do the monitors in the Shenyang airport show english too or just chinese departures and arrivals?

Hi, the screens show the arrivals and departures both in English and Chinese. Don't worry!
You can certainly find a staff speak English in the airport. The easiest way is to turn to the information desk for help.
of course, it is safe enough to stay at a Chinese family as long as you have known or knew them before. Enjoy it!

I use Shenyang airport at least four times a year and find it very traveler friendly, as I live in Fushun for part of the year i can assure you you of the friendly people here, Few people speak English here and you will struggle finding English speakers outside the hotels and Airport, but it is getting a popular language here and people will come up to you and try and hold a conversation.