lecture recording on 27 January 2025 at 13.14.27 PM

Understanding Resident Behavior

• It is important to look for the underlying cause of behaviors displayed by residents.

• Respond to residents appropriately to help ground them in reality, acknowledging their feelings while directing their focus back to the present.

Engaging with Residents

• Use analogies such as being on a roller coaster to illustrate the need to return to reality.

• Remind them gently of the need to get off the metaphorical roller coaster and refocus on their immediate needs.

• Reinforce the idea of transitioning to the next activity once the moment has passed.

Safety Precautions

• If residents display aggressive behavior, position yourself between them and the exit to ensure your safety.

• Always maintain an escape route and do not allow residents to block your path to the door.

• Consider working in pairs if you suspect a resident may become hostile.

Observing Body Language

• Watch for signs of aggression such as tensed bodies, facial expressions, and eye contact.

• Be aware of changes in tone as you communicate with them; mirroring aggression can escalate the situation.

• If needed, calmly excuse yourself and promise to return later if they don’t respond positively immediately.

Understanding Resident Needs

• Each resident has unique behaviors and needs which may be tied to their medical conditions such as Alzheimer's.

• Example: A resident may resist change due to confusion or discomfort stemming from their condition; they may express their frustration through screaming or other means.

• Adapt to their emotional state while ensuring they receive necessary care but do so with respect to their dignity.

Unique Resident Stories

• Share stories of individual residents to illustrate typical behaviors in contexts, such as:

  • A resident who reacts strongly to being cared for due to past experiences.

  • A previously well-spoken individual who may exhibit aggressive outbursts during sundowning due to Alzheimer's.

• Highlight the emotional burden on family members who witness changes in their loved ones due to illness.

Conclusions and Recommendations

• Recognize that all behavior has meaning, and it's essential to understand the context behind it.

• Continuously educate yourself on the best practices for engaging with residents exhibiting challenging behaviors to maintain a safe and caring environment.

• Watch training videos to further enhance skills in handling these situations appropriately.