Ten years of 1-on-1 care: Stephanie Husers of Trinity at Home

Published 12:00 am Sunday, February 2, 2025

Like many personal care assistants, Stephanie Husers of Trinity at Home discovered her calling while caring for a family member. More than a decade ago, Husers’ mother spent several months at Duke University Medical Center recovering from a serious car accident.

“Caring for Mom piqued my interest,” Husers recalled. “I knew if she needed help, others would too.”

A new agency’s first hire

Husers’ first day with Trinity at Home — which had just opened its doors — was April 21, 2015.

“We didn’t have a full schedule at first,” she noted, but as word of the agency spread, the schedule soon filled up and other caregivers were hired.

Husers cites independence, flexibility and a family focus as the reasons she has stayed with the agency for so long.

“Trinity at Home has been a great employer,” she said. “I like the fact that I’m not crowded into an office. I was even able to homeschool my daughter.”

In turn, Husers has been a stable and valued source of support for clients and their families.

“I worked with our very first client for six or seven years,” she said. “Now, I see one client per day on Monday through Thursday, and two clients on Friday. And I’m ‘on’ every other weekend.”

Details make a difference

Most of Husers’ clients have dementia, which requires constant vigilance to ensure their safety.

“It keeps you on your toes!” she said. “We take clients for walks and even to church. It can be a challenge, but it keeps their world from getting too small.”

Husers’ intimate involvement with household activities gives her a unique and compassionate perspective.

“Little things can make a big difference in a client’s day, especially with dementia,” she said. “One client liked her food served on certain dishes — so every day, that’s how I served it. I still remember which food went where.”

“The hardest part for many families is asking for help,” Husers added. “And that’s the part you need to do.”

Healthy routines and fun surprises

A new client’s family typically meets with Trinity at Home Agency Director Angie Harrison, RN, BSN, to discuss their needs and budget. Together, they develop a care plan with specific daily and weekly tasks.

Technological advances over the past decade have changed how care plans are tracked.

“They used to be on paper, and every Sunday we’d drop off our notes at the office. Now, all the tasks are in an app,” said Husers.

“It’s good for clients to help with tasks like kitchen prep and folding laundry, if they are able,” noted Husers. “It gives them a sense of pride, and it’s good for their minds and bodies. Families want their loved ones to stay as active as they can.”

When routine tasks are complete, Husers leads clients in a variety of enjoyable activities.

“Some clients like to do puzzles or have me read to them. One loved having her hair done. Every Wednesday I’d curl her hair, and she looked just like she stepped out of the beauty shop,” Husers recalled fondly.

During a recent rare snowstorm, Husers made a charcuterie board for a married couple. “They sat by the window and ate and watched the snow come down. It was like being at a ski lodge,” she smiled.

The next best thing to family

Husers’ empathy for her clients and their families is palpable.

“The hardest part is when a client dies,” she added. “We maintain professional boundaries, but it’s hard not to get attached. With dementia, you can see the decline day after day. I treat my clients as I would my own grandparents.”