Recovery

Hi @Ralphy

Welcome to the forums and thank you for reaching out here. It sounds like a really challenging situation. I'm so sorry that happened to you. It must have been terribly upsetting. I'm wondering if your workplace offered you support such as counselling? I would be really hard for you to continue to work without thinking about the attack, I'm imagining? Is that correct?

Warmest wishes

Hanami

Hi Hanami,

Thank you for your support. Yes I have received ample amount of support from all areas, which has been incredibly helpful and comforting. I guess I am seeking that common ground with someone who has experienced similar, as they may have helpful insights into what worked for them post assault and help to feel somewhat more normal in my recovery of unusual behaviours and intense emotions.

Hi @Ralphy

I have 2 separate experiences although they may differ.

In a supported lining place a male was aggressive and physical

In the end they allocated two workers.

That is important especially because workers have to put up with a lot.

I think you are talking supported living or similar

If so, You have to realise you are dealing with people with issues. Some have not found the correct medication and some need changing.

If unsafe, you should have a choice to assist or not. Speak to supervisor.

For me, i was physically assaulted.

But my mind went to imagine how hard it is for the client?

Most refused to assist.

For me the suffering i took to give the client dignity was worth it.

My attitude does not suit all.

But it must be so hard when they need our help. They may be scared too.

@Ralphy

Client may or may not know what they are doing.

They may or may not be able to control their actions.

My other experience is with so called Normal people Which l will not go into now. And that was voluntary assault.

If in supported living or with people diagnosed in any way, we assist in that venvironment if we can.

If we cannot assist there, we can find another area of helping people.

I doubt the attack(s) are personal.

We hope we react civily when we need care. But who knows where our minds will be. Listen in the hospitals. Food complaints too.

A summary is focus on the good you do helping Others. Not everyone can help. It is not easy. It is personally rewarding

I never was in some of the really aggressive ones l have heard about.

I say the key point or word in helping others is Frustration.

Frustration.

It is frustrating.

But personally rewarding

Mk33, thank you for the insight and sharing your story and perspective. I find it incredibly helpful to gain others insight to allow for moving forward. You have given me some great key points to reflect upon and I'm very grateful for your offer and connecting with me.

Hi @Ralphy and welcome to the forums.

I’m sorry you were assaulted by a client in the workplace. This is not a good experience. I have been assaulted by clients in the past and Can agree it’s not easy to move on after such an experience.

This is a good time to review the client’s behaviour support plan and identify anything that could have been done differently.

In moving forward it’s important to identify risk factors and minimise the chance of it reoccurring.

I presume you receive training in support strategies but it might be time to refresh yourself in this training.

Stay in communication with your coworkers and managers. It’s hard not to be fearful of it happening again and that can be the hardest to overcome. You don’t have to work with that person again unless you feel safe so be honest with your team and let them assist when necessary.

Take care.

Hi @Ralphy

Sadly support workers are undervalued

In factories and workplaces safety is machines and staff.

Aged care and disability is about people.

as @Eve7 suggested speak to others.

Reality for me was scared staff put client to bed "soiled" Then bed sores etc.

I mentally said l cannot do that.

He possibly knew he was hurting me, and maybe could not control it.

I would not like others showering me.

Do not take more than you are prepared.

And the second helper either did help or often stay. Arghh. Frustration

But to mentally get over it, consider my reply as you have done.

I have other abuse story. Courts and Police cannot stop. Sometimes we need incredible strength to get over things.

I found faith and belief in the bible.

Not for all.

But we are open as we want here as long as we do not intentionally upset others.

I would like to hear your thoughts when you have consumed different ideas.