Our client for this ongoing Safe Caring support package is a mid-sized care provider based in the south of England. The organisation has multiple sites and supports individuals facing the challenges of living with dementia day-to-day, offering reassurance, support and flexibility.
Our most recent Managing Distressed Behaviour in Dementia Care training engagement with this long-standing client focused on supporting staff in their dementia unit with strategies and tactics to better understand and manage the potential flashpoints of their work with people who have dementia.
The management team at the home recognise that, despite careful planning of care and environmental triggers, some residents can be unpredictable and exhibit distressed behaviours when staff are assisting them with the tasks of daily living.
A practice-based approach
We are increasingly deploying a specialised methodology of practice-based training delivery in our care-home work. The training begins with an analysis of specific work tasks where conflict sometimes arises, then draws staff into an explorative investigation of the contact points and decisions that affect outcomes.
💡 Our methodology covers: initial approach, management of proximity and positioning, subtle body-language signals and verbal cues, pacing of the activity, and other “non-escalation” components.
Watch our video: Bathing Without the Battle on Vimeo for an example of this approach in practice.
When situations escalate
The course then continues with solutions for scenarios where distressed behaviour progresses into escalating aggression and even violence. Staff explore the various options available to them — withdrawing and seeking assistance, or in some exceptional circumstances, engaging with their team in last-resort physical interventions (often called Safe Holding) which create greater safety in out-of-control situations.
What staff said
The training garnered very positive feedback. Here is a selection of the comments we received:
“Very interesting and easy to understand, it was also relaxed which made it very comfortable.”
— Carer, Dementia Unit
“Lovely not having power points — excellent scenarios and competent delivery. Fantastic trainer with good course content.”
— Nurse RGN, Dementia Unit
“Dynamic and interactive course, very pleasant trainer.”
— Health Care Assistant, Dementia Unit
“Trainer made the practice fun and I learned a lot. Perfect course — many thanks.”
— Carer, Dementia Unit
