✨ Why This Section Matters

Health and safety support is one of the most important parts of Direct Support Professional work. The people you support rely on you to help them stay safe during daily routines and community activities, access quality health care when needed, and maintain skills that protect their well being. Many people may not be able to fully explain what they feel physically or emotionally, so your ability to observe and communicate changes matters.

✨ Your Responsibilities as a DSP

As a DSP, your role includes:

• Knowing your agency’s health and safety policies, procedures, and emergency processes

• Learning each person’s safety needs and risks, including needs related to mobility, vision, or hearing

• Observing the people you support and reporting changes in behavior, appearance, or habits that may relate to health or safety

• Supporting access to medical and dental care, which may include helping arrange or attending appointments depending on your setting

• Following written guidelines for emergencies and reporting critical incidents

• Supporting people to learn and use skills that protect their health, hygiene, and safety

• Helping people understand and be informed about their own health and safety concerns

✨ What This Section Covers

In this section, you will learn about:

• Maintaining good health through good nutrition

• Supporting personal hygiene and appearance with dignity and respect

• Understanding the importance of regular medical and dental care

• Watching for changes that may signal illness or a change in health status

• Staying alert for key health conditions that need special attention

✨ Key Reminder

Your job is not to diagnose. Your job is to observe, support healthy routines, follow policies, and report concerns promptly so the person can get the right help.