When you assist someone who is not physically able to brush her teeth, you should:

Helping someone only with what she cannot do is essential in the role of a Direct Support Professional, as it promotes independence and self-esteem. By providing assistance specifically where it is needed, you empower the individual while respecting their ability to do things for themselves. This approach encourages the person to engage in the activity to the best of their ability, fostering a sense of accomplishment and autonomy.

Assisting solely with the tasks the individual cannot perform ensures that you are not overstepping boundaries or taking away their independence. It focuses on enhancing their skills and confidence in completing personal hygiene tasks, which is a critical aspect of supporting someone's dignity and personal care.

While showing the person the proper way to brush or using rewards for motivation may have their place in some contexts, these approaches do not directly address the core principle of providing tailored assistance based on the individual's specific needs. Similarly, using behavioral techniques to change behavior may not be appropriate or necessary in this context, as the primary goal should be to assist the individual in performing the task they are unable to do rather than altering behavior.