Case Scenarios
Situation: You’re assisting a resident with dementia during bath time. The resident suddenly becomes agitated, raises their voice, and tries to pull away.
Question: What steps should you take to safely manage this situation according to the policy?
Stay calm and speak softly with respectful communication and active listening.
Decrease environmental stimuli (turn off water, radio, reduce noise).
Give the resident space and time to calm down without forcing the bath.
Attend to any immediate needs if safe to do so.
Report the incident promptly to the Nurse-in-Charge or Director of Care.
Document the incident on the Incident Report Form (#810006).
When a resident exhibits responsive behaviour, what is the first step a Health Care Aid should take?
The first step is to stay calm and assess the situation by identifying possible triggers or unmet needs causing the behaviour (such as pain, hunger, fear, or discomfort). Then, respond with respectful, patient communication and try to remove or reduce the triggers if possible, while providing the resident with space and reassurance.
What form must staff complete when they witness or experience workplace aggression or violence?
Incident Report Form #810006
Situation: You overhear a co-worker making rude and condescending remarks to another staff member repeatedly during a shift.
Question: How should you respond immediately, and what should you do afterwards to follow the policy?
Ask the co-worker bullying or harassing the other person to stop immediately.
Support the person being bullied and encourage them to report the behaviour.
Report the bullying incident in writing using the Incident Report Form to your supervisor or Director of Care.
Follow up to ensure the issue is addressed through the appropriate channels.
Name three common triggers of responsive behaviours in residents.
disrespect, noise, and unmet needs (e.g., hunger, pain)?
What are staff encouraged to do if they experience harassment
ask the harasser to stop, report the incident in writing, and inform the supervisor or Director of Care
Situation: A resident is shouting and pacing because they are hungry and unable to communicate their needs.
Question: How would you address this responsive behaviour to calm the resident?
Recognize the behaviour as a response to unmet needs, such as hunger or inability to communicate.
Try to meet the resident’s needs safely (offer food, assist with communication).
Use calm, respectful communication and provide reassurance.
Reduce environmental stressors (noise, crowdedness).
Notify Nurse-in-Charge if the behaviour continues or worsens.
Document the behaviour and response.
What is the key difference between aggression and responsive behaviour?
Aggression = intentional harm or unpleasantness;
Responsive Behaviour = unintentional reaction to distress or unmet needs.
List two responsibilities of HCAs in addressing workplace violence
Report any situation which may lead to workplace violence or aggression promptly to the Nurse-in-Charge or supervisor to ensure safety and proper follow-up.
Communicate respectfully with residents, families, staff, and others, using active listening and responding appropriately to prevent escalation of aggressive or violent behaviours.