Understanding the person

Positive behaviour support

Positive behaviour support helps us understand what may be behind distress or behaviours of concern.

We use this understanding to provide proactive, personalised support that promotes choice, independence, and quality of life.

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A positive approach to behaviour support

Behaviour can be a way of communicating distress, discomfort, or an unmet need.

Our approach looks beyond the behaviour to understand what may be influencing how someone feels and responds.

By getting to know the person, recognising triggers and early signs of distress, and adapting support around their needs, our teams can respond proactively and help prevent situations from escalating.

Understand the person

Getting to know someone’s needs, communication, experiences, preferences, routines, and what may be influencing their behaviour.

Recognise triggers and early signs

Understanding what may contribute to distress and noticing small changes that indicate someone may need additional or different support.

Plan support together

Involving the person, those who know them well, and relevant professionals to agree personalised and consistent approaches.

Provide staffing around individual need

Staffing and observation levels are based on assessed needs and risks, giving colleagues the time and consistency to build trust and respond proactively.

Support meaningful activity and skills

Creating opportunities around someone’s interests, abilities, and goals that provide purpose and support confidence, choice, and independence.

Create the right environment

Considering communication, sensory needs, routines, relationships, and surroundings, and adapting these around the individual.

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Trained to provide positive, least-restrictive support

Our colleagues receive training to help them provide safe, proactive, and consistent behaviour support.

Exemplar Positive Behaviour Support (EPBS) is our behaviour support development programme, helping colleagues understand what may be behind behaviour, recognise early signs of distress, and use proactive approaches to prevent escalation.

It also equips colleagues to respond safely and respectfully when someone is distressed or in crisis.

EPBS is certified by BILD ACT and meets the Restraint Reduction Network Standards.

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When I first moved in, I was a whirlwind. Dr Akande and the Behaviour Support Team, all helped – my medication, therapy, different things. My mental health’s improved significantly. I’m more confident, I’m a lot calmer. And now I’m Kayleigh 2.0!”

Kayleigh

Resident, Lakeview

Hear from Kayleigh

Behaviour support expertise

Our home teams can access advice and guidance from Exemplar Health Care’s central Behaviour Support Team.

The team works alongside colleagues to help prevent escalation and provide additional advice and guidance during periods of increased distress, risk, or crisis.

Where needed, wider clinical professionals can also provide input around the person’s mental and physical health, medication, and other needs.