‘De’grading, ‘de’humanizing, ‘de’moralizing, ‘de’valuing – the primary causes of abuse and neglect. The ‘de’ is found in our behavior.
In this riveting and provocative presentation, Dr. Tom Pomeranz makes it clear that treating those we support with dignity and respect is the ultimate deterrent. Particular emphasis is given to the causes of anger and its consequences. Tom provides participants with specific strategies to manage anger. Left unchecked, anger can only give rise to abusive and neglectful interaction. Tom provides participants with specific ways of behaving that deter abuse and neglect – that remove the ‘de.’
Respectful language, age appropriate interactions, providing options, teaching self advocacy, promoting individualization and self determination all convey to others that those we support are people of value and therefore should be treated as such. Historically, the neglect and abuse standards of the regulatory environment focus on whether people are free from subjugation, aversives, boredom, neglect and abuse. The higher standard is one that emphasizes whether people are free to form valued relationships, engage in meaningful activities and make significant life choices such as where to live and with whom to live.
It is through these strategies that organizations can draw a line in the sand – that is, establish a chemistry and culture that is absolutely intolerant of abuse and neglect and embrace the maxim - “Treat others the way you would treat yourself under the most challenging of circumstances.”
