Behaviour support
Understand behaviour. Improve quality of life.
When someone becomes distressed, we look beyond the behaviour to understand what they may be communicating. Support focuses on prevention, dignity and a better quality of life.
Understanding distress
What might be behind it?
Distress can be linked to many things. We consider each of them with the person and the people who know them well:
- Communication difficulties
- Pain, illness or discomfort
- Changes in routine or environment
- Sensory overload
- Unmet needs or loss of control
- Relationships and recent events
Positive Behaviour Support
An evidence-informed approach.
Where appropriate, Positive Behaviour Support forms part of an agreed plan. Assessment helps identify patterns, triggers, the purpose of behaviour and protective factors.
Assess
Understand patterns, triggers and what behaviour communicates.
Plan
Agree proactive and reactive strategies with everyone involved.
Review
Measure what changes and adjust the plan.
Proactive support
Prevention comes first.
Teams use clear strategies to reduce distress and increase predictability, so the person spends more time feeling calm, safe and in control.
- Predictable routines and visual supports
- Environments adapted to sensory needs
- Meaningful activities and choice
- Early recognition of rising distress
Least restrictive practice
Rights, dignity and choice.
Plans protect rights, promote choice and avoid unnecessary restriction. Staff have clear guidance on how to respond, when to seek help and how concerns should be shared.
- Restrictions only where justified and agreed
- Every restriction recorded and reviewed
- Focus on prevention and early support
- The person involved in decisions wherever possible
Working together
Consistent support across everyone involved.
We work with families, advocates and professionals such as behaviour specialists, psychologists and health teams, within our agreed role.
Clear guidance means every member of staff responds in the same, agreed way.
Questions
Behaviour support FAQs
Answers to the questions we are asked most often.
Is behaviour support a separate service?
It usually forms part of a wider package, such as supported living or support at home, and is set out in the person’s support plan.
Do you use restrictive practices?
Our approach focuses on prevention and the least restrictive option. Any restriction must be justified, agreed, recorded and regularly reviewed.
Who writes the behaviour support plan?
Plans are developed with the person, the people who know them well and relevant professionals. Specialist input is arranged where needed.
How do you measure progress?
We look at the person’s quality of life, how often distress happens and how well the plan is working, and review it together.
Next steps
Talk to us about support
Call us on 0333 301 0025 or send us a message. Our team will talk you through the next steps.