Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after someone experiences or witnesses a traumatic event. Traumatic events can include war, natural disasters, sexual assault, physical abuse, or bad accidents. Residents of long-term care facilities may include, but are not limited to, trauma survivors such as military veterans, survivors of large-scale natural and human-caused disasters, Holocaust survivors, survivors of physical, sexual, and mental abuse (past or current), or other violent crime, as well as residents with a history of imprisonment, homelessness, or who have suffered the traumatic loss of a loved one.
The loss of independence and autonomy often associated with entering a nursing facility may result in a worsening of PTSD symptoms and the development of overwhelming anger and grief. These feelings can manifest in different ways, including social isolation and adverse behaviors. Care approaches in the nursing home that are authoritative, insensitive, or not patient-centered can also be triggering to residents.
Trauma- Informed Care and its importance in caring for residents who have experienced trauma have been highlighted in Phase 3 Requirements of Participation guidance. This month I will share information on Trauma Informed Care, including F-Tag Considerations.
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