October is National Bullying Prevention Awareness Month, and the NCAL Customer Relations Committee has developed a new resource for assisted living providers in recognition. “Bullying Among Seniors (and Not the High School Kind)” is a prevention and surveillance resource aimed towards helping providers better understand bullying behaviors among certain residents in their communities.

The resource provides an overview of bullying, including typical traits of residents who bully as well as potential victims of bullying. It then provides ideas on how to create a positive environment for residents in order to deter bullying. Lastly, the resource offers a potential process for addressing bullying when it occurs.

NCAL cautions that “Bullying Among Seniors” is not intended as legal advice and should not be used as or relied upon as legal advice. The Customer Relations Committee felt it was a critical issue that providers be more aware of and prepared for.

“While assisted living communities offer a great opportunity for seniors and individuals with disabilities to socialize with others facing similar needs, we cannot assume that everyone will get along, or that victimization won’t occur,” said Committee Chair Jeanne Jaeckels. “But that does not mean we simply accept it either.”

“Bullying Among Seniors” can be found on the NCAL website, with other resources focused on customer relations.

NCAL members are encouraged to share any anti-bullying resource or sample policies on AHCA/NCAL’s learning management system ahcancalED. Please email educate@ahca.org, and AHCA/NCAL staff will provide members with the information needed regarding the process.