New support workers to help with aggressive residents

Dozens of nurses and support workers will soon be hired in long-term care homes for seniors across the northeast to help deal with violent or aggressive residents — some of whom live with Alzheimer’s Disease.

The province is providing funding for 58 staff — and six of those workers will go to Pioneer Manor in Sudbury.

Kimberley Pelkman, manager of Therapeutic Services at the manor, said there were 52 incidents involving violent residents and staff in 2011.

"It could be a back injury, it could be a kick ... [or] a bruising," Pelkman said. "There's incidents on a small scale happening every day."

Pelkman said staff will be trained to calm aggressive residents and they will also mentor workers currently in place.

Dealing with volatile situations

Being scratched, kicked or bitten seems to be part of the job for long-term care workers in Sudbury.

It’s something with which Lynn Lafreniere is well acquainted. She helps train homecare workers to deal with volatile situations.

Lafreniere said, even though she visited one woman in her home every night, she was met with fear and hostility every time.

"Can you imagine, someone … unlocking your door at 11 p.m., I’d be a little afraid too," she said.

Lafreniere recalled that the woman, who suffered with Alzheimer’s, came to the door with a broom every time she visited. Lafreniere had to say the same thing every night, because the woman didn't remember her.

"I said, ‘you know what, if you don't let me in this house... I won't be able to feed my children because I won't have a job’... Then she said, ‘well alright dear’."

Lafreniere said she teaches workers to be patient — and not to take it personally.