Updated on September 11, 2024
Aggression is not a behaviour that happens suddenly. It could be brewing, most times, as a result of accumulated words and actions.
When taking care of others, it is important to be sensitive to their signals – the ones that may suggest that the mood has shifted.
Signs That A Person May Become Aggressive
1. They may be clenching their fists or tightening their jaw.
2. There may be a sudden change in their tone of speaking or attitude. (an increase in their tone or a firmer shift in movement.)
3. Increase in pacing, fidgeting, or overemphasized gestures.
4. Muttering under their breaths or increased frustration.
5. Continued yelling, and refusal to follow instructions.
How To Handle Aggressive Behavior In Residential Care
1. Always Be Self-Aware
When talking to the individual exhibiting an aggressive attitude, make sure to maintain a calm, respectful but assertive tone. Also, make sure to avoid any physical contact unless the situation becomes scarier. Instead open a line of conversation, after they have vented. By doing so, you are allowing the other party to express their frustration without choosing aggression.
2. Always Carry A Personal Safety Gadget
Some situations can become dangerous pretty fast and this is why you should have personal safety. Organizations should definitely ensure that their employees are safe and that they can get help when they are in such situations.
3. Be Objective
Many times, an aggressive situation is not an intentional personal attack. It could just be that you entered the environment at the wrong time. It is important to remain calm. By depersonalizing the situation on their behalf, you are helping them understand their frustration and the situation can be resolved.
4. Make Sure You Are Listening
Another reason people may become aggressive in a residential home is that they may feel neglected when they are speaking. Actively listening to people helps them to calm down. It makes them feel loved and they can be vulnerable with you. In most cases, people just want to vent their frustration, so it’s best to sit, and listen to them no matter how it turns out. You do not even have to say anything.
How To Protect Employees From Aggression In Residential Care
1. Run a Risk Assessment
A risk assessment is to identify the scale and type of risk they can take. It can also pass as an assessment of employee’s relations with the public and their exposure to volatile situations.
2. Provide Training
This is to equip employees with the proper skills and knowledge to deal with challenging situations.
3. Initiate Safety Measures
Implement safety measures that act as a safeguard. Examples include sending employees in pairs when visiting a client and installing CCTV in the space.
Many times aggression from an individual in a residential home, is not intentional. And so, after it has happened, try not to blame, or punish the individual, instead, focus on the person, not their attitude. Think of how you can help them or support them, to be better.
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