safeguarding vulnerable adults Flashcards
(19 cards)
What are the signs of physical abuse?
Unexplained bruises, marks, or injuries; unusual weight loss; dirty or unsafe living conditions; anxiety.
What are the signs of financial abuse?
Inexplicable shortage of money; suspicious addition of names to financial accounts; unexpected changes to will or Power of Attorney.
What are the signs of neglect?
Poor hygiene; development of bedsores; hunger.
What are the signs of sexual abuse?
Bleeding from anus/vagina; difficulty/pain passing urine/faeces; STDs or secondary infections; noticeable and uncharacteristic change of behaviour; inappropriate seductive behaviour; unusual reluctance to join in activities involving undressing.
What are the types of abuse?
Physical abuse, emotional abuse/psychological, sexual abuse, financial abuse, neglect.
What are the 6 indicators of abusive environments?
Manager behaviour; staff behaviour; people with disabilities; isolation; service/commissioning issues; environment and care quality.
How is manager’s behaviour a sign of an abusive environment?
If the manager does not take responsibility, ensure staff supervisions and meetings take place, or support staff who complain or are whistleblowers.
How is the behaviour of staff an indicator of abuse?
If they misuse power, are controlling of residents, influence service decisions, do not keep things confidential, have inappropriate relationships with residents, or lack concern about abuse.
How is the behaviour of people with disabilities an indicator of abuse?
Change in behaviour, such as becoming anxious, weepy, engaging in self-harm, or showing signs of fear.
How does isolation indicate an abusive environment?
Little input from external professionals, visitors feeling unwelcome, or the service being geographically isolated.
How is service design, placement planning, and commissioning an indicator of abuse?
If staffing levels are inadequate, agreed programmes are not carried out, or personal support by workers of the same sex is not provided.
How does environment and care quality indicate abuse?
Poor support for residents with health problems, lack of activities, or inadequate support for personal hygiene.
How is organisational culture related to abuse?
Abuse is often rooted in toxic organisational cultures, influenced by stress, burnout, and defensive work environments.
How should staff respond to abuse allegations in a community setting?
Ensure safety of client; inform Line Manager and Safeguarding & Protection Team; contact the gardai if appropriate; ensure referral to Tusla if a child is at risk; outline all relevant information in writing.
How should staff respond to abuse in a service setting?
Ensure safety of client; inform Designated Officer and Line Manager; assess need for support; contact the gardai if appropriate; ensure referral to Tusla if a child is at risk; outline all relevant information in writing.
What happens in the next 3 days after reporting abuse in a community setting?
Line Manager and Safeguarding & Protection Team will ensure preliminary screening is undertaken and necessary actions are taken.
What happens in the next 3 days after reporting abuse in a service setting?
Line Manager, Director of Services, and Designated Officer will meet to ensure preliminary screening is undertaken and necessary actions are taken.
What happens during preliminary screening if there are no grounds for further investigation?
It becomes a learning experience for staff.
What if more information is needed?
Immediate safety issues are addressed, and a safeguarding plan is implemented within 3 weeks.
