Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults: Strategies and Challenges

The provided document is an assignment on safeguarding vulnerable adults, focusing on the importance of protecting individuals who are at risk due to various factors such as physical, psychological, sexual, and financial abuses. The assignment draws upon literature and guidance from reputable sources, including books, journals, and online resources. It highlights key strategies for professionals to minimize and protect people like Bridget, who may be vulnerable to inhumane acts. The assignment is a valuable resource for students seeking information on safeguarding adults at risk of abuse.

Safeguarding in Health and
Social Care

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
TASK 1A.........................................................................................................................................1
Q1. Why older individuals and groups are vulnerable to abuse/ harm others and self (1.1)......1
Q2. Risk factors that lead to abuse/ harm others and self (1.2)..................................................2
TASK 1B.........................................................................................................................................3
Q3. Impact of social and cultural factors on various types of abuses/ harm to self or others
(1.3).............................................................................................................................................3
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................5
Q4. Analysing strengths and weaknesses of current national/local legislations and policies for
abuse towards vulnerable individuals (2.1).................................................................................5
Q5. Key professionals that protect individuals that are vulnerable to abuse (2.2)......................6
TASK 3 ...........................................................................................................................................7
CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................7
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................9

INTRODUCTION
Health and social care services are provided to those individuals that suffer from different
illnesses and are require caretakers to look after them. These facilities are provided to children
and adults so that they are able to cope with their health risks (Gilchrist, 2014). This assignment
will cover factors contributing to abuse incidences and self-harm along with their contributions.
It will explain various working practices and strategies that can help reduce abuse in health and
social care.
TASK 1A
Q1. Why older individuals and groups are vulnerable to abuse/ harm others and self (1.1)
Bridget and other elder persons like her are more vulnerable to abuse such as physical
and mental abuses by other individuals. In this case, Bridget is 82 years old and being a senior
citizen, she is mentally and physically vulnerable towards any kind of abuse. She does not have
senses, neither the capacity to perform daily activities. Even though she lives with her friend, Mr.
Y, there is no benefit of his presence but rather, he is a factor that is contributing towards her
vulnerability towards harming themselves or others (Moss, 2017). Bridget has been isolated from
her friends and family, which makes her more vulnerable towards abuse. She drinks alcohol
because of her loneliness and this has caused her to become mentally unstable. High substance
abuse causes memory loss as well, and in this case, Bridget is unable to recall various incidents
that has happened in her presence.
Senior citizens or older age groups do not have the strength to perform daily chores and
requires help of other persons. This is why they are vulnerable towards abuse, as their helpers
may get annoyed or agitated when doing work for them. Bridget's friend, Mr. Y has helped her
out on many occasions, but caretakers have observed that he has been violent with her. He had
full control over her due to vulnerability and he had isolated her from the social environment as
well as her caretakers (Glasby, 2017). Being already emotionally and mentally unstable, Bridget
is not able to handle herself and has been admitted in hospital several times. This has made her
vulnerable as she is aware that she no longer has control over her body and mind. She has even
harmed herself, Mr. Y or her caretakers under the influence of alcohol.
The distress of inability to control one's thoughts and actions makes them vulnerable as
well and this is extremely common in old age. Negligence towards Bridget's physical and mental
state by Mr. Y has increased her vulnerability. This is because he lives with her and she is
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dependent on him for her daily activities. Bridget is financially vulnerable as well. There have
been many incidents in which Mr. Y withdrew large amount of money from her bank. He has
taken her jewellery into his possession and has illegally purchased her home as well. This can
cause Bridget to harm herself or even others as she can lose her state of mind. She is helpless as
there in not much she can do to protect herself (Dimond, 2016). It is important for caretakers to
address these factors, so that they can reduce feelings of vulnerability in Bridget and certain
individuals like her in the country.
Q2. Risk factors that lead to abuse/ harm others and self (1.2)
Bridget's vulnerability towards abuse and harm to self or others can be due to many
factors associated with risk. These include the following:
Physical abuse:
Bridget told her caretakers that Mr. Y bullies her regularly. Physical abuse generally
deals with persons inflicting pain on elderly individuals (Papadopoulos, Koulouglioti and Ali,
2018). This can cause Bridget to increase her substance abuse and continue drinking high
amounts of alcohol. Due to the extensive vulnerability towards physical abuse, she may even try
to harm herself or Mr. Y. He has isolated her by not providing the keys to front doors of her
home as well. He does provide proper and healthy food to Bridget, which may lead her getting
furious at Mr. Y and can cause him harm.
