Elderly Care and Crisis Intervention

A person aged 60 or older who struggles with physical or mental health due to aging, limiting their ability to care for themselves.

A progressive brain disorder causing memory decline, impaired judgment, and personality shifts.

A specific type of dementia that progressively damages brain function, leading to memory loss, reasoning issues, and difficulty with daily tasks.

Limited mobility, vision, hearing, strength, bone deterioration, or memory loss.

A system designed to assist in finding missing elderly people, similar to an Amber Alert for children.

Communicating with an elderly person involves understanding their perspective, explaining assistance, using a conversational tone, and avoiding speaking over them.

Avoid assuming a caregiver's opinion reflects the elderly person's needs. Ensure the elderly individual has a voice.

The process of helping juveniles and their families to prevent future offenses and build positive relationships with law enforcement.

Actions taken by law enforcement when dealing with juvenile offenders, ranging from issuing warnings to making arrests, depending on the severity of the offense and evidence.

A law enforcement officer's ability to serve as a positive role model and influence juveniles to become law-abiding citizens.

Children who have left home without permission or have run away from their families.

The act of taking a runaway child into custody to ensure their safety and well-being.

The process of contacting the parents or legal guardians of a runaway child or absentee.

The Florida agency responsible for the welfare of children, including runaway children.

Veterans transitioning from military service to civilian life often face unique challenges due to their military experiences and cultural differences.

The unique needs and experiences of military veterans that require special consideration while interacting with them.

The point when a person realizes their current coping skills are insufficient to manage the crisis situation. They may experience heightened emotions, confusion, and difficulty thinking rationally.

The person attempts to resolve the crisis using methods that have worked in similar situations, but these methods fail, leading to emotional blockage and frustration.

The individual is unable to solve the crisis and feels overwhelmed by their emotions. They may lose their problem-solving abilities and struggle to cope rationally.

The person is open to suggestions and willing to try new coping strategies. They may start explaining the impact of the crisis on them and seek solutions.

Understanding the different phases of a crisis helps recognize and respond appropriately to the person's needs.

An anxiety disorder that involves intrusive, recurring thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions) that the person feels compelled to do.

A condition where a person exhibits inflexible and deeply ingrained behavior patterns that differ significantly from societal norms, leading to distress for both the individual and those around them.

A personality disorder characterized by a disregard for social norms, a lack of empathy, and manipulative behavior. These individuals may engage in illegal acts without remorse or consideration for the consequences.

A personality disorder defined by an inflated sense of self-importance, a need for admiration, and a lack of empathy for others. Individuals with NPD often exhibit a grandiose view of themselves and expect preferential treatment.

Individuals with mental illness may display unpredictable behavior; therefore, maintaining everyone's safety should be prioritized during any interaction. Ongoing assessment is crucial throughout the interaction.

Gathering information from dispatch, family members, residents, or past encounters with law enforcement can provide valuable insights into the individual's background, behavior, and potential threats. This information aids in making informed decisions during interactions.

Unless a crime of violence has been committed or a dangerous weapon is present, respond to an individual with a suspected mental illness in a manner similar to how you would respond to anyone else.

It's important to understand that individuals with mental illness are not always predictable. Carefully assessing the situation and individual behavior is essential during interactions.

Gaining information from dispatch, family members, witnesses, and past law enforcement encounters helps to create a comprehensive understanding of the individual's mental health history, behavior patterns, and any potential risks.

Understanding the specific condition, medications, and potential behavioral patterns associated with a mental illness can significantly enhance your ability to make informed decisions and ensure appropriate responses during interactions.

A situation perceived as overwhelming and potentially dangerous, causing a sense of fear, helplessness, or confusion. It can vary significantly based on individual experiences and vulnerabilities.

A state of mind where someone feels threatened or unsafe, potentially leading to defensive or aggressive behaviors. It's often characterized by heightened emotions, intense reactions, and difficulty thinking clearly.

A person's personal history, values, beliefs, and current circumstances that shape their response to a crisis. These include their psychological state, social connections, financial stability, and sense of self.

