Changed Behaviour and De-Escalation Basics

About this Workshop

This workshop introduces dementia, focusing on how the brain is affected and how these changes influence behaviour. Participants will explore the critical role of communication and the impact of pain in contributing to changed behaviour.

The session also offers practical strategies for responding effectively, including an understanding of the arousal cycle and how behaviour can escalate.

Guidance will be provided on responding to critical incidents, with an emphasis on the importance of reflection in promoting safe, person-centred care practices.

Learning Outcomes

• Enhance understanding of dementia and its effects on the brain.
• Increase knowledge of changed behaviour, triggers and practical approaches such as the ABCDE tool.
• Improve awareness of the role of staff communication and unmanaged pain that can contribute to changed behaviour.
• Strengthen recognition of staff's critical role in accurately reporting and documenting changed behaviours.
• Understand the arousal cycle and be able to recognise the signs of an escalating changed behaviour.
• Implement person-centred/best practice interventions at various stages of the arousal cycle with the intention of reducing a person's distress to prevent them from further escalation.
• Be confident to respond to a critical incident involving a person living with dementia.
• Understand the importance of reflection to learn from a critical incident.