Learn strategies to ensure physical safety in the event of distressed or aggressive behaviour.
Many care staff workers have experienced an incident of physical assault which can range from pinches and scratches to punches and kicks. Unfortunately, some people living with dementia can become highly distressed and agitated and can act in ways that may harm others without realising who they are hurting is trying to support and help them.
Under health and safety law organisations should put control measures in place to reduce the risks of harm from violence and aggression to a reasonable level. This course explores these strategies and covers pro-active tools to avoid and minimise risk as well as techniques that staff can use to reduce the risk of harm. As well as learning how to defend from common attacks like grabs and punches, learners will also explore actions they can take to avoid harm through position, teamwork and personal protective equipment options.
This course should only be provided to staff that have a good understanding of dementia and have attended a course about understanding and responding to distressed behaviour as many incidents of violent behaviours can often be managed and avoided before they start. This course is only when all other tactics have failed.
Note: If staff require training in any techniques that restrict a persons movement and behaviour they should look at training in ABLE Target system for accredited training in restrictive techniques that includes clinical holding and restraint.
What you'll learn.
- The law related to personal safety
- Preventative approaches and positions that reduce escalation and improve personal safety
- Using active palms to minimise risks of strikes
- Teamwork strategies during moving and handling and personal care
- Non-restrictive strategies
- Examples of Personal protective equipment
- Breakaway and safety techniques for wrist, clothing and hair grabs
Who is Personal Safety for Staff In Dementia Care for?
This course is for anyone working with individuals living with dementia who can become physical when distressed. This can include residential or nursing care or any home care situation.
What are the learning outcomes?
- Understand the law related to personal safety.
- Approach and position yourself to reduce escalation and maintain safety.
- Reduce the risk and defend from strikes and grabs.
- Identify equipment that may reduce risk.
- Use positive team approaches to de-escalate, or reduce risk.
- Lower risk of injury during personal care or patient handling activities.
- Download course brochure