Psychological abuse:
Psychological abuse includes negative emotional treatment and making threats to elderly
people. This is a risk factor that can lead to abuse and self-harm (Leung, Yu and Chong, 2017).
It has been seen that Mr. Y shouts at Bridget and has isolated her from friends and family
members. He exercises full control over her as well and has asked caretakers to stop attending
Bridget. These factors can lead her to continuously abuse her alcohol intake and can potentially
harm herself under the influence.
Financial/material abuse:
Financial abuse means illegally using a vulnerable elderly person's money, property and
assets. In this case, Mr. Y had financially abused Bridget and withdrawn money from her bank
accounts on several occasions. Due to her vulnerability and his control over her, Mr. Y had taken
Bridget with him to the bank and made her sign documents that would make him owner of her
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property and home. He has also hidden her jewellery and other various assets in his room, which
he keeps locked.
Sexual abuse:
Bridget's caretakers had noticed that Mr. Y was sexually abusing her by kissing her all
over. There are more chances that many other things might have happened when caretakers were
not around (Vlachantoni and et.al., 2015). Sexual abuse means any sort of contact that is done in
a sexually towards an elderly person without their consent. This is another risk factor as Bridget
may feel vulnerable and disgusted, which may lead her to cause harm to Mr. Y or herself. She
can potentially get herself hurt due to her alcohol addition.
Neglect:
The risk factor of negligence towards elderly persons can cause them to abuse and hurt
themselves or their caretakers. In Bridget's case, Mr. Y refused to give her healthy food and at
times, even took away her keys which made it difficult for her to open doors in her home. She
was even left undressed at times.
TASK 1B
Q3. Impact of social and cultural factors on various types of abuses/ harm to self or others (1.3)
The cultures are different across various areas of a country. Usually elder individuals tend
to have good social interactions among their peers. But in the case of Bridget, Mr. Y had isolated
her from her friends. Even though she had people that she could socialise with, they were not
bothered to check up on her when she could not visit them. Even if some did, Mr. Y did not
allow those persons to meet her. This social factor impacted the different types of abuses that
Bridget was vulnerable towards (Payne, 2017). She was physically abused by Mr. X and there
was no one in society that was made aware about this. Even if her friends knew about incidences
that happened with her, they were not bothered to help as they felt that it would be inappropriate
to interfere in her life.
Psychological and sexual abuse is not given much importance by the society. Bridget is
mentally too weak to ask for help regarding these issues and the increase in these abuses has
made her forget some parts of her memories. Financial abuse generally has a positive impact by
social factors, as they are able to help persons that are vulnerable and abused financially. The
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cultural factors have different impacts on various abuses. Normally, family members do not stay
with each other once everyone gets married and separates (Lee and et.al., 2017). They do not
bother to visit one another or take care of their needs when they get old. This culture has been
present for a long time. Almost every cultural aspect negatively impacts physical abuses.
Children that take care of their old parents will treat them at times and abuse them both
physically and psychologically.
The culture looks down on persons that are sexually abused. They are not bothered to
help them and usually do not give much importance to sexual abuse or harassment. The culture
has both positive and negative impacts on financial abuse of elder individuals, as their caretakers
can provide them with the necessary facilities regardless of financial issues. But there might be
some individuals that only want to earn money and are least bothered about patients. Therefore,
these social and cultural factors have different impacts on physical, psychological, financial and
sexual abuse (Darley, 2018). Bridget's culture shows that there are no relations kept with her
family members and they are not bothered about her. There is no concern of her well-being even
though they are her family.
The social factors impact negatively in most cases that Bridget has faced. She has friends
that do not show much concern towards her and the society does not prove to be of much help.
