Positive Behaviour Support for Older Adults

As people age, changes in health, cognition, environment, and daily routines can impact behaviour, emotional regulation, and overall wellbeing.
Behaviour support for older adults focuses on understanding these changes and providing practical, respectful strategies that support:

• emotional regulation
• safety and wellbeing
• independence in daily life
• communication
• quality of life

Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) helps identify what may be contributing to behaviour and supports individuals, families, and carers with structured, person-centred strategies.

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WHY BEHAVIOUR MAY CHANGE IN OLDER ADULTS

Behaviour changes in older adults are often linked to underlying factors rather than intentional actions.
These may include:

• cognitive changes (e.g. dementia)
• neurological conditions (stroke, Parkinson’s, MS)
• memory difficulties
• communication challenges
• physical health issues or pain
• fatigue or sleep changes
• environmental changes (hospital, new home, routine changes)
• emotional factors such as anxiety, confusion or distress

Understanding the cause of behaviour is essential to providing effective support.

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HOW POSITIVE BEHAVIOUR SUPPORT HELPS

Positive Behaviour Support focuses on understanding behaviour and developing strategies that improve safety, comfort, and daily functioning.
PBS may help by:
✔ identifying triggers and patterns
✔ reducing environmental stressors
✔ supporting communication
✔ developing practical routines
✔ reducing behaviours of concern safely
✔ improving quality of life

Learn more about PBS here

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POSITIVE BEHAVIOUR SUPPORT STRATEGIES FOR OLDER ADULTS

Proactive Strategies

• maintaining consistent routines
• simplifying environments
• reducing noise and overstimulation
• providing clear cues and prompts
• preparing for changes in routine
• supporting familiar activities

Skill-Building & Support Strategies

• supporting communication (verbal and non-verbal)
• encouraging participation in daily activities
• using memory aids or prompts
• supporting emotional regulation
• building structured daily routines

​Reactive Strategies

• staying calm and reassuring
• using simple, clear communication
• reducing demands during distress
• allowing time and space for regulation
• prioritising safety
• avoiding confrontation or escalation

Learn more about PBS strategies

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BEHAVIOUR SUPPORT AND DEMENTIA

Dementia can significantly impact behaviour, including:

• confusion or disorientation
• agitation or distress
• wandering
• withdrawal or reduced engagement
• changes in communication

Behaviour support focuses on understanding what may be causing distress and adjusting supports to improve comfort and safety.

Learn more about Dementia Specific strategies

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COGNITIVE & NEUROLOGICAL CONDITIONS

Behaviour support may also assist individuals with:

• stroke
• Parkinson’s disease
• multiple sclerosis
• motor neuron disease
• other neurological conditions

Support focuses on maintaining independence, reducing frustration, and adapting environments to changing needs.

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SUPPORT FOR FAMILIES & CARERS

Families and carers play a critical role in supporting older adults.
We provide:

• practical strategies for managing behaviour
• guidance on communication and routines
• support during challenging situations
• education to understand behaviour changes

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FUNCTIONAL BEHAVIOUR ASSESSMENT

If behaviour is complex, frequent or impacting safety, a Functional Behaviour Assessment may help identify:

• what triggers behaviour
• what the behaviour looks like
• what the behaviour is communicating
• what strategies may help

Learn more about Functional Behaviour Assessment

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NDIS BEHAVIOUR SUPPORT FOR OLDER ADULTS

Behaviour support may be funded under the NDIS for older adults where:

• the individual is an NDIS participant
  
• behaviour support is linked to disability-related needs
  
• it aligns with their goals and support plan
  

Learn more about NDIS PBS Support

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HOW BELONG HEALTH SUPPORTS OLDER ADULTS

At Belong Health, we provide behaviour support for older adults across Mandurah, Perth and WA.
We offer both Core and Specialist Behaviour Support, depending on the individual’s needs:

Core Behaviour Support (Queens Park – Community-Based)
Our Core Behaviour Support Practitioner supports:

• older adults with emerging or lower-complexity needs
• emotional regulation difficulties
• behavioural responses linked to routine changes or environment
• early intervention and practical strategy development

This support focuses on:

• day-to-day strategies
• routines and environmental adjustments
• supporting families and carers
• maintaining independence and participation

Learn More About Our Core Behaviour Support

Specialist Behaviour Support (Mandurah & WA)

Our Specialist Behaviour Support Practitioner supports:

• more complex or high-risk behaviours
• dementia-related behaviours impacting safety
• cognitive and neurological conditions
• situations requiring structured assessment and Behaviour Support Plans

This may include:

• Functional Behaviour Assessments
• Risk Assessments
• Behaviour Support Plans
• support for complex care environments

Learn More About Specialist Behaviour Support

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TELEHEALTH SUPPORT ACROSS WA

We offer behaviour support via telehealth across Western Australia, supporting individuals and families in rural and regional areas.

