Walk through the halls of any long-term care home and you’ll see moments that speak louder than words, from a gentle smile between a resident and a staff member, laughter during a small group activity, or the quiet comfort of someone sitting one-on-one with a resident who seems restless. Behind many of these moments are our Behavioural Support Staff, a team whose role is as important as it is compassionate.
For many of our residents, especially those living with dementia, expressing themselves isn’t always easy. Pain, fear, anxiety, or sadness don’t always come out in words the way they once did. Instead, they might show up in changes in behaviour; pacing, withdrawal, or agitation. This is where our behavioural support team steps in. Their job is to look beyond the behaviour and discover what’s really happening.
“They’re like detectives,” shared Katie Payette, the Life Enrichment Supervisor. “They don’t just ask what is going on, they ask why. That makes all the difference.”
It’s not about managing behaviour, it’s about understanding people. Maybe someone is in pain and can’t tell us. Maybe they’re feeling lonely, or maybe the day just feels overwhelming. By uncovering the root of the problem, behavioural support staff can bring peace and comfort back into the moment.
You’ll find them working alongside the healthcare team, sharing strategies, and offering guidance that respects dignity and individuality. They spend time one-on-one with residents who need extra support, lead small groups to keep spirits high and minds engaged, and support their colleagues through education and hands-on help. Their presence prevents challenges before they arise, and ensures residents are living their days with choice, respect, and joy.
The outcomes speak for themselves. Residents who may once have felt anxious or withdrawn often find renewed calm and connection. Families see their loved ones smiling again. Staff feel better supported and more confident in their care. And the whole home feels just a little brighter, a little warmer.
Here in our community, this work is strengthened by the expertise of the Royal Ottawa’s Geriatric Psychiatry team and the provincial Behavioural Supports Ontario program. Together, we’ve built a model that emphasizes dignity, choice, and respect, values at the heart of person-centred care.
In a dementia-friendly community, we know that care is not just about medical charts and daily routines. It’s about seeing the person behind the behaviour, listening even when words are hard to find, and making sure every resident feels valued and understood.
Our behavioural support staff remind us of that truth every day. They are talented, compassionate, and deeply committed to walking beside our residents, helping them live with comfort, meaning, and peace. And in doing so, they enrich the lives of all of us who call this community home.
L’article <b>Looking Beyond the Surface: </b>
<b>The Heart of Behavioural Support</b> est apparu en premier sur Cornwall Seaway News.
