I manage a group home, and I'm facing a rather unusual problem—residents are constantly punching holes in the walls, creating a line of damage all around the house. It's a bit impressive in a way, but it's obviously not great for the place. I'm looking for some ideas on how to either fix these walls or prevent the damage in the first place. I've thought about using foam patches that compress when punched or possibly installing wainscoting, but I worry about cost. Any suggestions?
3 Answers
Have you thought about involving them in the repair process? If they understand what goes into fixing a wall, maybe they’d think twice before punching it again. However, be careful about this—residents mustn't feel like they're being exploited. But I work at a similar facility, and I've found that many residents take pride in helping out, and it actually helps reduce the issues over time!
Plywood is a solid option for the walls—durable and can handle some punches! If you're looking for something even tougher, cement board can be used too. I’ve seen it work wonders in another home. Of course, making the walls super strong could pose a risk for injuries if they hit too hard. Another idea is to install a chair rail at the height they seem to punch most often. It might disrupt their thought process and redirect the aggression. You could also think about adding some punchable pads or wall padding—at least that way, it’s less damaging!
I agree, something like a chair rail could be a great choice. And if you get creative, you could even set up a designated punching bag somewhere for them to let out frustration without damaging the house.
Ultimately, you might want to reconsider the level of care for some residents if they’re consistently destructive. Sometimes you can just fix the walls, but the behavioral issues will pop up somewhere else. Creating a calm environment might involve giving them a place to express their frustrations, like setting up a 'punching wall' where they can safely hit something without damage. Redirecting their energy is key here!
Yes, creating an outlet for their frustrations can go a long way! I've also read that color and lighting in the environment can impact behavior, so you might try to create a more soothing environment overall.
That's a great point! Teaching them how to do drywall repairs might help them respect the space more. As long as it's a positive experience, it could reduce the impulse to punch holes.