Working to Promote Feelings of Safety Among Individuals with Mild Intellectual Disabilities or Borderline Intellectual Functioning Who Display Severe Challenging Behavior: A Qualitative Study within Residential Care

Abstract

Introduction: Feeling safe is important but not self-evident for people with mild intellectual disabilities or borderline intellectual functioning who exhibit severe challenging behavior. The present study explores how organizations involved in the collaboration “Pro” work to promote feelings of safety among their service users in residential care, with a focus on unconditionality, the context and service users’ needs. Methods: Qualitative data from ethnographic longitudinal research, eight semi-structured interviews, and six focus groups were thematically analyzed. Data were primarily collected at three residential disability service organizations. Results: Three themes were identified from the data: 1) All levels of the organization subscribe to the vision of providing unconditional support, 2) Providing stability in teams and support within a dynamic environment, 3) Striving to give service users as ordinary a life as possible. Conclusion: Working to promote service users’ safety requires the active commitment of all professionals in the organization. Future research into the actual work done by organizations may provide valuable insights into how service users’ safety may be enhanced.