Indicators of heightened stress and emotional distress that may manifest physically, such as sweating, rapid breathing, or tense facial expressions. These behaviors often suggest a person is struggling to cope with a crisis situation.

Reduced mental clarity and decision-making abilities due to stress and emotional overwhelm. This can be a common reaction to a crisis situation, making it harder for the individual to think rationally.

Empathetic and supportive communication techniques used to build trust and understanding with someone in crisis. It involves active listening, validating their feelings, and avoiding judgmental responses.

A specialized team trained to help individuals in crisis and de-escalate situations. They often have expertise in mental health, crisis intervention, and communication strategies.

Events that trigger a sense of fear, anxiety, or distress, causing a loss of control and potentially resulting in harmful behavior. This can be subjective, as different individuals may experience the same event differently.

Non-judgmental approaches that emphasize active listening and validating someone's emotions. This involves acknowledging their feelings, understanding their perspective, and not dismissing their experiences.

Actions taken to help individuals overcome a crisis, regain emotional stability, and develop coping skills. This often involves support from professionals, community resources, and personal resilience.

Maintaining eye contact, speaking directly to the individual, using a respectful tone, and avoiding slang are crucial when interacting with the public. This approach ensures clear and courteous communication.

When a situation becomes tense, de-escalation techniques help maintain peace and prevent escalation. These techniques involve calming the situation, treating people with courtesy, actively listening, and using a calm voice.

Assessing the situation involves observing behaviors, statements, and considering the possibility of substance misuse. Understanding the environment, including any potential injuries or signs of substance abuse, is crucial before responding to an incident.

Individuals with autism may engage in self-stimulating behaviors, and these should be allowed to continue unless the situation poses an immediate danger. Once the person has calmed down, provide necessary assistance.

Elderly individuals have unique needs due to aging. Often, they have limited mobility, vision, or hearing, which requires patience and understanding when interacting with them.

When dealing with an elderly person, it's important to understand their concerns, explain procedures clearly, and use a conversational tone to ensure understanding. Avoid speaking too quickly or over them.

When communicating with someone who has a hearing impairment, ensure that they understand their Miranda rights by providing them in a manner they can comprehend, such as in writing or using a sign-language interpreter.

You cannot question a person with a hearing impairment who has requested a sign-language interpreter until the interpreter arrives.

If a person with a hearing impairment requests a sign-language interpreter during a Miranda situation, you may not continue to question them until the interpreter appears. People who have a hearing impairment cannot knowingly waive their rights unless the warning is given in a format they understand.

A speech impairment is a physiological condition that causes a person to have difficulty in producing sound or understandable language.

Speech impairments have many forms, including voice and sound disorders, stuttering, slurring, lisping, and mumbling.

If you have trouble understanding someone’s speech in a non-confrontational incident, ask if family members, friends, or neighbors can help.

Consider recording all exchanges with someone who is hearing impaired. This can help document the interaction and ensure accurate communication.

Florida court cases involving defendants who are hearing impaired are sometimes dismissed because of events occurring before Miranda rights are explained.

When advising a person with a hearing impairment of their Miranda rights, provide their rights in a manner understood by them, such as in writing or by using a sign-language interpreter.

Using emergency lights and sirens when responding to calls involving individuals with mental illness can be counterproductive, potentially increasing anxiety and hindering calming efforts. Instead, approach calmly and focus on establishing yourself as a helper, not an enforcer.

When communicating with an individual with a mental illness, avoid judgments, condescending language, or intimidation. Instead, exhibit a caring attitude and maintain a respectful and non-threatening demeanor.

While you may not be able to fully address their issues, your actions with a person experiencing mental illness can impact their future interactions with law enforcement. Treat them with compassion and understanding, as it can shape their perception of law enforcement officers.

Before approaching a person in a crisis, assess the situation for potential risks. Observe their behavior, statements, and consider any signs of substance use or injuries. Maintaining situational awareness is crucial for your safety and the safety of those involved.

