Broadly speaking, all work to maintain a vulnerable person’s quality of life, but there are some differences in the nature and structure of their work. In New York, there are multiple categories of care workers who help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. 'It’s hard on you physically, it’s hard on you mentally,' Behling said.

Other YAI-owned homes across New York require more staff to assist residents who need 24/7 care for getting in and out of bed, eating or tube feeding, toileting, showering and staying on top of medications. While the residents at Wagner House are quite independent, it is an exception, said Tracy Behling, one of the DSP supervisors there. Chiocco has formed long-lasting friendships during her 20 years at the Wagner House, including with Menoscal, whom she considers a sister. Nearby is Natalie Rose Chiocco, 51, one of the first residents of the Wagner House. Victory shares a room with Nadia Menoscal, 28, who moved from Ecuador to New York with her parents at 14. She works full-time doing clerical work for the Westchester Board of Legislators, a job she’s had for 20 years. One of those residents is Colleen Victory, 47, who has Down syndrome. And while they all love to work at the Wagner House, most tend to stay less than two years because they can’t make ends meet, which has devastating effects on the residents who grow to love them like family, Cuneo said. Ten direct support professionals (DSPs) from YAI help them with tasks like cooking, cleaning, coaching, budgeting and providing transportation or emotional support.īut caring for people with disabilities is intense work, and coupled with low wages, many workers are quitting their jobs at the Wagner House, which has been understaffed for at least five years, said Maria Cuneo, the facility’s DSP supervisor.

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