What Trauma-Informed Care Means for Families

When a loved one needs care at home, families want more than help with daily tasks—they want to know their loved one is truly safe, respected, and understood. That’s where trauma-informed care comes in.

Why Trauma-Informed Care Matters

Research shows that up to 70% of older adults have experienced a psychologically traumatic event in their lives. For those living with dementia, these past experiences can resurface unexpectedly, sometimes showing up as fear, agitation, or behaviors that seem “out of character”. Something as simple as a rushed bathing routine or an unfamiliar caregiver can unintentionally trigger distress.

Trauma-informed care acknowledges these realities. Instead of focusing only on symptoms or tasks, it emphasizes emotional safety, trust, and respect. This approach helps reduce fear and agitation while promoting a sense of control and dignity.

Principles Families Can Count On

San Diego County’s Trauma-Informed System Integration (TISI) initiative has set the standard for trauma-aware services across the community. Core principles include:

• Safety – creating predictable, calming environments
• Trustworthiness – communicating clearly and consistently
• Choice & Empowerment – giving individuals control whenever possible
• Collaboration – doing things with someone, not to them
• Cultural Responsiveness – honoring personal history, traditions, and identity

When these values are brought into the home, families see more than care—they see healing.

How We Bring This to Life at Home

At Griswold Home Care for North San Diego, we’ve embedded trauma-informed practices through the Positive Approach to Care® (PAC) model, developed by dementia expert Teepa Snow. PAC techniques—like the Positive Physical Approach™—create calm, respectful interactions that reduce stress and build trust.

For example:

• Care partners approach from the front, offer a hand, and wait for permission before beginning care.
• Routines are explained clearly, so there are no surprises.
• Families are included in planning, ensuring the person’s life story and preferences guide the care.

These strategies help minimize re-traumatization and promote resilience—turning daily routines into opportunities for comfort and connection.

What It Means for Families

For families, trauma-informed care offers peace of mind. It means your loved one is cared for in ways that honor their past, reduce fear, and build trust. It also means you have a partner who understands that healing is just as important as helping.

If you’d like to learn more about how trauma-informed care can support your family, we’re here to help. Contact Griswold Home Care for North San Diego at 858.240.2074