Testimonials > Shawna’s Story
From Tragedy to Triumph: How a Paid Family Caregiver Helped a Quadriplegic Woman Reclaim Independence
Meet Shawna, who, despite becoming a C-5 quadriplegic, is living fully independent at home in Missouri thanks to the support of her paid family caregiver and Advantage Home Care’s Family Selected Caregiver program.
The Accident That Changed Everything
Becoming a quadriplegic changed every part of Shawna’s daily life. Tasks once simple now required full-time assistance—but she was determined to remain at home, living independently.
Choosing Her Own Caregiver: A New Beginning
Through Advantage’s Family Caregiver Program, Shawna’s boyfriend became her paid caregiver, giving her trusted, reliable support and renewed confidence in her care.
Video Testimonial
Shawna's Journey: Living Independently as a Quadriplegic
In this video, Shawna and her boyfriend talk about her accident, becoming a quadriplegic, and needing assistance to be able to live independently. Watch the video below or watch it on YouTube.
Shawna and her boyfriend are a team. Advantage Home Care is proud to support their journey through our Family Selected Caregiver Program, helping her receive the dedicated, reliable care she needs to live independently at home.
Shawna’s journey as a quadriplegic from tragedy to triumph shows how Advantage’s Family Caregiver Program empowers independence at home.
"Like Night and Day": How I Went From Accident Victim to Independent Living with a Paid Caregiver
Video Testimonial Overview: Shawna was involved in a car accident after drinking, which led to a second crash. This accident caused serious injuries, leaving her with quadriplegia and facing new challenges. Her experience has been profoundly difficult.
Shawna’s boyfriend told us that she was doing positive things. After her accident, she started giving speeches, going to schools, and talking about drinking and driving. She has even been to Saint Louis a couple of times to support people who are handicapped and have brain injuries.
The Benefits of a Paid Family Caregiver
A Quadriplegic’s HomeCare Needs
Shawna cannot do anything on her own. She’s in a power chair (wheelchair) full-time.
Her boyfriend told us “I get her up and down. I help her brush her teeth. I do her hair. Help her with her makeup. Actually, I did her eyeliner today.”
Shawna told us that being able to choose her own caregivers makes her life a whole lot easier. She doesn’t have to worry about people not showing up, being sick, or needing backup. She transferred agencies because I didn’t have any luck with the other company, they never had any case backup. Shawna is happy with the switch to Advantage Home Care, she said “oh my gosh, it’s like night and day. Advantage has a list of girls available and I have their application. So it gives me something to look at when I’m trying to find someone. And they feel more like friends. We’re constantly in touch.”
Shawn’s boyfriend is happy that Advantage is local and said “I haven’t had any problems and nothing to complain about yet since like Shawna said we can get hold of them quickly for anything. If the person that you’re talking to on the phone can’t answer your question, they’ll get ahold of somebody who can. When you’re on the phone or have them call you back as soon as possible with the answer to your questions.”
Living Independently as a Quadriplegic with the Right Support
Shawna’s journey shows what’s possible when care comes from the heart. With Advantage Home Care’s Family Caregiver Program, she’s not only living safely at home—she’s thriving. Having a paid family caregiver who truly understands her needs gives her confidence, comfort, and independence every day.
If you or a loved one could benefit from a similar level of support, we’re here to help.
Learn more about becoming a paid family caregiver or explore our home care services for quadriplegics across Missouri, Illinois, and Tennessee.