In post-acute care, the physical and emotional toll on staff can be compounded by the challenging behaviors of patients or residents, particularly acts of aggression. Ranging from verbal abuse to physical confrontations, it’s estimated that nearly 70% of post-acute care employees will experience aggressive behaviors, with a greater likelihood of risk for those serving patients or residents with cognitive impairments, dementia, or mental health conditions.
Studies show that resident aggression can negatively impact an employee’s feelings of safety and confidence in the workplace. Aggressive behaviors can also impact overall job satisfaction, as repeated exposure to such incidents can lead to not only physical harm but also emotional distress, contributing to higher levels of stress and ultimately, burnout.
While there is little your organization can to do completely prevent residents or patients from displaying aggressive behaviors, with the right protocols and support, you can help reduce their impact on the well-being of your staff.
Competence breeds confidence. Employees who are well-trained in handling aggression are more likely to navigate these situations effectively and with composure. Comprehensive training should cover the following:
Additionally, consider offering specialized modules tailored to populations with unique needs, such as dementia patients. The goal is to ensure staff feel empowered and equipped to de-escalate tense situations while prioritizing their own safety.
Clear safety protocols are essential for protecting staff when aggressive or violent behaviors occur. Because when employees know they have tools and protocols to fall back on, their confidence and sense of security improve significantly.
Common safety protocols include:
Be sure to review your safety protocols with employees as part of their onboarding process and on an annual basis to ensure they understand what’s in place to ensure their safety.
The emotional trauma resulting from repeated exposure to aggression often goes unnoticed and untreated, especially in home-based settings. Providing access to mental health resources is a simple way to support the well-being of your employees.
These initiatives not only support those who may encounter aggressive patient or resident behaviors, but anyone on your team who may be experiencing stress, compassion fatigue, or burnout.
In an ideal world, you would have more employees than you needed. But in reality, many in post-acute care are battling ongoing staffing shortages that seem to have no end. Understaffing has a snowball effect, impacting everything from quality of care to employee satisfaction and burnout. To combat this, providers must implement creative staffing strategies that allow them to maximize their resources.
Empowering staff to make decisions about their safety can greatly enhance overall job satisfaction and well-being. Comprehensive training, as noted above, can help employees feel more comfortable and confident in how they handle situations both in the moment and in the aftermath. However, knowing they are trusted and supported with the decisions they make is just as critical. Protocols that can empower your team include:
Giving your staff the autonomy they need to prioritize their safety and wellness builds trust and demonstrates your organization’s commitment to employee satisfaction.
Aggression from patients or residents is an unavoidable reality in post-acute care, but it doesn’t have to lead to burnout. By investing in training, implementing clear safety protocols, and fostering a supportive environment, organizations can protect their staff’s well-being. These efforts not only improve employee satisfaction and retention but also enhance the quality of care, creating a better environment for both patients and caregivers alike.