie Burke and Todd Mitchell. Thank you both for being here. And thank you for your commitment to providing this care and support to those who need it to our listeners you can be part of episodes to come you can always email us your questions or comments at podcast at I am boundless dot o RG and again, don't forget to give us a review out there that's yet another way that we want to hear from you. This is the Well-Being podcast brought to you by Boundless