2-Day BTEC Level 2 Physical Intervention for the Elderly
Specialised techniques for safely supporting elderly individuals during physical interventions, with emphasis on frailty and medical considerations.
Physical Intervention for the Elderly Course
Course Overview
This 2-day training course is designed specifically for care home staff who may be required to safely and lawfully use physical intervention as a last resort when managing challenging behaviour in elderly residents, including those with dementia or other cognitive impairments.
The course promotes a person-centred, dignity-focused, and least restrictive approach, with strong emphasis on de-escalation, communication, and the physical and psychological risks associated with restraint in older adults.
Participants will develop the skills, judgement, and confidence to intervene appropriately in high-risk situations while remaining compliant with current legal and regulatory frameworks such as the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974, Mental Capacity Act 2005, Human Rights Act 1998, and CQC guidance.
Who is this course for?
- Residential Care Home Staff
- Nursing Home Staff
- Dementia Care Workers
- Team Leaders and Managers in Elderly Care
- New and Experienced Care Staff working with older people
- Night Staff and Lone Workers in Elderly Services
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
Day 1 – Foundations & Legal Framework
- Understanding Behaviour in Older Adults
- Identify causes of distress or aggression in elderly individuals (e.g. dementia, pain, confusion, unmet needs).
- Recognise signs of escalating behaviour and early intervention strategies.
- Legal & Ethical Responsibilities
- Understand key legislation including:
- Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
- Mental Capacity Act 2005
- Human Rights Act 1998
- Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS)
- Identify when physical intervention is lawful, necessary, and proportionate.
- Understand the duty of care owed to both residents and staff.
- Understand key legislation including:
- Risk Assessment & Care Planning
- Carry out basic risk assessments related to challenging behaviour.
- Contribute to behaviour support plans and use person-centred care planning.
- Understand how physical frailty and medical conditions impact risk.
- De-escalation and Communication Techniques
- Use verbal and non-verbal strategies to calm distressed or confused residents.
- Understand the importance of tone, body language, and space.
Day 2 – Practical Skills & Application
- Physical Intervention Techniques
- Learn and practise low-level physical interventions suitable for elderly individuals.
- Emphasis on non-pain compliant, least restrictive, and safeguarding-focused methods.
- Understand positioning, manual guiding, and safe disengagement techniques.
- Medical & Age-Related Risks
- Understand specific risks to elderly individuals including:
- Fragile skin
- Osteoporosis and fracture risks
- Breathing difficulties and positional asphyxia
- Dementia and confusion-related responses
- Understand specific risks to elderly individuals including:
- Team-Based Interventions & Lone Worker Considerations
- Work safely as a team in physical intervention scenarios.
- Understand safe practice when working alone or at night.
- Post-Incident Protocols
- Accurately record and report incidents in line with CQC expectations.
- Support residents and staff after incidents (post-incident support and reflection).
- Use incidents as learning opportunities to reduce future risk.
Assessment & Certification
- Practical Skills Observation
- Written Knowledge Check (Short Answer & Multiple Choice)
- Certificate of Completion valid for 12–24 months (depending on employer policy)
2 Days
Theory, practical & reflection
Role-play scenarios and real-world care home case studies
Flexible
Enquiry Form
Ready to Book?
Protect your staff with the 1-Day Breakaway & Self-Defence Course and give them the confidence to safely handle conflict in high-risk situations.
Delivered on-site or online by experienced trainers, this practical programme ensures compliance, reduces risk, and builds a safer workplace.
Take the next step today — enquire now to secure your training date.