Is ensuring an individual's health and safety the responsibility of the direct support professional during personal care support?

The responsibility of ensuring an individual's health and safety is indeed a fundamental aspect of a direct support professional's role during personal care support. Direct support professionals are trained to prioritize the well-being of the individuals they assist, which includes maintaining their health and safety at all times.

In personal care support, this means actively monitoring the individual’s needs, recognizing any potential risks, and implementing appropriate measures to prevent harm. This encompasses everything from assisting with daily living activities to responding to medical needs and being vigilant about the individual's physical and emotional well-being.

While it may seem that there could be exceptions or variations depending on specific situations or individuals, the overarching duty to ensure health and safety is a consistent and non-negotiable aspect of the DSP's responsibilities. This aligns with the principles of person-centered care, where the focus is on safeguarding the individual's overall health and promoting their independence safely.

Therefore, the correct answer emphasizes the unwavering commitment that DSPs must have in protecting the health and safety of those they support during personal care activities.