On Aggressive Behavior

The aide told me not to bother with the new resident who. I’ll call Mr. J. “He may get violent.” They said. I believe that most bad behavior is the result of the inability to communicate one's needs, indeed, the basic needs of all personhood or the inability to understand their environment. Put yourself in this position. Wouldn’t you be frustrated nearly to the point of lashing out? Just yesterday I overestimated a day care client's ability to follow verbal direction. He immediately tensed up and made a very belligerent remark. A staff member strongly chastised him. It was my fault. I had asked him to understand something that he simply was unable to do. He was frustrated and angry. I went to him taking his hands in mine while comforting him saying something like,” It’s alright. Come on we'll do it together" Finding a building block or retained strength I said “Good music eh?” Mr. J nodded. He felt safer and willing allowed me to take him through the movement and was smiling by the end. I even was able to back away while he continued the movement on his own.