This foundation course explores how distress and aggression can arise from confusion, unmet needs, or cognitive decline. It provides staff with practical understanding and communication skills to respond safely and compassionately.

Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

• Define challenging, disruptive, and hazardous behaviours within dementia and elderly care.

• Identify the causes, triggers, and functions of distressed behaviour linked to confusion, fear, or unmet needs.

• Apply person-centred, trauma-informed approaches that preserve dignity and reduce distress.

• Communicate effectively using calm, respectful, and reassuring verbal and non-verbal methods.

• Recognise emotional impact, maintain self-regulation, and respond safely under pressure.

• Understand the legal, ethical, and human-rights frameworks guiding least-restrictive practice.

This course builds on the Foundations level, applying theory to real-world prevention and safe withdrawal techniques. It supports carers to manage contact confidently and calmly while preserving dignity.

Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

• Define challenging, disruptive, and hazardous behaviours within dementia and elderly care.

• Identify the causes, triggers, and functions of distressed behaviour linked to confusion, fear, or unmet needs.

• Apply person-centred, trauma-informed approaches that preserve dignity and reduce distress.

• Communicate effectively using calm, respectful, and reassuring verbal and non-verbal methods.

• Recognise emotional impact, maintain self-regulation, and respond safely under pressure.

• Understand the legal, ethical, and human-rights frameworks guiding least-restrictive practice.

• Apply proactive prevention and early-intervention strategies to reduce escalation.

• Demonstrate safe, non-restrictive disengagement techniques such as wrist or clothing releases, personal-space awareness, and safe withdrawal.

This course introduces low-risk restrictive techniques suitable for elderly and dementia care, focusing on gentle, proportionate holds that protect both staff and service users.

Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

• Define challenging, disruptive, and hazardous behaviours within dementia and elderly care.

• Identify the causes, triggers, and functions of distressed behaviour linked to confusion, fear, or unmet needs.

• Apply person-centred, trauma-informed approaches that preserve dignity and reduce distress.

• Communicate effectively using calm, respectful, and reassuring verbal and non-verbal methods.

• Recognise emotional impact, maintain self-regulation, and respond safely under pressure.

• Understand the legal, ethical, and human-rights frameworks guiding least-restrictive practice.

• Apply proactive prevention and early-intervention strategies to reduce escalation.

• Demonstrate safe, non-restrictive disengagement techniques such as wrist or clothing releases, personal-space awareness, and safe withdrawal.

• Perform safe, proportionate standing and seated holds that maintain dignity and minimise risk of injury or fatigue.

• Work effectively as part of a team, maintaining clear communication and coordination throughout intervention.

The Advanced level develops confidence and leadership in managing complex or high-risk situations where restrictive interventions may occasionally be required. It includes the use of Safety Pods and related equipment as a safe, supportive alternative to floor-based restraint.

Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

• Define challenging, disruptive, and hazardous behaviours within dementia and elderly care.

• Identify the causes, triggers, and functions of distressed behaviour linked to confusion, fear, or unmet needs.

• Apply person-centred, trauma-informed approaches that preserve dignity and reduce distress.

• Communicate effectively using calm, respectful, and reassuring verbal and non-verbal methods.

• Recognise emotional impact, maintain self-regulation, and respond safely under pressure.

• Understand the legal, ethical, and human-rights frameworks guiding least-restrictive practice.

• Apply proactive prevention and early-intervention strategies to reduce escalation.

• Demonstrate safe, non-restrictive disengagement techniques such as wrist or clothing releases, personal-space awareness, and safe withdrawal.

• Perform safe, proportionate standing and seated holds that maintain dignity and minimise risk of injury or fatigue.

• Work effectively as part of a team, maintaining clear communication and coordination throughout intervention.

• Safely apply and support the use of Safety Pods as an alternative to floor-based restraint, ensuring comfort, protection, and dignity for individuals in crisis.