STEPS specialist, Amy Camp, of Independent Living Resources, completed a STEPS presentation with an elderly consumer"Jane" and her daughter, "Alice"* who is Jane's designated representative. Jane (the consumer) has stage one Alzheimer's disease and was in need of a HCW for 20 hours a week. Before the presentation Alice (the representative) had reported that she felt very overwhelmed by the hiring process and had several questions and concerns. Amy completed the presentation, pausing to address Alice's questions and concerns when appropriate. At the end of the training, Alice said, "I feel like a weight has been lifted from my shoulders!"

"I received STEPS services from SPOKES Unlimited a few months ago. I had been battling a lengthy illness and was finally released home and qualified for services though Seniors and People with Disabilities for a homecare worker. I had tried to hire a homecare worker and got nowhere. I needed guidance on what to ask, how to tell what my needs were and how to make sure my work got done completely and accurately. I am thankful for the tools that I received through the STEPS program and the follow-up support if I have any questions. I found a wonderful homecare worker who does what she is supposed to do, which really makes the job easier for me to manage. Thank you for the information and training and follow-up support as needed."

"I received STEPS services and had help through the interview process. Due to my disabilities, I have times where I cannot speak, times where I speak slowly, and I do not like people asking me questions or judging me because of my disabilities. Having help through the interview process allowed me to feel safe in my own home, allowed me to know what to ask, and to tell the people I interviewed what I need and expect to be done. The staff from SPOKES helped me by showing me how to do the first interview and then I took over after that. There were several times that I could not speak and so they helped me. I am so thankful for the STEPS program and the assistance I received from SPOKES Unlimited. I was able to hire a care provider that will do that tasks I am approved for that works with my personality. I have had my care provider for quite some time. I am able to manage my care and be more independent. Thank you."