Bridget too, feels that she must not bother others as they may not help her and spread bad stories
about her life. An elder individual has many thoughts and opinions about the society and cultural
values of their city. They analyse different situations before taking any steps regarding their
welfare and health (Sheldon, 2016). The common mentality is that if they report any kind of
abuse that is happening to them, it will be a shame to themselves and their reputation can get
ruined in society. These individuals have belief systems and they live by their culture. Bridget
would not want to do anything that could potentially harm her image in the cultural area.
Social and cultural factors eventually so act as a risk towards abuse and harm to self or
others. People are too busy taking care of themselves that they neglect elder members in the
family. This type of culture adversely impacts senior citizens and negligence towards them might
cause them to become sad and stress, leading to infliction of high abuse of substances. This is a
huge burden towards society as well. Bridget has been kept in isolation from her friends and she
is not aware about the recent changes that is happening in the society. Mr. Y has asked her
caretakers so stop providing her services as well. She is completely oblivious about the cultural
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variances in her city and still feels that if she complains about the physical, psychological, sexual
and financial abuses that she is experiencing, no one will help her.
TASK 2
Q4. Analysing strengths and weaknesses of current national/local legislations and policies for
abuse towards vulnerable individuals (2.1)
Policies
Prevention in Safeguarding :- range of methods are outlined by this for protecting the abuse of
vulnerable adults through campaigns that spread awareness among public.
Strengths: this is method is effective when actively followed as this will promote empowerment
& well being of adults (Hurley and Linsley, 2018). Further, supporting the rights of individuals
will lead to an independent life based on self-autonomy.
Weaknesses : if consent is obtained by an independent individual then it will be difficult to
protect voluntary informed. There are different types of barriers to the legal reporting of elder
abuse exit.
Statement of government policy on safeguarding :- government's policy are outlined in the
document on safeguarding vulnerable to abuse & neglect. Principles for Local authority
social services & health, housing, & other agencies are included in it for developing the
effectiveness of their local safeguarding arrangements.
Strengths : it has been determined that, professionals may find it hard to exercise their
professional liberty, loyalty towards human rights, & person centred values. Approach that
focuses on improving life for adults are promoted (Gilchrist, 2014). Further, it enables
communities to support, prevent, identify & better the life of vulnerable adults and respond to
abuse.
Weaknesses : if information is not provided in accessible way then understanding of types of
abuse and how to be safe will be difficult. Therefore, it will be hard to raise a concern about the
safety.
Legislations
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 Safeguarding Vulnerable Group Act 2006 :- the act was passed to support avoid harm,
or risk by protecting vulnerable adults.
Strengths : safeguarding & protection team are considered to be working in partnership with all
relevant services in order to make sure that the complaints are addressed properly. Organisations
support in responding to reports of alleged abuse.
Weaknesses : it sometimes becomes a hard local carers to keep detailed records of concerns or
allegations of abuse (Dimond, 2016). Further, failure to adequately record information & to
suitably share that in accordance with this act is a failure to discharge of duty of care. The Care Act 2014 :- The act supports in safeguarding adults who are in need. It is the
duty of the local authority to promote individual well-being.
Strengths : safeguarding adults is a multi agency responsibility the make sure that they work
together effectively to prevent abuse & neglect. Assist vulnerable adults to report if any type of
abusive practice occurs (Payne, 2017). Moreover, the act support professionals to investigate the
complaints & develop prevention plan.
Weaknesses : if an adult has the right not to engage with the HSE or any other services, if they
wish to do so. Lot of time is required to develop & build up rapport & trust.
Q5. Key professionals that protect individuals that are vulnerable to abuse (2.2)
Professionals in health and care work towards protecting elder individuals such as
Bridget, so that they can live a peaceful and happy life during their final years. Many of them are
treated with disrespect and no proper care is provided for them. Mr.Y asked to stop caring for
Bridget after she left the hospital which shows that there are high amounts of abuse and harm
inflicted on her (Sheldon, 2016). This is just one cases and there may be many more in the
country. It is the responsibility of key professionals, to take care of such issues and address them
as soon as possible. They have analysed these situations and are working towards holding
conferences so that every health and care professional can be made aware of the current
happenings in the country regarding their senior citizens.
