COURSE OVERVIEW:
Welcome to the course on Managing Wandering and Elopement in Disability Support. This course is designed to equip disability support professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage and prevent wandering and elopement incidents, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of individuals under their care.
We begin with an introduction to wandering and elopement, defining these behaviours and exploring the different types. Understanding the prevalence of wandering and elopement in disability support settings is crucial, as is recognising the significant impact these behaviours can have on individuals and their families.
Next, we delve into the causes of wandering and elopement. This section covers cognitive and behavioural factors, environmental triggers, and medical and psychological conditions that can contribute to these behaviours.
Risk assessment is a critical component of managing wandering and elopement. We will discuss how to identify high-risk individuals, conduct thorough risk assessments, and document and communicate these risks effectively within your team and organisation.
Understanding the Australian legal and ethical considerations is essential. This includes duty of care, consent and autonomy, and the relevant legal frameworks and regulations that guide practice in disability support settings.
Person-centred approaches are at the heart of effective support. We will explore how to develop individualised plans that involve families, carers, and caregivers, promoting both independence and safety for individuals.
Environmental modifications can play a significant role in preventing wandering and elopement. This section covers how to create safe living environments, use technology and monitoring devices effectively, and design spaces that minimise the risk of wandering.
Behavioural strategies are key to managing these behaviours. We will discuss various behavioural interventions and techniques, the development of positive behaviour support plans, and crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques.
Training and education for staff are vital for preparedness and competence. This includes staff training programs, role-playing and simulations, and continuous professional development to ensure staff are equipped to handle wandering and elopement effectively.
Effective communication and collaboration are essential for a cohesive approach. We will cover strategies for effective communication, interdisciplinary team collaboration, and engaging with external agencies and services to support individuals.
Emergency response planning is crucial for managing incidents of wandering and elopement. We will discuss how to develop comprehensive emergency response plans, conduct drills and simulations, and perform post-incident reviews and debriefings.
The use of technology and assistive devices can significantly enhance safety. This includes GPS and tracking systems, alarm systems and sensors, and wearable devices, along with their integration into care plans.
Ongoing monitoring and evaluation are necessary to ensure the effectiveness of interventions. This section covers strategies for continuous monitoring, evaluating the success of interventions, and implementing feedback mechanisms for quality improvement.
By the end of this course, you will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to manage wandering and elopement effectively, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of individuals with disabilities in your care.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
By the end of this course, you will be able to understand the following topics:
1. Introduction to Wandering and Elopement
- Definition and Types of Wandering
- Prevalence in Disability Support Settings
- Impact on Individuals and Families
2. Understanding the Causes
- Cognitive and Behavioural Factors
- Environmental Triggers
- Medical and Psychological Conditions
3. Risk Assessment
- Identifying High-Risk Individuals
- Conducting Risk Assessments
- Documenting and Communicating Risks
4. Legal and Ethical Considerations
- Duty of Care
- Consent and Autonomy
- Legal Frameworks and Regulations
5. Person-Centred Approaches
- Individualised Plans
- Involving Families, Carers and Caregivers
- Promoting Independence and Safety
6. Environmental Modifications
- Safe Living Environments
- Use of Technology and Monitoring Devices
- Designing Wandering-Preventive Spaces
7. Behavioural Strategies
- Behavioural Interventions and Techniques
- Positive Behaviour Support Plans
- Crisis Intervention and De-escalation Techniques
8. Training and Education for Staff
- Staff Training Programs
- Role-Playing and Simulations
- Continuous Professional Development
9. Communication and Collaboration
- Effective Communication Strategies
- Interdisciplinary Team Collaboration
- Engaging with External Agencies and Services
10. Emergency Response Planning
- Developing Emergency Response Plans
- Drills and Simulations
- Post-Incident Review and Debriefing
11. Use of Technology and Assistive Devices
- GPS and Tracking Systems
- Alarm Systems and Sensors
- Wearable Devices and Their Integration
12. Monitoring and Evaluation
- Ongoing Monitoring Strategies
- Evaluating Effectiveness of Interventions
- Feedback Mechanisms and Quality Improvement
COURSE DURATION:
The typical duration of this course is approximately 2-3 hours to complete. Your enrolment is Valid for 12 Months. Start anytime and study at your own pace.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
You must have access to a computer or any mobile device with Adobe Acrobat Reader (free PDF Viewer) installed, to complete this course.
COURSE DELIVERY:
Purchase and download course content.
ASSESSMENT:
A simple 10-question true or false quiz with Unlimited Submission Attempts.
CERTIFICATION:
Upon course completion, you will receive a customised digital “Certificate of Completion”.