Guideline 12: Family carers displaying anger

Specific strategies

Ensure own personal safety is maintained and clear boundaries are established

• In rare situations where anger or conflict appears to be escalating:
  • Stay a comfortable distance away from the aggressive person.
  • Try to position yourself near the door, particularly if feeling threatened.
  • Ask another colleague (e.g. nurse, social worker) to attend consultations if there is prior knowledge of aggressive person's attendance.
  • If the anger/aggression continues, seek support from senior staff and/or hospital administration to form an ongoing management plan.

• Protect your mental well-being in the workplace.
  • You have a right to come to work and not be abused.
  • If a family member continues to be aggressive, you can end the conversation.

Click for example wording

“I really want to work with you to provide care for your family member, but I don’t think I can continue this conversation today if you keep talking to me in this way.”

“I don’t feel comfortable continuing this conversation today”.

“I am going to have to ask you to wait in the waiting room while we finish up this consultation, as I am not able to provide effective care to your family member”.

• Dealing with angry family members can be burdensome. Talking to someone may be beneficial to your mental health.
• You may wish to debrief with a supervisor, or see a counsellor provided under your workplace’s Employee Assistance Program.