How to Deal with Behavioral Issues at Assisted Living near Chickasaw, AL

June 30, 2014 by ·

Just as there are disputes, disagreements, and arguments within a household, these things also occur at assisted living. Controlling behaviors and other personality differences can create conflicts between seniors. These conflicts can either be minor misunderstandings or a full-blown mishap. In these instances, learning how to handle conflict instead of avoiding it is critical.Assisted Living Chickasaw AL

When conflict is handled inappropriately or ignored, it could end up affecting more than just the people involved but the neighbors as well. When managed correctly in a positive, respectful way, the bond between those involved strengthened and harmony restored.

Often times, the personality differences between assisted living caregivers and residents can lead to conflict. Every resident could think and speak highly of a particular caregiver but there could be one person who doesn’t like something about that very same person. In this situation, learning how the elder would like to be treated can be all it takes to smooth things out or a different caregiver may need to be paired with the resident.

Unfortunately, as people age, they can still hang on to the pettiness and aggressive bullying behavior they displayed in their youth. This could lead to derogatory comments and other negative actions that draw attention from other residents to their dislike of a certain person within their community. The situation can often be defused by talking with all parties involved. The staff may also encourage a connection and friendship between the person feeling disliked and someone else in the community. Having people around us that we can connect with promotes a happier life.

When elders feel powerless or excluded, they can sometimes resort to disruptive behaviors. This behavior is considered social manipulation in an attempt to feel in control. This can be very disruptive to the staff and other residents. Most of the time, a private meeting with the individual about their behavior is enough to resolve the situation. Sometimes having a respected family member present can help.

Staff members at an assisted living facilitycan resolve conflict by using several tactics:

  • Identify what is causing the outbursts and eliminate the triggers
  • Get to know and understand a resident’s personality
  • Acknowledge the resident’s fear and address their concerns

As a last resort, assisted living reserves the right to evict a resident if all attempts to correct problems have been exhausted and the bad behavior continues. Every assisted living facility will have a legal clause in the contract in which a resident can be asked to leave.

If you or an aging loved one are considering Assisted Living, contact Ashbury Manor Specialty Care and Assisted Living in Mobile AL, at 251-317-3017.

 

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About Cindy Johnson

Ashbury Manor’s Administrator since 2008, Cindy Johnson is a long-time expert in the assisted living field. Prior to her arrival at Ashbury Manor, Cindy managed acquisitions and crisis management for existing and new larger senior care project developments for eleven years. As regional manager for an Oregon-based assisted living management company, Cindy was directly responsible for operations for five 50-65 bed assisted living facilities. As manager during the transition to new ownership, Cindy reorganized internal operations and conducted leadership training for Executive Directors. As a result of her management and expertise, one of the company’s facilities (in Ocala, Florida) received a deficiency-free survey, resulting in the lifting of a moratorium on operation.

A nurse for 36 years, senior care has always been Cindy’s passion. Desiring to work more closely with residents, Cindy became a Category II Administrator in 2005. As Ashbury Manor’s Administrator, Cindy understands the complexities associated with dementia and cognitive impairment and she has fallen in love with seniors with dementia or cognitive impairment and their families.

Cindy is Treasurer of the local “Senior Coalition” chapter. She enjoys mentoring new candidates who want to become administrators.

As a 16-bed facility, with Cindy's training and experience, our residents and their families can be sure Ashbury Manor’s carefully selected staff provides the expertise of a larger facility while maintaining the individualized personal care of a small special needs home.
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