Understanding and Managing Behaviour that Challenges FAQs

Questions about the EDGE course

1. Does this course deal with the restraint of highly aggressive or challenging clients?
2. Does this course deal with understanding and managing behaviour that challenges in children?
3. I work with adult clients who are often challenging and some of my colleagues have been hurt, are we supposed to have this training?
4. Is the course just based on dealing with challenging behaviour from the clients we care for?
5. I work with elderly/frail clients, would the breakaway techniques be appropriate for this work setting?
6. When should I not use breakaway techniques or safe holds?
7. Do I have to be super-fit to do the course as I understand there are a lot of practical skills to undertake?

Understanding and Managing Behaviour that Challenges FAQs

1. Does this course deal with the restraint of highly aggressive or challenging clients?

   No, the course is based on communication skills, simple breakaway skills ('light' wrist grabs, clothes grabs, simulated hair pulls etc), safe holds and escorting. We generally deliver this training to staff who care for elderly clients with dementia or some learning disability settings - this course is not a restraint course we are not aiming it at staff who deal with high levels of anger/aggression in their workplace.

   If you have any concerns about whether this course is suitable for your workplace needs please call us on 01904 677853 we will happily advise you here.

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2. Does this course deal with understanding and managing behaviour that challenges in children?

   No, EDGE Services trainers do not have the required work experience to offer this training in children or young adult settings.

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3. I work with adult clients who are often challenging and some of my colleagues have been hurt, are we supposed to have this training?

   There is a duty of care under several pieces of UK legislation that states employees should have systems in place to manage hazardous workplace activities and this is the duty of care of the employer.

   If staff are facing hazardous situations with challenging behaviour being directed at them then this would be classed as 'hazardous' and indeed should be managed.
   Many professional bodies (Royal College of Nursing, Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, the Health and Safety Executive to name but a few) cite training as one of the ways to do this, so yes this training or training like it should be available to you.

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4. Is the course just based on dealing with challenging behaviour from the clients we care for?

   No, the skills taught on this course in de-escalation and effective communication can be used with the public, family and staff members. EDGE Services are very aware that care staff may come across a number of people in the course of their work who are displaying behaviour that challenges them and we want you to have the skills to manage these situations wherever and whenever they present themselves.

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5. I work with elderly/frail clients, would the breakaway techniques be appropriate for this work setting?

   Yes, this course type is absolutely relevant here. The entire course is focused on this client group. Gentle releases are taught for elderly clients as part of the practical skills component which ensures that there is no/little harm caused to either the client or the member of staff in executing these moves. Breakaway moves are taught as a last resort but their focus is very much on absolutely limiting the harm to both parties.

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6. When should I not use breakaway techniques or safe holds?

   Breakaway techniques should only be utilised in self defence, or to defend another person who is vulnerable and is potentially being harmed. They could be utilised as an absolute last resort when all other attempts at de-escalation and effective communication have failed. This is the only situation where you could consider the practical breakaway techniques or release of a hold and you should follow the techniques exactly as you have been advised to in your training.

   Practical techniques such as 'safe holds' should never be used for staff convenience to get somebody out of bed at a particular time or down to the day room for their lunch as examples. They should not be used to facilitate personal care, getting someone cleaned up following incontinence or getting somebody dressed who does not want to do so.

   These situations need to be considered very carefully, with thorough clinical risk assessments being completed. EDGE will gladly suggest where you can get help here to assist with these situations - please call us on 01904 677853.

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7. Do I have to be super-fit to do the course as I understand there are a lot of practical skills to undertake?

   No, you do not have to be super-fit to participate safely in this training. The course is classed as static training, which means that everything is at a low-level physically, very controlled and always using using loose grips. The physical exertion is very limited.

   No hair is pulled and no-one is strangled. No-one goes to the floor and no one is held on the floor as this is not a restraint course. There is absolutely no risk of harm outside any other low-level physical activity and therefore you do not have to be super-fit to undertake this course.

   Whilst there are practical techniques this is not the focus of the course and you will be given clear instructions of what is expected, and indeed not expected, of you physically throughout the event.

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