At
Family Resource Home Care, our caregivers are often the first to recognize when a client needs immediate help. Their presence provides more than assistance with daily tasks. It provides reassurance, advocacy, and a critical layer of safety when unexpected situations arise. That commitment is why we are proud to recognize Teresa Proudfit of our
Vancouver branch with the Life Saver Award. Through her quick assessment, calm decision-making, and immediate action, Teresa helped ensure her client received lifesaving medical care after a devastating fall.
Discovering an Emergency
When Teresa arrived for a scheduled weekly visit, she immediately realized something was wrong.
Instead of greeting her at the door, her client was lying on the floor inside the home. He explained that he had fallen down a flight of stairs several days earlier and had been unable to get up or call for help since the accident.
Because his emergency response device and telephone were out of reach, he had remained on the floor without assistance while waiting for someone to arrive.
Teresa quickly evaluated the situation and noticed a large hematoma, commonly referred to as a “goose egg,” on the client’s head. She recognized that the combination of a prolonged fall, head injury, and extended time without medical attention required immediate emergency care.
Taking Immediate Action
Without hesitation, Teresa called 911 and clearly communicated the seriousness of the situation to emergency responders.
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) arrived at the home, evaluated the client, and transported him to the emergency department for further treatment. Teresa remained by her client’s side throughout the process, accompanying him to the hospital and staying until he was admitted.
She also promptly notified the Family Resource Home Care office so the client’s family could be contacted and kept informed of the situation.
Following a full medical evaluation, the client was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), where he received ongoing treatment and monitoring for his injuries.
The Impact of Being There
This situation highlights the important role caregivers play in helping keep older adults safe at home.
Teresa’s scheduled visit became much more than a routine check-in. Her attentiveness ensured her client was found after spending several days on the floor, unable to reach help. By recognizing the severity of his condition and acting immediately, she helped connect him with the emergency medical care he urgently needed.
Her compassion extended beyond calling for help. She stayed with her client during an incredibly difficult experience, providing reassurance and support while ensuring his family and care team remained informed every step of the way.
Celebrating Exceptional Care
The Life Saver Award recognizes caregivers who demonstrate extraordinary commitment to the health and safety of the people they serve. Teresa Proudfit exemplifies those qualities through her professionalism, compassion, and unwavering dedication to her clients.
Teresa, thank you for your quick thinking, calm leadership, and commitment to providing exceptional care when it mattered most. Your actions made a meaningful difference, and we are honored to recognize you with the Family Resource Home Care Life Saver Award.
If you are interested in making a difference in your community by becoming a Caregiver, check out our open job positions today.
