Safeguarding means
- living safely, free from abuse or neglect.
- people’s choices are heard and respected.
- is everybody’s business.
- be aware of safeguarding adults and take action to
make sure that nobody experiences
—abuse or neglect, particularly those who are vulnerable.
Abuse happens
- when a person’s rights and dignity are not respected by another person.
- can deliberate, or the person causing it may not understand that what they are doing is wrong.
Types of abuse
- Physical
- Emotional
- Sexual
- Financial
- Organisational
- Cyber
- Neglect
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Physical abuse
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- Hitting
- kicking
- pushing
- shaking
- rough handling
- threat of physical force
- giving too much or too little medication.
Emotional abuse
- Intimidation
- threats
- humiliation
- isolation
- verbal abuse
- being prevented from receiving needed services
Sexual abuse
Sexual activity that is unwanted or not understood.
Financial abuse
- Unauthorised or improper use of a person’s
> funds
> property
> pension
> benefits.
Organisational abuse
- Inadequate care
- systematic poor practice by an organisation.
Cyber abuse
- Online (internet, email or social media) bullying
- intimidation
- scamming
- coercion ( practice of forcing another party or someone by using force or threat
Neglect
- is when essentials such a FHMH
> food
> heating
> medication
> hygiene are withheld - when a person’s resources are not used for their benefit
How to recognise abuse?
Signs of abuse range from changes in a person’s appearance
to unexpected changes to their financial arrangements.
Signs of Physical abuse
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• Unexplained bruises, markes or injuries.
• Unusual weght loss.
• Physical problems like bedsores.
• Being shabby, or unkept.
• Dirty,or unsafe living conditions.
Signs of Financial abuse
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• Inexplicable shortage of money.
• Suspicious addition of names to financial accounts.
• Unexpected changes to wil, or power of attorney.
** Signs of Behavioural abuse**
- Becoming noticeably withdrawn, angry or scared.
- Tearfulness, crying not saying why.
- The person is prevented from seeing you on their own.
- Control- you sense that someone is trying to control a person’s affairs.
Who is most at risk?
Planning Ahead is recommended for all adults,
especially those who are getting older and
is particularly important for vulnerable people such as those living with:
• Reduced decision-making capacity
• Age related fraility
• A serious or sudden illness
• Amental or physical disability
• An acquired brain injury
• Under the control of another person
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Call it out!
Safeguarding Ireland’s advice is- if you suspect abuse- take action and Call it Out.
Call the HSEs National Safeguarding Office at(061)461 358,or. find details on this website’s CONTACTS page.
Money
It is against the law to use another person’s money without their consent.
If someone is unable to provide consent, approval to act on their behalf must be
legally secured with the bank, State or Post Office.
The appointed person must keep records of all spending.
Medication
The prescribing of medication or changes to medical prescriptions can only be carried out by a registered healthcare professional authorised to do
Liberty
It is against the law to lock a person into a room, or strap them to a bed.
If a person with dementia needs intensive supervision, professional advice and support should be sought.
Planning ahead is an important part of preventing adult abuse and safeguarding. It means that if in the
future, you did not have the capacity to make our own decisions (due to
illness, or age-related frailty) that there is clarity on your future wishes
regarding healthcare, where you would like to be cared for, who can act on your behalf, and use of your money.
This means Planning Ahead now -
thinking about, talking about and recording these important
preferences. Advance planning also safeguards against risks of being
treated badly, disrespected, or
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suffering from adult abuse when we are vulnerable.
Having our choices easily accessible if needed is also better
for all
of those around us - reducing potential for stresses and tensions
among loved ones, and for providing information to healthcare
professionals.
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Healthcare
The recommended way to plan future healthcare…
- is to put in place an Advance Healthcare Directive, a document that is recognised in law.
- You can talk with your Doctor about making one- and keeping it where it can be easily found.
- In it you can record future healthcare preferences including treatment approaches, surgery, medicines and resuscitation.
Place of Care
In the event that you became unable to live independently - you should have made clear your choices on Place of Care.
Would you prefer to live…
> at home with supports
> in a nursing home
> hospice
> remain in a hospital
> live with a family member or friend
Enduring Power o f Attorney
An Enduring Power of Attorney means…
- giving legal and financial decision-making powers to a chosen person
- if you lack decision-making capacity. All adults are encouraged to put in place an Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA).
- You can phone or email your Solicitor and they can advise you on how best to put an EPA in place.
- If you need financial assistance, you may qualify for legal aid.
Finances
We all need to prepare for the likelihood that one day we may need help managing our finances.
Unfortunately financial abuse is a significant issue for older people.
We should talk with someone we trust and plan our finances.
Banks and An Post are keen to work with customers to safeguard their finances.
