What should staff do when they notice a change in a resident's behavior?

When staff notice a change in a resident's behavior, the appropriate action is to document the behavior and report it to the appropriate healthcare professional. This approach is crucial for several reasons.

Firstly, changes in behavior can be indicators of underlying health issues, emotional distress, or changes in medication or treatment that need to be assessed by a healthcare professional. By documenting the behavior, staff provide valuable information that can help in understanding the context and determining what might be causing the change.

Additionally, reporting to a healthcare professional ensures that the resident receives the necessary evaluation and intervention as soon as possible. This is especially important in a care setting where the goal is to maintain the health and well-being of residents.

On the other hand, ignoring the behavior can lead to the worsening of a potential health issue, and discussing it exclusively with other staff does not create a comprehensive record or lead to timely intervention. Confronting the resident immediately about their behavior may also be inappropriate, as it may cause distress or lead to heightened anxiety for the resident rather than allowing for a supportive and understanding approach. Thus, the correct course of action emphasizes communication, documentation, and collaboration with healthcare professionals to ensure appropriate care and support for the resident.