Knowledge and Support Needed by Care Providers to Handle Challenging Behaviours of Residential Care Adults with Severe Intellectual Disability

Created on 3rd May 2022

Conference: The European Conference on Aging & Gerontology (EGen2022)
Title: Knowledge and Support Needed by Care Providers to Handle Challenging Behaviours of Residential Care Adults with Severe Intellectual Disability
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, Hong Kong

Abstract:

Background: Care providers working in residential care service has an important role in the behavioural management of residents with intellectual disabilities (ID). It is known that staff can experience stress and burnout while handling challenging behaviours. The requisite knowledge and support needed by staff in managing challenging behaviours is investigated in this study.
Aim: To explore the knowledge and support staff have in managing residents with ID and challenging behaviour in two residential care settings for severely handicapped in Hong Kong.
Method: A descriptive qualitative approach using vignettes was used to interview 23 staff of different positions. Content analysis was used to analyze the data.
Results: The knowledge of staff in handling challenging behaviour was predominantly learnt from prior experience and on-the-job training. Aspects of knowledge acquired to smoothly handle the residents included knowing the residents’ personality traits, and familiarity with the daily operational procedures. Valuable support for staff were the ability to learn to support themselves, and obtain help and guidance from senior co-workers including nurses and social workers. Here, upholding positive spirit and working against burnout, learning to observe senior colleagues’ behavioural management styles, joint efforts of staff in devising care procedures, and sharing learning with co-workers were exemplars mentioned. Pressing issues of manpower shortage, constrained facilities and minimal family involvement should be addressed.
Conclusion: Maintaining social support among co-workers and supervisors was essential in handling challenging behaviour. Further training geared at promoting consistency of staff to practice behavioural management and communication skills at the workplace are needed.