Trauma-informed Care
When a resident becomes distressed during care, trauma-informed practice requires staff to do these two things to support safety and regulation.
Accept many different interventions. Ex: What are “pause care” and “use grounding/reassurance techniques”?
This safety practice requires two staff members to be physically present during intimate care, showers, transfers, and interactions with high-risk residents.
What is “cares in pairs”?
What are some behavior changes that may indicate possible abuse?
What are Behavior changes such as withdrawal, fearfulness around specific caregivers
This action must happen every time before providing care, even if the resident “usually agrees.”
What is “obtain consent”?
Staff must immediately do this regarding the alleged perpetrator.
What is “separate them from the resident and remove them from care duties”?
A resident who appears angry, defensive, or verbally aggressive may actually be showing this trauma-related response.
What is “fight response”?
Under Cares in Pairs expectations, the second staff member should never just stand and watch; instead, they should do this.
What is “assist with tasks such as cleaning, organizing, or preparing supplies”?
when there is suspicion or allegation of abuse resulting in serious bodily injury. what is the time frame that it must be reported to state?
must occur within 2 hours
When a resident reports staff yelling or cussing, staff must follow this policy requiring immediate separation, safety measures, and prompt reporting.
What is “the abuse prevention, identification, and reporting policy”?
For extra $200- why might this require reporting?
Ensuring a resident’s environment is free of clutter, call light is within reach, and lighting is adequate supports this essential safety principle.
What is “fall prevention”?
A resident who becomes suddenly tearful, freezes, or withdraws during care may be experiencing this trauma response.
What is “triggering”?
Cares in Pairs reduces the risk of falls, injuries, and this type of serious allegation.
What is “abuse or misconduct allegations”?
Yelling at a resident, belittling them, or intentionally ignoring their requests are examples of this type of abuse.
What is verbal or emotional abuse?
This practice helps prevent re-traumatization, supports dignity, and ensures two sets of eyes and hands during high-risk care.
What is “Cares in Pairs within a trauma-informed care framework”?
Saying “I hear you” or “Your feelings are valid” supports this trauma-informed strategy.
What is “emotional validation”?
Trauma-informed care emphasizes avoiding this type of unintentional triggering by explaining care steps, maintaining resident control, and respecting boundaries.
What is re-traumatization?
Cares in Pairs protects residents from harm and staff from this risk that can affect their employment.
What is “false accusations or unverified allegations”?
Staff statements such as “He always complains” or “She exaggerates everything” may indicate this dangerous mindset.
What is dismissive or minimizing behavior toward abuse allegations?
Explaining each step before touching a resident, requesting consent, and using two staff during intimate care are examples of this care approach that prioritizes emotional safety.
What is “trauma-informed, abuse-preventive care”?
A resident who becomes overly compliant, avoids eye contact, and quickly agrees to anything may be experiencing this trauma survival state.
What is “fawning”?
This trauma-informed principle reminds staff to consider how past experiences may affect a resident’s reactions, behaviors, and communication.
What is “recognizing the impact of trauma on current behavior”?
One purpose of the Cares in Pairs policy is to prevent allegations and ensure this type of safe environment for residents and staff.
What is “a safe, accountable, and transparent care environment”?
Staff must immediately notify the nurse, protect the resident, and separate the alleged perpetrator from care when they encounter this.
What is “any allegation, suspicion, or sign of abuse”?
Need at lease allegation/accusation and suspicion/signs
The five key principles of trauma-informed care include safety, trustworthiness, peer support, empowerment, and this final principle.
What is “cultural, historical, and gender sensitivity”?
Cares in Pairs reinforces this teamwork expectation: no resident ever hears “That’s not my patient.”
What is “we all care for everyone”?