BHS-014 — De-escalation Techniques

Title: De-escalation Techniques
CEUs: 1.5 Hours | Audience: HHAs, CNAs, PCAs, DSPs

Overview:
De-escalation is one of the most critical skills in behavioral health caregiving. This course equips home care workers with practical, evidence-based techniques to reduce the intensity of agitated, confused, or threatening situations — keeping both clients and caregivers safe. From verbal approaches to environmental modifications to self-regulation, this course builds the foundational de-escalation toolkit for direct care workers.

Learning Objectives:
– Define de-escalation and explain how it works
– Apply verbal and non-verbal de-escalation techniques
– Understand the physiological basis for escalation
– Modify the care environment to support de-escalation
– Know when to exit and call for help

Topics Covered:
De-escalation principles, verbal and non-verbal techniques, active listening, validation, offering choices, environmental modifications, self-regulation, recognizing when to escalate to 911, and post-incident documentation.