How to prevent violence in nursing homes in Ireland

As a result of conditions affecting memory or behaviour, some residents will occasionally strike out at those around them, including nursing home staff. Staff alarm systems are, therefore, essential for helping care home workers call for assistance to help manage and deescalate these potentially violent situations. Pinpoint's P2 system is a sophisticated and effective solution that enables workers to quickly call for help when this occurs.

St. Brigid’s Hospital, Galway, a care home for those living with dementia, looked to Pinpoint’s systems to protect both staff and residents on the ward.

At St. Brigid’s, each staff member has received a Twin Code Perpetual PIT featuring two call levels of differing urgency — Assistance and Emergency. When this PIT is activated, signals are sent throughout the hospital, triggering the system and notifying the team of the precise location and nature of the call, allowing for a swift and measurable response. With this robust system in place, staff have peace of mind that they and the residents they care for are protected. Find out more about the benefits of Pinpoint Systems at St. Brigid’s Hospital here.

Illnesses such as Alzheimer's are incredibly complex and impact individuals both mentally and physically. It is for this reason that educating caregivers about these acute mental health conditions is vital. With a deeper understanding of how these conditions affect a person, staff can better manage a resident's environment, removing or mitigating triggers that cause them distress

To build on this, the importance of training staff in conflict resolution cannot be overlooked. This can empower staff to handle and deescalate aggressive behaviour of residents independently, using alarms only when additional support is needed. This proactive approach can be the difference between potential injury and maintaining a calm, pacified environment.

In a nursing home, every resident is unique, with their own set of needs and challenges. Adopting a personalised approach to care is key to preventing tension and violent outbursts. Customised care plans, tailored medication regimens, and identifying sources of stress can significantly contribute to a more serene environment. Providing behavioural therapy and counselling services for residents who exhibit aggressive behaviours can also address underlying issues, creating a more peaceful atmosphere.

The environment in which one lives has a profound impact on their feelings and behaviours. For nursing home residents, making thoughtful and intentional aesthetic changes to surroundings can do wonders for their mood. Even simple adjustments like reducing TV noise levels and using soft lighting can go a long way in making a comfortable living space for all. Pinpoint has made the Staff Safety Systems as non-obtrusive as possible so that they do not immediately alert service-users to their presence. Trying to make the environment comfortable, homely and familiar.

Just as you would in your own home, it is important to have activities available to nursing home residents. Having a variety of stimulating activities on offer, residents feel more content and occupied, reducing the likelihood of violence.

Interested in learning more about our P2 System for your nursing or care home? Get in touch with our team in Ireland today.