Brain Basics
A person with an injury to this brain structure might demonstrate impulsivity, poor judgement, or struggle with planning and organization.
What is the frontal lobe?
Rather than assume a client is difficult, staff should consider that behavior is often a form of this.
What is communication? (of an unmet need!)
What is giving one-step commands?
Maintaining clear walkways, adequate lighting, and removing tripping hazards are examples of this.
What is fall prevention?
Taking time to recharge physically, mentally, and emotionally to maintain your own health and ability to care for others is known as this.
What is self-care?
A client has difficulty recognizing how their actions affect others or identifying their own limitations following a brain injury. This impairment can affect safety and decision-making.
What is impaired self-awareness?
A client becomes increasingly irritable in a loud and busy restaurant. This environmental factor is likely contributing to their distress.
What is sensory overload?
Repeating information calmly without showing frustration is helpful for clients who are experiencing this.
What is short-term memory impairment?
A client becomes agitated and begins pacing. Staff maintain a supportive stance, maintain a safe distance, and use a calm tone of voice. These are examples of this.
What are de-escalation strategies?
Taking a few slow breaths, stepping away briefly when safe, or using grounding techniques during a stressful situation are examples of these strategies.
What are stress-management or self-regulation techniques?
What is executive dysfunction?
A staff member remains calm, lowers their voice, and provides space when a client becomes agitated. These are examples of this approach.
What is de-escalation?
A staff member is unsure whether a client understood a direction and asks the client to explain what they understood to assess for this.
What is comprehension?
This individualized document outlines protocols that are intended for staff and clients to use during specific tasks to optimize safety and functionality.
What is a strategy?
As a ReMed employee, I can access confidential emotional support, legal guidance, financial resources, and more through this program.
What is the Employee Assistance Program (EAP)?
A client who experiences this cognitive difficulty might understand instructions but take significantly longer than expected to respond.
What is slowed processing?
This three-part framework helps staff understand what happens before, during, and after a behavior.
What is the antecedent-behavior-consequence (ABC) model?
A client becomes upset when speaking to a staff person who is standing with their arms crossed and intermittently checking their watch. This staff person should be more intentional about this form of communication.
What is nonverbal communication?
A client suddenly presents with slurred speech and weakness on one side of their body. Staff should suspect this medical emergency.
What is a stroke?
This workplace practice involves communicating limits, asking for support when needed, and maintaining appropriate professional relationships to protect your wellbeing.
What is professional boundary-setting?
What is working memory?
This is the ability to stay calm, objective, and in control of your own behavior and attitude during a stressful client interaction, rather than taking their actions personally.
What is rational detachment?
A client with delayed auditory processing speed is about to engage in unsafe behavior and requires immediate intervention. Staff should provide this alongside verbal commands.
What is a physical gesture?
A client has a sudden change from their baseline cognitive or physical functioning. Staff should ensure this is done.
This phenomenon can occur when caregivers experience emotional exhaustion or reduced capacity for empathy after prolonged exposure to others' suffering or distress.
What is compassion fatigue?