Front-line nursing home workers are often the target of resident aggression. Although the phenomenon has long been accepted as part of the job in many facilities, the repercussions can be substantial for staff, residents and employers alike. A new research bulletin from the Labor Management Project, “Resident-to-Staff Aggression in Nursing Homes,” explains how labor and management, working together, can develop an effective violence-prevention program.

Residents with dementia, cognitive impairment, behavior disorders, mental disorders, pain and greater reliance on staff for assistance with activities of daily living are more likely to act out violently toward staff. Other risk factors include a high resident-to-staff ratio, staffing shortages, time pressures, and a perception among staff of not being trained to care for residents with dementia or aggression. A lack of communication between shifts about residents also increases the risk. “Resident-to-Staff Aggression in Nursing Homes” explains how an Occupational Safety and Health Administration guideline can help facilities address the problem by changing workplace practices, providing safety training for staff, and more.

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