![[Original size] PARADIGM-2.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/eef249_736fa01ed10a4ffc9a677353cce8b742~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_103,h_103,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/%5BOriginal%20size%5D%20PARADIGM-2.png)
Resources
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Alzheimer Society of Canada Conversations
Baycrest Dementia Care Readiness
Ontario CLRI Dementia Care and Responsive Behaviour
Related Services
Responsive Behaviour & Safety Worker (RBSW)
A Responsive Behaviour & Safety Worker (RBSW) is a trained support professional who provides attentive supervision, behavioural engagement, and reassurance for residents experiencing responsive behaviours & dementia behavioural support in Long-Term Care Homes based in Ontario.
RBSWs are not a replacement for nursing staff or personal support workers. Instead, they provide additional supportive presence when residents require closer observation or engagement.
The role focuses on helping maintain a safe, calm, and respectful care environment for residents and staff.
How RBSWs Support Residents
RBSWs focus on person-centred behavioural support, which may include:
One-to-One Observation
Providing attentive supervision for residents who may require additional monitoring for safety or reassurance.
Behavioural Redirection
Using calm communication and supportive approaches to help redirect behaviours and reduce distress.
Emotional Reassurance
Offering supportive presence for residents who may feel confused, anxious, or overwhelmed.
Meaningful Interaction
Engaging residents in simple activities such as conversation, walking, or familiar routines that promote comfort.
Observation and Communication
Monitoring behavioural changes and communicating observations to the care team when appropriate.
Our Approach
At Paradigm Healthcare Services, our approach focuses on respect, compassion, and collaboration with care teams.
We emphasize:
• maintaining resident dignity and emotional well-being
• supporting safe and calm care environments
• working alongside the existing care team
• providing consistent and attentive support
Our goal is to contribute positively to the daily care experience for residents and the overall care environment.
Q1: What are responsive behaviours in dementia?
A1: Responsive behaviours are actions such as agitation, wandering, restlessness, or distress that may occur in people living with dementia. These behaviours are often expressions of unmet physical, emotional, or environmental needs rather than intentional actions.
Q2: What is a Responsive Behaviour & Safety Worker (RBSW)?
A2: An RBSW is a trained support professional who provides attentive supervision, reassurance, and behavioural engagement for residents experiencing responsive behaviours in long-term care homes.
Q3: How does an RBSW support long-term care teams?
A3: RBSWs work alongside nurses, personal support workers and in-house behavioural support leads by providing focused observation and engagement when residents require closer supervision or behavioural support.
Q4: When might a long-term care home request an RBSW?
A4: Long-term care homes may request an RBSW when residents require close observation, experience dementia-related responsive behaviours, or benefit from additional one-to-one engagement and reassurance.