Government reviews of community support providers produced thousands of instances where the companies billed $61 an hour for services that were inappropriate. Some examples:

Working out at the Y

'Worker assisted with keeping client [58-year-old woman] on task at YMCA and monitored to make sure exercises done right. Worker assisted client with setting up machines (12) with speed, time, mileage, weights, height of seats and calculation of calories "burned." '

-- TWO HOURS

That same entry, almost word for word, was recorded four other times.

Movie, anyone?

'Staff verbally prompted consumer [36-year-old man] to choose an activity to participate in. Consumer chose to go to movies.'

-- THREE HOURS

Out and about

'Staff accompanied consumer [13-year-old boy] to mall and amusement center while discussing stress management and life goals. Staff provided role-modeling, adaptive skills training and encouragement as consumer socialized with others.'

--FOUR HOURS

Applying for a job

'Staff provided verbal & physical prompts to [16-year-old boy] on how to fill out a job application, and how to ask for the application when he goes in the establishment.'

-- ONE HOUR, description given five times one week, for 5 hours total

Celebration

'Asked consumer [11-year-old girl] how her day went today. Rejoiced with consumer about her phone call from her brother. Stated to consumer that I was happy that she was happy. Continued to monitor consumer as she went about her regular scheduled events in a joyous manner.'

-- TWO HOURS

Wal-Mart

'Worker accompanied consumer [8-year-old girl] to Wal-Mart ... consumer wanted to look at toys. Worker provided feedback to consumer about certain learning toys on shelf. Consumer picked out a toy after worker picked up a couple of items and browsed around.'

-- TWO HOURS

School pickup

Staff went and got [8-year-old girl] from school. Staff watched [child] walk from her classroom to the office. Staff complimented [child] on the way she walked down the hall. Staff talked to [child's] teacher to see how she was doing in class. Staff rewarded and praised [child] on how she was doing in school."

-- ONE HOUR

Homework helper

"The client [14-year-old girl] didn't want to do any homework because client stated it was [boring]. The staff discussed the issues of not doing homework the reason client has work to help client learn. The client wanted to work later but changed [mind] and did it before leaving the center. The intervention was successful."

-- FIVE HOURS

Encouragement

"Worker continues to talk to the child [6-year-old boy] and to help him all she can. Worker will give support and suggestion to the child. Child has been made aware of just do your best and always try hard in what you do. Worker gave child verbal compliment for his very good behavior and good work today."

-- TWO HOURS

Get $150+ in coupons in every Sunday N&O. Click here for convenient home delivery.