Definitions

Responsive behaviours are actions, words, or gestures that may seem aggressive or inappropriate but are often expressions of unmet needs, fear, or distress. Examples are yelling, swearing, insults, hitting, grabbing, throwing objects, or refusing care.

Instructions

Start the huddle by reviewing the definition of responsive behaviours. Then read the scenario aloud and use the guiding questions to have a discussion.

After this huddle, staff should be able to:

• Describe what responsive behaviour is and how it can include verbal abuse.
• Discuss what they might feel if experiencing verbal abuse.
• Identify and list strategies to self-settle after an incident.
• Identify when to seek help if they feel unsafe.

Notes to the huddle leader

• This can be a sensitive subject. Ensure the group is open and understanding.
• Reinforce that staff should do a point of care risk assessment before starting any task, to establish if it is safe to proceed.
• Do you have a violence prevention policy? When was it last updated? Are staff trained to apply it?
• Let staff know they can talk to you privately about guiding question five, if necessary.

Scenario

Mr. Reed has moderate dementia and has recently been showing signs of increased agitation in the mornings, especially during
care routines. One morning, as you approach, he throws his toothbrush towards you and yells: “Get out of here. You’re completely
useless. I don’t want you touching me!”

Guiding questions

1. What might have triggered Mr. Reed’s behaviour?
2. What feelings could staff experience when being talked to this way? Are these feelings valid?
3. What self-settling strategies have worked well for you?
4. If you feel unsafe, physically or psychologically, what steps should you take? What support is available to you, and how can you initiate a refusal of unsafe work, if needed?
5. Are there specific challenges on this topic you would like support with?

Important takeaways for staff

• While verbal abuse can be a form of responsive behaviour, especially in individuals with dementia or cognitive challenges, it’s still important to recognize its impact and take steps to protect your psychological safety.
• Responsive behaviours can sometimes be prevented by understanding needs and adjusting care approaches. However, even if everything seems to go well, responsive behaviours can still occur.
• Your feelings are valid—don’t hesitate to seek support.
• Your safety matters—use de-escalation techniques, report incidents, and know how to initiate a refusal of unsafe work.