Here's the Problem...
- lifepulseac
- Jun 23, 2015
- 2 min read
Problem solving can be especially difficult when you are caring for others, but their dependence on you makes effective problem solving that much more important. How you react to conflict and trouble has real and lasting impacts on the lives of others. This post will cover the basic process for parsing issues and resolving them according to your training, best practices, and company policies. It should go without saying that this is for non-emergency situations. Life-threatening emergencies should always be dealt with by calling emergency services, securing the situation, and notifying your supervisor.
Assuming that no one is choking, the house isn't on fire, and everyone involved still has a heartbeat, let's take a look at how we deal with everyday non-emergency conflicts that come up in caregiving. This process will help you work through minor arguments and situations in which people are being uncooperative.
Is this really a problem? Sometimes we call something a problem without thinking about it. Sometimes people just need to express themselves, and we need to give them space to do so. If what they are doing or saying is genuinely causing a problem for themselves or those around them, then we need to move on to figure out how to solve the problem.
What makes this a problem? Some problems can be solved if we understand one key part of it and make a tiny change. Try to identify the core of the conflict, and you may find the path to a solution.
Is this a misunderstanding? Communication is a two-way street. Ask yourself the following questions: Have I expressed myself (or the rules) clearly enough? Have I listened well enough? Do I understand why this person is unhappy? Am I dealing with someone who is capable of clear communications?
Can I redirect? You can often head off a conflict by giving a reminder of the rules, letting a client know the potential consequences of breaking the rules, or making an offer of a future reward or benefit.
Can I make a small change or offer a deal? Empower your clients by offering a choice. Even if it seems small or unimportant to you, your clients may just need to feel that they have some power over their everyday lives.
LifePulse Professionals offers in-depth training on redirecting clients, reducing behaviors, increasing client sensitivity, professionalism in caregiving, and improving safety.
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