Dealing With Challenging behaviors 101
As DSPs, you’re trained to understand that all types of behavior are a way of communicating, influenced by the environment. But sometimes, you may be unsure about how to help or communicate with such patients. We’ve all been there, we compiled the best ways to deal with difficult individuals in the healthcare setting.
That's why, if you're considering becoming a caregiver or facing situations where your patient starts becoming moody or difficult. This guide is for you!
We consider a behavior challenging when it harms the patient's life. For example, a child cries when they want something; they are said to be having challenging behavior. A behavior becomes challenging if it causes: harm to themselves or others, damages property, causes them to be unlikable, or prevents them from learning new skills or taking part in social and recreational activities.
A Care Provider's job is to support them to overcome challenging behavior that hinders their way to a productive life. This task could be difficult depending on the range of behavior, from simply being annoying to unsafe and unpleasant behavior for the individual, their environment, and relatives.
Golden Rules
When it comes to dealing with challenging behaviors, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Every situation is unique, and a DSP will need to tailor the approach accordingly. However, there are a few general tips that can help DSPs manage difficult situations effectively.
First, ALWAYS STAY CALM. It can be easy to get caught up in the emotion of a situation, but it is important to remain cool-headed. This will not only help keep the situation under control, but it will also make it easier for a DSP to think clearly and find an effective solution.
Second, try to understand what is causing the challenging behavior. There may be an underlying reason for the behavior, and addressing this issue may be the key to resolving the problem.
Finally, communicate with the client. This may involve explaining expectations, setting boundaries, or simply communicating that you are there to help them. By establishing a clear line of communication, a DSP can help ensure that any future challenges can be addressed promptly and effectively.
When is it enough?
It can be difficult to know how to deal with challenging behaviors from clients, especially when those behaviors are directed towards the caregiver. While it is important to maintain a professional demeanor and keep the client's best interests in mind, there are times when it is appropriate to ask for help.
If a client is exhibiting any of the following behaviors, it may be time to ask for more assistance:
Physical aggression towards the caregiver or others
Verbal abuse or threats towards the caregiver or others
Persistent attempts to leave the facility or home
It is important to take action to ensure the safety of both the client and the DSP. In these cases, it may be necessary to ask for help from a supervisor or other staff members.
Nonviolent Crisis Prevention and Intervention
Nonviolent Crisis Prevention and Intervention is designed to teach best practices for managing difficult situations and disruptive behaviors. Individuals will identify the behavioral levels that contribute to the development of a crisis and choose appropriate staff intervention for each level; identify useful non-verbal techniques in the prevention of acting out behavior; develop crisis intervention and verbal de-escalation skills; demonstrate principles of personal safety to avoid injury if behavior escalates to a physical level; use a model for action after an incident that will bring about necessary closure, debriefing, and re-establishment of a therapeutic relationship with the individuals involved.
Ca Care Association’s training on Nonviolent Crisis Prevention and Intervention (NCPI) talks more in-depth about how to deal with this kind of behavior and/or situations.
