BHS-008 — Suicide Risk Assessment & Safety Planning

COURSE DESCRIPTION — BHS-008: Suicide Risk Assessment & Safety Planning
Credit Hours: 2.0 contact hours

Suicide is a serious public health issue directly affecting home care populations. Older adults, people with chronic illness, those with mental health and substance use conditions, and socially isolated individuals — all common in home care — are at elevated risk. This course equips direct care staff with knowledge and skills to recognize warning signs, respond effectively in crisis moments, and support safety planning.

This is not a course about clinical assessment — it’s about what home care workers see, say, do, and document when a client is in distress. Your attentive, compassionate response can save a life.

This course covers:
– Suicide prevalence and elevated risk factors in home care populations
– Warning signs vs. risk factors and what each requires
– Levels of suicidal communication: passive, active, intent, and plan
– The home care worker’s step-by-step crisis response
– Lethal means and addressing them within your role
– Safety planning: components and how to support them
– Crisis resources: 988, Crisis Text Line, and 911
– Documentation and self-care after crisis interactions

Audience: HHAs, CNAs, PCAs, DSPs, and all direct care staff.
Credit Hours: 2.0 contact hours
References: CDC Suicide Data | American Foundation for Suicide Prevention | SAMHSA Suicide Safe | Zero Suicide Institute | MN DHS Suicide Prevention Plan | 988 Lifeline