What approach should CCAs take when managing challenging behavior in residents?

Engaging with the resident calmly and trying to understand their needs is the most effective approach when managing challenging behavior. This strategy focuses on communication and empathy, which helps create a supportive environment. By remaining calm and approachable, a CCA can build trust with the resident, allowing for better understanding of the underlying issues that may be causing the challenging behavior. This interaction can lead to more constructive outcomes, as residents often respond better when they feel heard and acknowledged.

Additionally, understanding their needs may reveal unmet psychological, physical, or emotional requirements, leading to solutions that address the root causes of the behavior rather than simply reacting to it. This method fosters a positive relationship between the caregiver and the resident and promotes a sense of security and well-being.

In contrast, reporting the behavior and ignoring it does not address the issue at hand, whereas using physical restraint could escalate the situation and potentially cause harm or distress to the resident. Threatening consequences can diminish the resident's sense of safety and may lead to increased anxiety or aggression, further complicating the situation. Engaging positively with residents thus stands out as the most compassionate and effective approach.