Going Beyond the Role: Ashlee's Path from Caretaker to Guardian

Giv highlights Ashlee's story, an example of the quiet dedication Direct Support Professionals bring to the IDD community every day

This real-world account reflects the critical role Direct Support Professionals play in the lives of those they serve.

SALT LAKE CITY, Aug. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Giv is sharing the story of Ashlee, a Direct Support Professional (DSP) whose long-term commitment to one individual receiving Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) services led to an extraordinary yet deeply personal decision: becoming a legal guardian.

Ashlee first applied for a DSP position nearly eight years ago, arriving at her interview straight from a shift with another agency. Her professionalism, reliability, and clear compassion set her apart. Soon after, she was paired with Katie, a young woman who faced complex challenges in communication, mobility, and daily routines.

Katie's care included physical transfers, medication administration, bathing, and assistance with meals—support that required consistency and trust. Ashlee handled it all with patience and presence, building a meaningful connection with Katie and her family.

Roughly a year into her work, Katie's legal guardian, her mother Tammy, was diagnosed with ALS and passed away just weeks later. When Tammy first became ill, Ashlee offered to bring Katie into her own home to ensure she had stability and support. Tammy accepted, and once she knew Katie had a safe place to go, her body finally gave out.

Ashlee didn't take that offer lightly. She became Katie's legal guardian and sole caretaker, taking on not just a professional responsibility but a deeply personal one.

Today, Ashlee supports Katie not only as a caregiver, but as a mother, alongside her husband, Terry, who has embraced the role of father and caregiver from the moment he met Katie. Though he had no prior experience in supporting individuals with medical complexities, Terry stepped in wholeheartedly and continues to be an active, dependable part of Katie's life.

"Stories like Ashlee's speak to the quiet leadership and long-term commitment shown by DSPs every day," said Jim Roach, Chief Advisor at Giv. "At its core, this work is about relationships, reliability, and the difference one provider can make over time."

As staffing shortages and workforce turnover continue to challenge the IDD field, Ashlee's story is a timely reminder of what's possible when agencies invest in the people behind the support. The right match can create lasting change in someone's life.

To learn more or explore how Giv supports DSPs and providers, visit givhealthcare.com. To read the full story, visit our blog.

About Giv
Giv is an all-in-one IDD software platform built for agencies that support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The system streamlines documentation, billing, compliance, scheduling, and care coordination—helping providers reduce administrative burden and focus on delivering high-quality services. Based in Utah, Giv supports agencies across the United States. Learn more at givhealthcare.com or follow on LinkedIn.

Media Contact: Bentley Smith; [email protected] 

SOURCE Giv