Guide

When I am in a good mood / appear calm

Engage me in social interaction, learn my likes and dislikes
Encourage me to carry out/assist with my personal care
Support me to do daily living tasks e.g. laundry, tidying up, preparing meals/snacks, cleaning
Help me learn new skills
Support me to try something new - and praise me for trying
Use your sense of humour, laugh and joke with me
Notice how I behave if I am waiting for something e.g. an outing, an electronic item to charge, to see the doctor . Share this with the team.
Check if I prefer just words, words and signs, words and pictures etc.

Use a calm, clear tone of voice. Use short, simple sentences and positive
Invite me to come and talk somewhere quiet and private. Show empathy.
Increase personal space
Make sure all my basic needs have been met (e.g. food, drink, toileting, pain management)
Meet any reasonable demands e.g. help me charge the iPad, contact my family, open a cupboard
Offer me an activity that I find calming (active or passive depending on my preference) . Use distraction.
Only use humour if you are confident about this strategy
Notice how I am behaving, plus what strategies help me and record these details

Use a calm, clear tone of voice. Use very short sentences or single word s.
Use an open posture and facial expression. Avoid large gestures or sudden
Increase personal space. Move others out of the area. Inform other
Remove hazards or triggers from the room
Make sure I have an exit
Make sure you also have an exit strategy
Only one person should talk to me, other staff can monitor from a Consider switching staff if I relate better to a certain person
Consider prn, or physical intervention as a last resort (according to your local policy)

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