The Way We Lead / April 10, 2025
ResCare Community Living Direct Support Professional Andrea Smith has been Working Smart and Doing Good in Centralia, IL.
Andrea won the 2025 ANCOR DSP of the Year Award for Illinois. Many of her clients are non-verbal with profound disabilities, and most have no family support and cannot advocate for themselves. Andrea focuses on each person and learns their unique way of communicating, providing them with a safe space to be as independent as possible while receiving assistance as needed.
Andrea provides a loving environment with compassion in the daily routines of each individual. She spends one-on-one time with each person and takes her time with their care routine, so it never feels rushed. Her clients can often be found sitting around the table together, enjoying crafts or snacks while they listen to music they enjoy. Andrea encourages them to sit outside enjoying the weather, laughing, and socializing with peers and staff.
Andrea is aware of each person’s well-being and will advocate for them if she feels their health is declining. Recently, a client experienced a loss of appetite and was no longer feeding herself. Andrea spent time each day talking with her and assisting her during mealtimes to ensure she had a healthy amount of food. She showed patience and compassion as the client’s health continued to decline. Thanks to Andrea’s care, when this client passed away, it was peaceful, and she was surrounded by those who cared for her most. It isn’t easy to care for a client at the end of life, and Andrea did it with great courage and respect.
Congratulations, Andrea! You set an example for everyone around you through the compassion and care demonstrated in your work. Thank you for being an advocate for your clients and helping them live their best lives.
WORK SMART. DO GOOD.
Filed under: The Way We Lead