When interacting with a person experiencing a crisis, use communication techniques that build trust and understanding. Active listening, validating their emotions, and avoiding judgment are essential for de-escalation.

Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may have difficulty with social interaction and communication, and often engage in repetitive behaviors.

When interacting with someone with ASD, it's crucial to understand their unique needs and communicate in a way that is clear and reassuring.

People with ASD may engage in self-stimulating behaviors to help them regulate their emotions and senses. Examples include: rocking, hand flapping, or repeating certain sounds.

It's important to understand that an individual with ASD may have a different perspective on the world. Their experiences may be different due to sensory sensitivities and difficulty processing social cues.

The person with ASD may have a caregiver or support person who can provide valuable information and assistance. Always ask if there is a caregiver present.

Avoid interrupting or asking questions that could overwhelm the individual with ASD. Give them time to respond and avoid complex communication.

Do not try to force eye contact or engage in physical touch without clear consent. Respect the person's personal space and boundaries.

If the person with ASD is engaging in a self-stimulating behavior that does not pose a safety risk, allowing them to continue may help them regulate their emotions and calm down.

If the person with ASD is exhibiting behaviors that pose a safety risk to themself or others, gently intervene as needed. Ensure their safety and the safety of others.

It's important to remain calm and reassuring. Don't be afraid to ask for help if needed. It's not always easy, but your patience and understanding can make a big difference.

A false belief that is firmly held despite obvious proof or evidence to the contrary. It is the person's reality, even if it is not objectively true.

Hearing voices, seeing things that are not there, or experiencing other sensory perceptions that are not real.

Emotional disturbances with long periods of excessive sadness, excessive joyousness, or both.

A mental health condition characterized by intense and persistent anxiety that interferes with daily life and functioning.

A state of intense fear, anxiety, and physical symptoms such as a racing heartbeat, sweating, and difficulty breathing. It often comes on suddenly and can be very frightening.

A mental illness that causes people to experience delusions and hallucinations, often affecting their ability to think clearly and interact with others.

A group of mental health conditions marked by inflexible and unhealthy personality traits that cause significant distress and impair relationships.

Using drugs or alcohol to avoid dealing with personal problems, sleep, or make symptoms disappear.

Avoiding situations, people, or things that remind the veteran of their trauma.

Being constantly vigilant for danger, which can lead to stress, fear, and exhaustion.

People experiencing homelessness often avoid reporting crimes due to a lack of motivation to file a complaint or a desire to avoid interaction with law enforcement.

As a law enforcement officer, you should treat individuals experiencing homelessness with dignity and respect, recognizing that homelessness is not a crime and is rarely a choice. You can provide information about available services instead of making an arrest.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal law that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in various aspects of life, including employment, education, and transportation. Law enforcement officers should understand the ADA to effectively interact with individuals with disabilities.

It's vital for law enforcement officers to be aware of the ADA and its requirements to ensure effective and respectful interactions with individuals with disabilities.

When interacting with someone who has a hearing impairment, ensure they understand their Miranda rights by providing them in a manner they can comprehend, such as in writing or using a sign-language interpreter.

A deeply ingrained, nonpsychotic, inflexible pattern of relating, perceiving, and behaving that causes distress to the individual and those around them.

A type of personality disorder that includes a disregard for social norms, a lack of empathy and manipulative behavior. This individual may engage in illegal acts without remorse or consideration for the consequences.

A mental illness characterized by recurring, unwanted thoughts called obsessions and repetitive behaviors called compulsions. It can be overwhelming and cause significant distress.

These individuals may display anxious, fearful, dramatic, emotional, or unpredictable behavior and impaired functioning. Common examples include ASPD, NPD and OCD.

A condition where a person's reactions to stressful events are so severe that they interfere with everyday life. They might have a physical reaction to stress (e.g., rapid heartbeat or sweating), and it could be difficult to manage their feelings.

A communication method that involves identifying yourself, providing clear directions, and reading aloud documents for the visually impaired.

A condition that makes it difficult for a person to hear, and may range from mild hearing loss to complete deafness.