Challenging behaviour is most often, though not exclusively exhibited by individuals with learning developmental disabilities, individuals with dementia or other mental health needs, such as strokes or acquired brain injuries, individuals with psychosis and by children, although such behaviours can be displayed by any person.

At Step Ahead Care Services, we know that behaviour that challenge is invariably a form of communication; it is a way for a person to control their environment when they cannot otherwise communicate their hopes, choices, needs and fears.

All too often behaviour of distress is cited as a barrier to community inclusion. It is part of a vicious circle that keeps people unnecessarily in secure hospitals, ruining lives.

Our experience is that when someone has the right support in place, challenging and distressed behaviour can usually be prevented or reduced.

Step Ahead Care Services provides Behaviour support programs by behaviour support specialists. Other therapists may be included in behaviour support programs, such as occupational therapists and speech-language pathologists.

Challenging behaviour can include:

• Aggression
• Self-harm
• Destructiveness
• Disruptiveness

If you’re having trouble dealing with the behaviour of someone you care for, you can ask us to refer you to a professional.

Our expert will want to know what events or persons set off the behaviour, what the early warning signs are, and what happens afterwards.

Quality and experience

Our services meet or exceed the standards set by the Care Quality Commission, We also have our own quality standards, What Matters Most, which help us support people in the best possible way. These standards have been developed to cover the things that people have told us are important to them.

We have supported many people to move from residential care or family homes into their own place or a house shared with friends.