How Stress Impacts Behaviour: A Caregiver's Guide to the HELP Approach

Join host Andy Baker on the Able to Care podcast as he unpacks the complexities of stress and its impact on behaviour. In this episode, Andy introduces the HELP Framework—Human, Emotional, Cognitive, Location, and Physical—and explores how recognising these stressors can transform the way we manage and respond to challenging behaviours. Through practical examples, he highlights the importance of identifying unmet needs, addressing slow stressors, and fostering empathy to build better connections.

This episode is a must-listen for caregivers, educators, and anyone looking to deepen their understanding of behaviour and stress management. 🎧

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Resources Mentioned:

Carer’s Card UK (Sponsor):
Gain access to discounts, a wellbeing hub, and support tools with Carer’s Card UK. Designed to reward and support carers across the UK, it provides benefits like gym memberships, ID cards, days out, and more.
👉 Visit: carerscarduk.co.uk/promo/abletocare

Able Hub by Able Training:
Empower yourself with exclusive podcast content, resources, and over 45 certified online courses on topics like self-care, understanding dementia, and conflict management.
👉 Try Able Hub FREE for 14 days at AbleHub.uk

Andy’s Book:
Targeting the Positive with Behaviours that Challenge—A guide for understanding behaviour, building empathy, and practical de-escalation techniques.

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Key Messages:

The HELP Framework for Stressors

Andy introduces the HELP Framework, breaking down how different stressors influence behaviour:

• Human: Interpersonal issues, such as conflict or rejection, impacting emotional well-being.
• Emotional & Cognitive: Internal feelings and thoughts, including anxiety, fear, and negative thought patterns.
• Location: Environmental triggers, from noise to sensory overload, that contribute to stress.
• Physical: Basic needs like hunger, fatigue, and illness, which can escalate behaviours.

Prevention and Proactive Management

Andy emphasises recognising “slow stressors” (factors that build up over time) to manage behaviour effectively. Proactively addressing stress can reduce escalation and foster better outcomes.

Practical Techniques for Empathy and Support

Andy shares strategies such as validating emotions, adapting environments, and using grounding techniques to create a supportive space for individuals to thrive.

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Key Timestamps (Chapters):

00:00:00 - Introduction to stress and its impact on behaviour
00:00:32 - Carer’s Card UK and benefits for carers
00:01:53 - Understanding behaviour as a combination of unmet needs, stress, and strategies
00:03:27 - The importance of responding vs reacting to challenging behaviours
00:04:09 - Slow stressors: How they build up and influence actions
00:05:15 - The HELP Framework explained
00:10:45 - Location stressors: Adapting environments to reduce triggers
00:12:30 - Physical stressors: Addressing basic needs and vulnerabilities
00:14:13 - Using the HELP Framework to prevent and manage behaviours
00:16:11 - Able Hub: Resources and courses for carers, educators, and advocates

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Stay Connected!

If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to the Able to Care Podcast for more practical insights and strategies.

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• LinkedIn: Able Training
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• TikTok: @abletocarepodcast

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Stay Connected and Keep Learning with Able Hub!

Are you looking for more resources to support your journey as a caregiver, educator, or advocate? Join the AbleHub community—a platform designed to empower you with exclusive podcast content, practical resources, certified online courses, and interactive events.

With over 45 courses covering essential topics like self-care, dementia support, conflict management, and understanding neurodiversity, AbleHub provides a wealth of knowledge at your fingertips.

For less than the price of a coffee a week, gain access to tools and strategies that can make a real difference in your work and personal life.
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