Clients showing violent and responsive behaviours can be challenging, frightening, and even dangerous. For the safety of both the client and the caregiver, it is important to take a person-centred approach to understanding and responding to these behaviours.

Unfortunately, there is no quick fix! Managing responsive behaviour often requires trial and error. Caregivers must be “detectives,” searching for clues to what is causing the difficult behaviour and then finding suitable strategies to manage them. Consider what you know about the person’s life story/roles. Do they have a history of trauma? What are their likes and dislikes; their cultural and spiritual needs? The more you know, the better your chances of finding effective ways of responding and even preventing these behaviours.

Use the points below to guide how you handle a client’s responsive behaviours:

• Treat the physical problems. Make sure hearing aids, glasses, or dentures are available. Offer client food/drink. Support client with routine toileting. Observe client for any signs or pain or discomfort.
• Look at the environment. Reduce clutter, minimize noise. Place signs to help orient them to the environment (for example, put a picture of a toilet on the bathroom door; post their name on the door of the room). Provide a calendar for reorientation.
• Use distraction. For example: Involve the client in an activity they might enjoy, such as music, a picture book or a simple game. Take client for a walk in approved areas. v
• Ease loneliness and anxiety by providing reassurance and gentle touch. Speak calmly and avoid arguing. Do not confront a false belief if it is harmless. Instead, validate the person’s feelings.
• Maintain a consistent daily routine. Try to avoid changes to client’s routine and the environment and be mindful of the disruptive effect on the client when changes do occur.

Don’t forget that these strategies may not work for everyone. An individualized care approach is critical to success.

Circle of Care is committed to preventing workplace violence and harassment and ensuring a safe environment for all employees.

All employees are required to complete the mandatory Workplace Violence and Harassment e-learning module in Dayforce by February 5, 2025.

All employees that complete the training will receive 30 minutes of paid training time, which will be paid out in March.

Snow and icy conditions can increase the risk of injuries and other accidents.

This video provides helpful tips to ensure your safety while you travel within the community during the winter months.

This eight-minute video from Ontario Health at Home showcases a patient scenario, and demonstrates how a comprehensive patient assessment, easy home modifications, and a simple, but tailored exercise program can enhance patient safety, care and outcomes.

In our busy lives, both at work and at home, it’s important to notice when we’re taking on too much and might be getting overwhelmed. This can lead to burnout, which we all want to avoid.

This podcast episode from the Crisis & Trauma Resource Institute (CTRI) offers insights into managing stress and setting boundaries effectively.

Perkopolis is Canada’s leading perks program! As an employee at Circle of Care, you have access to 5,000+ exclusive offers, including:

• Retail & Shopping: Enjoy discounts on everyday items, luxury goods, and more.
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• Travel: Save on travel-related expenses, including hotels and car rentals.
• Home & Auto Insurance: Access discounted insurance options.
• Shell Fuel Savings: Save on fuel, car washes, and in-store purchases at participating Shell locations.
• …and much more

To access Perkopolis:

1.  Go to https://www.perkopolis.com/ and click on ‘Sign In/Register’ at the top-right hand corner
2. Click ‘Register’ on the right hand screen
3. Enter your personal email address
4. Monitor your inbox for an email from Perkopolis and click on the link to complete registration
5. Enter your member ID Code (this will be CC+your employee ID*), for example: CC1234

*You can find your Employee ID on your Circle of Care employee badge. Please note that your employee ID is NOT your voicemail number.

For any questions or troubleshooting, you can contact Perkopolis by phone (416-236-4985)  or email (customerservice@perkopolis.com).