Training teaches staff to be conscious of approach
Situations can be controlled with proper methods
Thursday March 27, 2008 -- Camille Jensen
OMNI administrators and select staff participated in a workshop March 20 that taught the importance of approach when caring for residents.

Put on by the Psychiatric Assessment Services for the Elderly (PASE), the presentation discussed violence inflicted from residents onto staff members and taught methods of prevention and how to protect oneself.

Maureen Imamovic, administrator at Springdale Country Manor, attended the workshop and says the issue is an important one.

“In long-term care we have this idea that [violence] happens, but the truth is that it shouldn’t,” says Imamovic.

She says while staff have become accustomed to occasional outbursts by residents, the event was a good reminder that such behaviour shouldn’t be tolerated.

“You’ve accepted it as part of what you do and it’s nice when a third party says ‘no this isn’t acceptable’,” says Imamovic.

The instructors also taught non-crisis intervention methods that could help prevent future aggressive behaviour from residents.

Approaching people in their line of vision and not rushing people were two ways the instructors say could prevent outbreaks.

“If you go to see a resident and you are rushing them, they may strike out,” says Imamovic who adds that it is important to know the history of residents and to be sensitive of their pasts.

Robin Holland, administrator at Streamway Villa, says the event was a good reminder for most people working in long-term care.

“It was very excellent information,” says Holland. “and important because staff certainly have to deal on an ongoing basis with various residents who have various behaviours.”

The workshop also taught ways to manage aggressive behaviour, demonstrating methods to block potential acts of violence or how to detach oneself from a grip or grab.

Using a ‘train the trainer’ model, administrators and other staff will now take the new techniques back to each home and train the rest of the staff on the approach.

The talk is part of OMNI’s ongoing safety group training, which has a commitment of training staff on new safety measures.

April’s theme is workplace violence.

What other techniques are helpful for preventing aggression? Is this an issue that deserves more attention? Contact the newsroom at (800) 294-0051.

If you have feedback on this story, please call the newsroom at (800) 294-0051 or e-mail camille(at)axiomnews.ca.