Many of the people we support are considered to display behaviours of concern that are too complex for mainstream care providers to manage. As a result, they may have experienced failed placements where their individual needs weren’t fully understood or met.
At Exemplar Health Care, our Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) approach is tailored around each individual. We work closely with them, their families and professionals to understand the reasons for behaviours of concern and focus on reducing the need for restrictive practices.
By identifying and reducing triggers and creating positive, supportive environments, we aim to help each person lead a more independent and fulfilling life, where their behaviours no longer limit their opportunities or potential.
Our personalised care plans empower individuals through meaningful activities and strategies that promote personal wellbeing and fulfilment.
With this approach, we often see a significant reduction in the frequency and intensity of behaviours of concern within just 12 weeks, helping to break the cycle of hospital admissions and failed placements.
Our approach to PBS
Together with loved ones and fellow professionals, we create individual care plans that reflect a person’s holistic needs.
Our trained Registered Nurses assess the relationship between behaviours of concern and other aspects of their life and environment.
Each care plan includes clear guidance for the care team, making sure that the individual’s choices, preferences and goals remain at the heart of their care and support.
With our high staffing levels that are tailored to individual needs, we can adapt our approach to provide truly person-centred care.
Exemplar Positive Behaviour Support (EPBS) training
All our care and nursing colleagues complete Exemplar Positive Behaviour Support (EPBS) training, certified by the British Institute for Learning Disabilities Association of Certified Trainers (Bild ACT).
This certification ensures that our training meets the Restraint Reduction Network (RRN) Training Standards 2019.
The EPBS training consists of up to five days of learning. Two days focus on PBS theory, psychological support, self-protection skills and breakaway techniques, while the additional three days cover level two training on restrictive practices.
This training equips our colleagues with the skills and knowledge to uphold individuals’ fundamental human rights while promoting person-centred and therapeutic approaches to supporting individuals during times of distress.
Care from a multidisciplinary team
In addition to our highly trained care and nursing teams, people are supported by Exemplar Health Care’s clinical experts, including:
Behaviour Support Practitioners
Consultant Psychiatrist, Dr Akande, who provides support during times of crisis.
Our Mental Health and Behaviour Support Team works alongside our colleagues to support individuals who display behaviours of concern. This includes offering crisis or rapid intervention when behaviours escalate.
Additionally, Dr Ben Akande assists with managing treatment, offering a fortnightly clinic and regular advice forums to provide guidance and support for colleagues.
When specific needs arise, the team can also access other professionals on an as-needed basis.
PBS Champion network
Our PBS Champions play a key role in enhancing quality of care by delivering Exemplar Positive Behaviour Support (EPBS) level 1 training, promoting the adoption of PBS approaches and helping to reduce restrictive practices within our homes.
As advocates and role models, our PBS Champions take on a vital role. Their responsibilities include:
organising and facilitating EPBS level 1 training sessions for colleagues
ensuring their home remains compliant with EPBS training standards
encouraging and supporting the implementation of PBS strategies
providing coaching, guidance and signposting to colleagues, serving as role models in their approach to behaviour support
assisting in the development of behaviour support plans and risk assessments that are tailored to the individual
actively promoting the reduction of restraint and restrictive practices to create a safer and more supportive environment.
What is positive behaviour support (PBS)?
The core principle of PBS is that behaviours of concern always occur for a reason, often as a way for someone to communicate an unmet need.
PBS helps us understand the underlying causes of these behaviours, allowing us to better meet the person’s needs, improve their quality of life and reduce the likelihood of the behaviour recurring.
PBS involves:
considering the person’s life circumstances in a holistic way
creating physical and social environments that provide the right level of stimulation and support for the individual
using proactive and preventative strategies to teach new skills that can replace behaviours of concern
taking a multidisciplinary approach to support the person’s emotional, physical and mental health and wellbeing.
After a number of failed placements in lower acuity care settings, Joel m...
Karen moved to Tyne Grange following several failed placements in other c...
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