Learn More About PBS Telehealth

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GETTING STARTED
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If behaviour changes are affecting safety, wellbeing, or daily life, our team can help you understand what may be happening and what support options are available.​
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​Our friendly team are happy to help call us on 08 9586 3934 or send us an email

free 20min PBS Session
with our PBS Specialist for ages 0-65+

Empowering individuals and families, one goal at a time.

Connect with Belong Health to experience personalised PBS services in the Peel Region, Perth Metro or via Telehealth Across Australia.
Our Free Connect PBS session with a Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner  is designed to address your unique needs and empower you or your family.
​Secure your spot today and discover how our team can help you thrive.

Frequently Asked Questions Positive Behaviour Support (PBS)
​
What is Positive Behaviour Support for older adults?
Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) for older adults is a person-centred, evidence-based approach that focuses on understanding behaviour and supporting individuals to maintain independence, safety, and quality of life.

What is Positive Behaviour Support in aged care?
In aged care, PBS is used to support older adults experiencing behaviours of concern, often linked to cognitive changes, mental health, or environmental factors, using respectful and least restrictive approaches.

What is the goal of Positive Behaviour Support for older adults?
The goal is to improve wellbeing, reduce distress, and support meaningful participation in daily life while maintaining dignity and autonomy.

What causes behaviours of concern in older adults?
Behaviours may be related to:

• Dementia or cognitive decline
• Communication difficulties
• Pain or medical conditions
• Environmental changes
• Emotional distress, anxiety, or loneliness

How does Positive Behaviour Support help older adults?
PBS helps by:

• Identifying underlying causes of behaviour
• Reducing triggers
• Supporting communication
• Creating structured and supportive environments

What is the ABC model in Positive Behaviour Support?
The ABC model stands for:

• Antecedent (what happens before behaviour)
• Behaviour (what occurs)
• Consequence (what happens after)

It helps identify patterns and guide support strategies.

What are Positive Behaviour Support strategies for older adults?
Strategies may include:

• Environmental adjustments (noise, lighting, routine)
• Communication supports
• Emotional regulation strategies
• Structured daily routines
• Person-centred care approaches

What are proactive strategies in Positive Behaviour Support?
Proactive strategies aim to prevent distress and may include:

• Consistent routines
• Familiar environments
• Clear communication
• Reducing environmental stressors

What are reactive strategies for older adults?
Reactive strategies are used during distress and focus on:

• Staying calm and reassuring
• Reducing demands
• Providing comfort and safety
• Supporting de-escalation

What are examples of Positive Behaviour Support strategies in aged care?
Examples include:

• Using familiar routines to reduce confusion
• Supporting communication for those with cognitive decline
• Adjusting environments to reduce agitation
• Providing meaningful activities

What is a Behaviour Support Plan for older adults?
A Behaviour Support Plan (BSP) is an individualised plan that outlines strategies to reduce behaviours of concern and support safety, independence, and wellbeing.

What should be included in a Behaviour Support Plan?
A BSP typically includes:

• Assessment findings
• Identified triggers and patterns
• Proactive strategies
• Reactive strategies
• Communication and environmental supports

What does a Behaviour Support Plan look like in aged care?
It is tailored to the individual and may focus on:

• Daily routines
• Cognitive and communication supports
• Emotional wellbeing
• Safety and care needs

Who can write a Behaviour Support Plan?
Under the NDIS, Behaviour Support Plans must be developed by an authorised behaviour support practitioner.

Can Positive Behaviour Support be used at home for older adults?
Yes, PBS can be used at home, in residential aged care, or in community settings.

How is Positive Behaviour Support used in aged care settings?
PBS is integrated into daily care by:

• Supporting staff to respond consistently
• Using structured routines
• Adapting environments
• Focusing on person-centred care

How can carers and support workers use PBS?
Carers and support workers:

• Follow Behaviour Support Plans
• Use consistent communication
• Support routines and independence
• Respond calmly to behaviours

Does the NDIS fund Positive Behaviour Support for older adults?
PBS may be funded under the NDIS for eligible participants, particularly where behaviours of concern impact safety and daily functioning.

What is an NDIS Behaviour Support Plan?
An NDIS Behaviour Support Plan is a structured plan developed to reduce behaviours of concern and ensure safe, ethical, and least restrictive support.

What are common mental health or cognitive conditions linked to behaviour in older adults?
Common conditions include:

• Dementia
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Delirium

PBS supports individuals across these presentations.

How does PBS support people with dementia?
PBS supports people with dementia by:

• Reducing confusion and distress
• Supporting communication
• Creating familiar routines
• Minimising environmental triggers

What are the benefits of Positive Behaviour Support for older adults?
PBS can help:

• Reduce distress and behaviours of concern
• Improve quality of life
• Support independence
• Enhance communication
• Promote dignity and respect

Who can benefit from Positive Behaviour Support?
PBS supports older adults with cognitive, physical, or psychosocial needs who experience behaviours of concern.

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