Circle adults a reading

Brought to you by Trust Interventions

Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults


Aim of the Session

To provide participants with an overview of your roles and responsibilities, regarding the safeguarding of vulnerable adults.


Learning OutcomesAt the end of this session you should be able to:

Know who is a vulnerable adult.

Be aware of the Nottingham(shire) Safeguarding Adults Multi-Agency Policy, Procedure and Guidance.

Explore various legislation and guidance that impact on the vulnerable adult

Recognise your individual responsibilities regarding the Safeguarding of Adults.

Respond appropriately to incidents or suspicions of abuse.

Have an awareness of some of the practical issues and challenges in Safeguarding Adults.


Legislation and Guidance

No Secrets (2000)

Nottinghamshire Safeguarding Adults Policy (Revised 2010)

Mental Capacity Act 2005


Mental Capacity Act 2005 Always assume a person has capacity unless it is proven

otherwise

Make practical steps to support people to make their own

decisions

Do not assume incapacity simply because someone makes

an unwise decision

Always act or decide for a person for their best interests

Ensure least restrictive option


Who is a vulnerable adult?

As defined by No Secrets (DH 2000) “A person aged 18 years or over who is or maybe in

need of community care services by reason of mental or other disability, age or illness;

AND Who is or maybe unable to take care of him or

herself, or unable to protect him or herself against significant harm or exploitation”


What is Abuse?

Abuse is the violation of an individuals human and civil rights by any other person or persons (DH 2000)

Abuse may consist of a single act or repeated acts


Proactive Principles in PracticePrinciple 1 EmpowermentPrinciple 2 ProtectionPrinciple 3 PreventionPrinciple 4 ProportionalityPrinciple 5 PartnershipsPrinciple 6 Accountability(The Role of Health Service Practitioners DH 2011)


Financial or MaterialIncludes;

TheftFraudMisappropriating funds

Eg........


Discriminatory Abuse

Includes; Psychological abuse that is racist, sexist

or linked to a persons sexuality, disability or age.


NeglectIncludes;

A persons wellbeing is impaired and care needs not met


PhysicalIncludes;

Assault, rough handling, unreasonable physical restraint


Psychological/Emotional

Includes; BullyingIntimidationVerbal attacksOr other behaviour that effects the wellbeing of the individual


Sexual & Sexual Exploitation

Includes;

Any non-consenting sexual act or behaviour


Institutional Abuse

Observed lack of dignity and respect in the care setting, rigid routine, processes/tasks organised to meet staff needs.

Disrespectful language and attitudes.


Who is an Alerter?

Any Member of Staff who is informed, or has concerns that abuse or neglect has occurred or is suspected.


Disclosure

You are working with a male patient when he suddenly says to you, “ You know that other nurse, she keeps touching me every time she comes to see me. I don’t like it and I want it to stop.”

a)How will you react?b)What will you do or say?


Hearing disclosure

Some simple rules:

Listen to what is being saidWatch for non-verbal cluesDo not react/interrupt/make

commentsDo not question in depthRecord as soon as possibleFeel comfortable with silences


Hearing disclosure - Don’ts

Laugh or Joke about what has been said

Ignore or Dismiss what you have heard

Change the subject

Don’t make promises you cannot keep

Don’t say things like: ‘Don’t be stupid’ ‘That’s ridiculous’ ‘Come off it’ ‘She wouldn’t do that’ ‘Stop messing’ ‘You’re joking’

‘Pull the other one’


Role of the Alerter

To share the information with the person within their team or organisation responsible for referring (& their line manager if this is a different person)

REFERRAL TRAINING??


Responsibilities

Responsibilities?To ensure immediate safety/welfare To take allegations seriouslyRecord informationStaff and volunteers must urgently report

concerns to the Referrer


Timescale

IMMEDIATE

All suspicions or incidents of abuse must be reported immediately, do not think someone else will do it.

Better to have 2 reports than none at all.


You are informed or have concerns that abuse or neglect has occurred

or is suspected

Ensure the immediate safety and welfare of the Vulnerable Adult

Is urgent Medical attention required?

Is urgent Police presence required?

Yes YesContact the relevant

emergency services 999

Alert the person who is identified as the referrerfor your team

Keep a careful record of the concerns and your actions

No No

(From the Nottingham(shire) Safeguarding Adults Multi Agency Procedure Page 9)


Duty to Report “All staff have a duty to report suspicions or disclosures of abuse

and failure to do so is a failure in their duty of care.

However difficult it may seem, staff must make known their concerns about abuse”

• When you have the information, make a referral by contacting either:

• City Adult Health, Social Care and Housing Department on 0115 915 1298 or 0115 915 8885.

• County Adult Social Care and Health Department on 08449 80 80 80. (Nottingham(shire) Safeguarding Adults Policy, Procedure & Guidance – (Pg 10)


Key principles - ConfidentialityThe key principles relating to the sharing of information are:

Information should not be shared any more widely than is necessary to secure protection of vulnerable adults from abuse.

Information disclosed belongs to the agency not to the individual. Any suspicion or allegation of abuse must be shared with the referrer and your line manager (if a different person).


Your Responsibilities

If you have heard or seen something that makes you concerned about the welfare of an adult you must take action

Because of this never agree to keep things secret

Alert your designated referrer of your concerns

Clearly document what you have seen and/or heard


Proactive Principles in PracticePrinciple 1 EmpowermentPrinciple 2 ProtectionPrinciple 3 PreventionPrinciple 4 ProportionalityPrinciple 5 PartnershipsPrinciple 6 Accountability(The Role of Health Service Practitioners DH 2011)

Documents

Circle adults a reading