Over the years, there have been numerous accounts of abuse and domestic violence
towards elder individuals. The example of Bridget has shown that people show no mercy while
abusing these individuals. They are too vulnerable and dependant on others as their physical and
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mental capacity is extremely low. In old age, there are many illness that may occur, which can
cause them to become weak and fragile. Key professionals and practitioners are working towards
protecting individuals like Bridget and empowering them so that there is liberation and
autonomy in the society. They are extremely concerned about these persons' well being as it is
their duty to provide competent nurses and caretakers for elder people (Vlachantoni and et.al.,
2015). These professional can protect them from ill treatment and abuses that they experience
from their families and friends.
Professionals will have to train health care personnels so that they have the confidence to
fight for their patients that are vulnerable towards harm and abuse. They can help Bridget by
providing rehabilitation facilities to reduce her alcohol consumption, which is the root cause of
her memory loss and lack of mental presence. These professionals have created policies where in
, if any person like Mr. Y abuses or takes advantage of vulnerable individuals, they can be
reported and taken into police custody, so that severe action can be taken against them. They will
provide specialists that will safeguard elderly vulnerable individuals. This will include a board in
which commissioners are appointed and clinical as well as social workers are assigned patients
that are experiencing difficulties that Bridget did.
These key professional have spread the message among everyone in the country that if
they see someone abusing and harassing elderly individuals that are vulnerable, they should
report it to the criminal justice system. Moreover, they should try to provide as much help as
they can so that they can prevent any damages that may occur in the future.
TASK 3
Covered in poster
CONCLUSION
This assignment can conclude that health and care services are important for elder
individuals as they need proper protection from people that mistreat them. It has shown that
Bridget, an 82 year old suffered from many abuses that her friend, MR.Y inflicted on her and due
to her vulnerability, she was unable to take action against him. There are many factors of
physical, psychological, sexual and financial abuses that can make an individual vulnerable. Key
professionals have created strategies that can minimise and protect people like Bridget from such
kinds of inhumane acts.
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REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Darley, S., 2018. Learning as a process of personal-social transformation: volunteering activity
in health and social care charities. Mind, Culture, and Activity. pp.1-17.
Dimond, B.C., 2016. Legal Aspects of Mental Capacity: A Practical Guide for Health and
Social Care Professionals. John Wiley & Sons.
Gilchrist, G., 2014. Safeguarding and dual diagnosis: the UK situation. Advances in Dual
Diagnosis. 7(1).
Glasby, J., 2017. Understanding health and social care. Policy Press.
Hurley, J. and Linsley, P., 2018. Emotional intelligence in health and social care: a guide for
improving human relationships. Routledge.
Lee, S. and et.al., 2017. Safeguarding Adults at Risk of Financial Scamming. Safeguarding
Adults Under the Care Act 2014: Understanding Good Practice, p.240.
Leung, M.Y., Yu, J. and Chong, M.L., 2017. Impact of facilities management on the quality of
life for the elderly in care and attention homes–Cross-validation by quantitative and
qualitative studies. Indoor and built environment. 26(8). pp.1070-1090.
Moss, B., 2017. Communication skills in health and social care. Sage.
Papadopoulos, I., Koulouglioti, C. and Ali, S., 2018. Views of nurses and other health and
social care workers on the use of assistive humanoid and animal-like robots in health and
social care: a scoping review. Contemporary nurse, pp.1-18.
Payne, M., 2017. Older Citizens and End-of-life Care: Social Work Practice Strategies for
Adults in Later Life. Routledge.
Sheldon, B., 2016. Developmental Psychology for the Helping Professions: Evidence-based
Practice in Health and Social Care. Springer.
Vlachantoni, A. and et.al., 2015. The determinants of receiving social care in later life in
England. Ageing & Society. 35(2). pp.321-345.
Online
Safeguarding vulnerable adults. 2018. [Online]. Available through:
<https://www.lewisham.gov.uk/myservices/socialcare/adult/safety/Pages/Safeguarding-
adults.aspx>
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Safeguarding vulnerable adults. 2018. [Online}. Available through:
<https://www.themdu.com/guidance-and-advice/guides/safeguarding-adults>
Safeguarding and Protection of Vulnerable Adults (POVA) or Adults at Risk. 2018. [Online].
Available through:
<http://www.anglesey.gov.uk/health-and-care/adult-services/safeguarding-and-
protection-of-vulnerable-adults-pova-or-adults-at-risk/>
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