BHS-004 — Trauma-Informed Care Principles

COURSE DESCRIPTION — BHS-004: Trauma-Informed Care Principles
Credit Hours: 1.5 contact hours

Trauma is one of the most universal human experiences — and one of the most misunderstood in care settings. This course equips home care workers with a comprehensive, practical understanding of trauma-informed care: what trauma is, how it affects health and behavior, and how to apply SAMHSA’s six core principles in daily direct care work.

Understanding trauma doesn’t require clinical training — it requires curiosity, empathy, and a commitment to doing no harm. This course transforms how direct care staff see challenging behaviors, communicate with clients, and approach personal care tasks in ways that promote safety and healing rather than inadvertently triggering distress.

This course covers:
– What trauma is, how prevalent it is, and why it matters in home care
– Types of trauma: acute, chronic, complex, and the long-term effects of ACEs
– How trauma affects the brain, body, and behavior
– SAMHSA’s six principles of trauma-informed care applied to home care settings
– Trauma-informed communication strategies: explaining, asking, offering choices
– Recognizing trauma triggers and preventing re-traumatization
– Co-regulation: how your own calm presence supports clients’ nervous system recovery

Audience: HHAs, CNAs, PCAs, DSPs, and all direct care staff.
Credit Hours: 1.5 contact hours
References: SAMHSA (2014). SAMHSA’s Concept of Trauma and Guidance for a Trauma-Informed Approach | Felitti et al. (1998). ACE Study | Van der Kolk (2014). The Body Keeps the Score | MN DHS Trauma-Informed Care Guidelines