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Safety first with aggressive residents

LTC Nursing Assistant Trainer, October 26, 2006

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Aggressive residents are a large source of staff frustration and burnout. In addition, these residents suffer too, as their hygiene, grooming, toileting, and nutritional needs are often not fully met because staff tend to avoid them out of fear or irritation.

CNAs can not always control the aggressive behavior of their residents, but they can control how they react to it. Here are some tips to help CNAs protect themselves if an aggressive resident trys to bite:

Release from a bite

• If you are being bitten, try to avoid the urge to pull away. Pulling out of a bite can cause you increased pain and physical injury.
• Instead, push toward the bite. Be careful not to apply too much pressure so you don't hurt the resident.
• Use your free hand to place your index finger in the pressure point just below the ear at the upper point of the jaw bone.
• While pressing on the pressure point, extend the thumb of the same hand to the lower jaw.
• The jaw will loosen and you can remove the injured area.
• Note: Human bites need special medical attention. Report the bite immediately to a supervisor.

Always look for the causes of aggressive behavior and correct them if you can. Learn to recognize potentially dangerous situations and practice personal safety skills to protect yourself.

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