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About Caring for yourself as a caregiver: Avoiding burnout through effective communication

Direct support work is the cornerstone of disability services and support. Direct support workers play a critical role in supporting individuals to lead quality, self-directed lives in the community. It’s not only important to provide individuals with high-quality supports; it’s also important to care for yourself. Direct support work is challenging work and stress and burnout are chronic issues in our industry. Review the short videos below and look for upcoming training sessions to learn more about how to support choice and self-direction for individuals, and how to practice good self-care that promotes wellness.

This project has ended. There are no further training sessions scheduled.

Please contact Lynda Anderson with questions at lla@umn.edu .

Direct Support Workers and Stress

This short animated video explores the stress experienced by direct support workers, with tips on managing their stress.

Communication: It's More than Words

This 4-minute animated video shows direct support workers the importance and understanding nonverbal communication.