Handling Challenging Behaviours of Residential Care Adults With Severe Intellectual Disability: Staff Strategies and Recommendations

Created on 28th February 2022

Conference: The European Conference on Aging & Gerontology (EGen2022)
Title: Handling Challenging Behaviours of Residential Care Adults With Severe Intellectual Disability: Staff Strategies and Recommendations
Stream: Frailty
Presentation Type: Virtual Poster Presentation
Authors:
Lisa PL Low, Caritas Institute of Higher Education, Hong Kong
Angela HY Cheng, Caritas Institute of Higher Education, Hong Kong
Henrika Jormfeldt, Halmstad University, Sweden

Abstract:

Background: Challenging behaviours are presented by adults with severe intellectual disability (ID), and can cause negative impacts on the clients and staff in the long-term care settings. Attention should be given to understand how staff confront and handle those behaviours.
Aim: To explore staffs’ views of current strategies and recommendations to equip them to manage ID residents with challenging behaviour in a hostel for severely handicapped in Hong Kong.
Method: A descriptive qualitative interview approach using vignettes was used to collect the data from 11 staff members of different positions. Content analysis was used to analyze the data.
Results: Of 33 strategies identified, four categories emerged as: (1) Adhering and reviewing guidelines, documentation and procedures, (2) Building close companionship, (3) Shaping behaviour through programme and activity training, and (4) Forcing attention on family members. There was a tendency for social workers to handle the challenging behaviours, and more training to developing other frontline staff to timely handle such behaviours are needed. In adopting this approach, staffs’ recommendations for additional help and resources needed to support their daily work, and what senior management can do to minimize workplace stress and ensure supportive, safe and stable workforce will be provided.
Conclusion: Staff reactions to challenging behaviours provide an indication of how equipped and confident they are in handling them. Being equipped with updated knowledge to handle challenging behaviours when they arise, and being able to recall the resources and support when they need them are all part of regular training for staff.