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Safeguarding Adults

Basic AwarenessWorkbook

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SAFEGUARDINGAbuse of anyone by anyone is wrong

This workbook is designed to provide Safeguarding Adults Awareness Training. You should work through on your own or with colleagues and then discuss with your manager. Anyone who is unsure of any answers should discuss the matter further with their line Manager. Once the course is completed please go through the workbook with your line Manager.

The Workbook should take between 2 – 3 hours to complete.

Introduction

A vulnerable adult is a person

"who is or may be in need of community care services by reason of mental or other disability, age or illness, and who is or may be unable to take care of him or herself, or unable to protect him or herself against significant harm or exploitation".

(See "No Secrets" - Section 2.3) Some groups in society are more at risk

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A vulnerable adult may include ?

Examples of a vulnerable adult are?

Why do you think that vulnerable adults might be more likely to experience abuse?

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What is abuse?

• Abuse is often (but not always) a crime.

• Abuse can be perpetrated by anyone, anywhere.

• There is often more than one type of abuse in any situation.

• Abuse is not always intentional – it can often be a result of ignorance.

• We all have a duty to report any concerns or suspicions that a vulnerable adult may have been or may be being abused.

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Vulnerable adults are not only more likely to experience abuse but often find it difficult to access services and support to help them live safer lives.Abuse is a violation of an individual’s human or civil rights by any other person or persons.

• Give three examples of each of the following types of abuse.

1. Physical -

2. Psychological / emotional -

3. Financial / legal -

4. Sexual -

5. Neglect / self neglect -

6. Acts of omission -

7. Discriminatory -

8. Institutional -

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Signs and Indicators

What are the signs and indicators that would alert you to possible abuse? Give examples . . An example has been given to assist you.

Physical -

Psychological -

Sexual -

Financial – e.g: Money disappearing from Rent Arrears

their account

Neglect/ Self neglect –

Examples of Abuse Signs/Indicators

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Signs and Indicators continued:

What are the signs and indicators that would alert you to possible abuse? Give examples . .

Acts of omission –

Discriminatory –

Institutional –

Examples of Abuse Signs/Indicators

Please note that your examples may not be an indicator of abuse but professional help must be sought

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What action must you take if you suspect an individual is being harmed or abused?

Provide at least three actions you must take if you suspect that someone is being harmed or abused

What action must you take if someone discloses that they are being harmed or abused?

Why should you report abuse?

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Prevention of Abuse

Your role and responsibilities

As well as having a responsibility to report concerns you also have a responsibility to promote good practice and create a safe environment where adult abuse is less likely to happen.

What can you do to promote good practice and prevent abuse when:-

• Supporting vulnerable adults?

• Promoting independence/self direction?(1)

• Keeping vulnerable adults safe?

(1)Guided by oneself, personal independence

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In my organisation, if I am concerned, I should contact……………..

…………………………………….at (office)…………………………………….

…………………………………….on (contact no.)………………………………….

…………………………………….on (contact no)………………………………….

The following will happen once an alert is received by the Safeguarding Team

• An informed decision will be made.

• They will decide whether to make a referral under the local Adult Protection/Safeguarding Adults procedures, NHS managers or the police.

• A decision will be made regarding taking the referral further or if there will be no further action – You may be contacted for additional information

• You may not hear the outcome due to confidentiality, however feedback on your alert should be provided

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Case Studies.

Have a look at the following scenarios and then answer the questions below.

Scenario 1

Mr & Mrs Singh have been married for 45 years. Mrs Singh developed dementia some years ago and

Mr. Singh is her sole carer. Mr Singh is very loving and really cares for his wife. He is very safety

conscious and, when he goes out to the shops he always locks her in her bedroom so she cannot

wander out of the house.

• Is this abuse?

• If not, why not?

• If it is, which type of abuse is it?

• Does it make any difference whether the abuse is intentional?

• If you were aware of this situation, would you report it?

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Scenario 2.

John lives in a hostel for men with alcohol related difficulties. He has been hurt in a fight with fellow resident after he accused the other resident of stealing his cigarettes.

• Is this abuse?

• If not, why not?

• If it is, which type of abuse is it?

• If you were aware of the situation, would you report it?

• What might make it difficult for John to get help to live more safely? -

Scenario 3

Aruna is a vegetarian because of religious beliefs. At the mental health day centre she attends the staff often overlook this and so Aruna goes without lunch.

• Is this abuse?

• If not, why not?

• If it is, which type of abuse is it?

• If you were aware of the situation, would you report it?

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Scenario 4

Richard has anxiety and depression. He separated from his wife 5 years ago but still has occasional contact with his 8 year old son. He is 45 and lives with his 75 year old mum. When Richard’s mental health is bad he often drinks heavily and then rapes his mother.

• Is this abuse?• If not, why not?• If it is, which type of abuse is it?• What are your concerns about this situation? • Would you report it?• Why might Richard’s mother find it difficult to get help to live more safely?

Scenario 5

When they are very short staffed, staff at the care home put incontinence pads on the residents so that they do not have to take them to the toilet as often.

• Is this abuse?• If not, why not?• If it is, which type of abuse is it?• Does it make any difference if the abuse is unintentional?• If you were aware of this situation, would you report it?

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Scenario 6

Olive is an 87 year old lady living in a residential care home.  She has full mental capacity but suffers from severe arthritis and is reliant on care staff to attend to her physical care needs.

Olive does not receive her medication (pain medication). on 3  occasions over a period of 2 weeks.

The medication is usually given by the care home staff– when Olive asks for an explanation regarding the reason for this no one is willing to speak with her about the problem

Is this abuse?If not why not?If it is – what type of abuse is it?If you were aware of the situation would you report it?

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What have you learnt from this workbook?

List two action points that you are going to put into place which will change your practice for the better

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Helpful contact numbers.

Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council - Customer Liaison – 01254 587547 (24hrs)

Blackburn Social Services - Safeguarding Adults Team – 01254 585949

Blackburn Police - 01254 51212 / 999 / 101

Domestic abuse - National Helpline – 0808 2000 247

Women’s refuge - 01772 201 601 (24hr)

Local Safeguarding Adults Board (LSAB) Website: www.lsab.gov.uk

Age Uk Website: www.ageuk.org.uk

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Confirmation of training

When did you discuss this workbook with your manager? (date) ..............................................

What further learning is still required around Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults?..............................

………………………………………………………………………………………………….

I certify that I completed the training on …………………………..and discussed the outcomes with my manager.

Signed…………………………………(Practitioner/Volunteer) . Date……………………

Signed………………………………………………….(Manager) Date……………………

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Personal Notes