At HomeChoice Home Care Solutions, safety starts with education. That’s why we were honored to host a hands-on Home Safety In-Service designed to equip our caregivers with essential knowledge to keep our elderly clients safe in their homes. Organized by Staten Young, paramedic and instructor for Wake County EMS, this session brought valuable real-world insights into the caregiving setting, even though Staten couldn’t join us due to a family emergency, his efforts in coordinating the training were deeply appreciated.

Led by paramedics Fabio and Kaitlin, along with EMS student Isabella, the training covered everything from fall prevention and 911 protocols to the use of durable medical equipment and DNR/MOST form placement. With over a dozen caregivers in attendance, the session blended expert instruction with practical tips, and even a few laughs, while reinforcing our ongoing commitment to compassionate, well-informed senior care services.

Held in conjunction with our 20th Anniversary celebration and CNA Appreciation Week, the event was not only a training, but a thank-you to our caregivers for the critical role they play in delivering personalized home care assistance every day.

Learning from the Experts: EMS Insights That Make a Difference

The in-service was made possible by Staten Young, a paramedic and instructor with Wake County EMS. Though he was unable to attend due to a family emergency, his behind-the-scenes work in organizing the session ensured its success. We are grateful for his commitment to caregiver education.

Leading the session were Fabio and Kaitlin, two experienced paramedics from Wake County EMS, joined by their student, Isabella. Together, they brought energy, clarity, and compassion to their presentation, breaking down safety topics in a way that connected with our caregivers.

They covered:

Fall Prevention: From clearing clutter to installing grab bars and encouraging safe footwear like non-slip socks, caregivers learned how to identify common risks and how to reduce them in their clients’ homes.
Knowing When to Call 911: Recognizing warning signs such as chest pains, stroke symptoms, and sudden changes in mental status is vital for timely intervention.
Medication Compliance: The paramedics emphasized the importance of encouraging medication adherence and recognizing when missed doses might lead to bigger issues.
Home Modifications & Equipment: Caregivers reviewed when to recommend ramps, grab bars, or more specialized equipment like hospital beds and wheelchairs while keeping both client safety and comfort in mind.
Understanding DNR and MOST Forms: The team explained what each form represents, when they’re applicable, and why it’s crucial to keep them accessible (like on the refrigerator).
Effective Communication with Clinical Leadership: Caregivers were encouraged to keep Sharon, our RN Supervisor, updated on any client changes and to feel empowered to request additional support or resources as needed.

This wasn’t just an educational session. It was an empowering experience that strengthened our caregivers’ ability to provide truly personalized home care assistance.

A Team of Committed Caregivers

We were thrilled to have the following caregivers participate in the training:

Valtina J.
Allison W.
Fle’Nequa W.
Lashonda D.
Denise M.
Crystal D.
Marquetta P.
Loraine M.
Barbara R.
Shayla M.
Dorothy T.

Their attendance speaks volumes about their commitment to excellence in care. These team members went above and beyond to enhance their skills, not just for themselves, but for the clients and families they support.

As one paramedic said, “What you do matters. Your quick thinking and daily presence in the home can make all the difference.”

Training That Reflects Our Core Values

This in-service perfectly embodies the values that have shaped HomeChoice Home Care Solutions over the last 20 years:

Caring & Compassionate: By learning how to better respond to medical emergencies and prevent accidents, caregivers continue to show how deeply they care.
Solutions-Oriented: Sessions like this help our team stay proactive, rather than reactive, in identifying and solving challenges.
Can-Do Attitude: Our caregivers showed up with notepads, questions, and enthusiasm, they were eager to grow.
Teamwork: From EMS professionals to clinical supervisors to caregivers, this training reflected our collaborative spirit.
Do the Right Thing: By taking time out of their schedules to become even better at what they do, these caregivers are setting the standard for doing right by our clients.

A Culture of Learning, A Commitment to Safety

At HomeChoice Home Care Solutions, we believe that great care starts with great preparation. This EMS-led in-service was more than a checklist of home safety topics, it was representative of our promise to provide the highest quality elderly care services with compassion, clarity, and confidence.

We’re grateful to Staten Young for organizing this vital training, to Fabio, Kaitlin, and Isabella for sharing their expertise, and to the dedicated caregivers who showed up ready to learn and grow. Their commitment ensures our clients are not only well cared for, but also safer in their homes.

It’s this kind of proactive, team-based learning that keeps HomeChoice a trusted leader in companion care and personalized home care assistance for seniors throughout our community.