Support for community organisations who are working with "Adults at Risk"
In the last number of weeks, I have noticed an increase in requests from community organisations for support to implement their Adult Safeguarding Policy and provide Safeguarding Training for staff in their organisation. I believe this increase is directly related to the fact that Ireland, and specifically community groups in rural parts of Ireland, are now supporting large numbers of persons who have come here to flee War be it in Ukraine, the Middle East, or Africa.
Traditionally Adult Safeguarding has always been recognised as an essential elment of working with the elderly, persons with an intellectual disability and those who have limited capacity. The term “vulnerable” adult is the most commonly referred to term to identify those at most risk of abuse. According to the HSE 2014’s Safeguarding Vulnerable Persons At Risk of Abuse National Policy described vulnerable persons as:
“an adult who may be restricted in capacity to guard himself / herself against harm or exploitation or to report such harm or exploitation. Restriction of capacity may arise as a result of physical or intellectual impairment. Vulnerability to abuse is influenced by both context and individual circumstances”.
However according to the Governments discussion paper on Safeguarding there is a growing consensus both in Ireland and internationally that the use of the term vulnerable is insensitive and may stigmatise those affected. It also implies that the persons characteristics cause them to be at risk of being harmed, rather than those who cause harm. There is now a move towards the term "Adult at Risk" rather than focusing on their vulnerablility. The HSE are currently working on a revised definition of adult at risk in their new safeguarding policy (unpublished) which is as follows:
“an adult aged 18 years or over, who is at risk of experiencing abuse, neglect, or exploitation by a third party and lacks mental or physical capacity to protect themselves from harm at this time in their lives”
This shows a better understanding of both the situational nature of being “at risk” as well as demonstrating that it is the actions of a 3rd party rather than an inherent “vulnerability” due to the individuals characteristics and circumstances which cause the person to be at risk of abuse.
If you are working with Adults at Risk and are beginning to observe that they are experiencing vulnerability at this time in their lives and are concerned that your organisation needs to implement a robust safeguarding policy and procedure or revise your existing policies and procedures then please do get in touch at maighread@maighreadkelly.ie to discuss further.
In 2021 I partnered with Best Practice Healthcare Ltd. to deliver an online training course in "Safeguarding of Vulnerable Adults at Risk of Abuse". For further information see https://bestpracticehealthcare.ie/safeguarding-vulnerable-adult-risk-abuse/
Why is the reporting of accidents, incidents and near misses so important for Safeguarding?
Across all sections in society, those involved in the provision of care can learn from any near miss, incident, complaint or accident. Any one of these can be a learning experience for all involved, particularly if there are certain situations that are recurring. It can unfortunately also be an indicator of abuse, including risk to safeguarding in the organisation, a situation that needs to be examined immediately.
A poor or toxic culture in an organisation may manifest itself in a culture of fear; fear of speaking out about issues like understaffing or the lack of necessary resources for the safe provision of care. This can increase the chances of safeguarding risks and the likelihood of abuse occurring. Every person working within an organisation contributes to the culture in that organisation, but if there is a systemic problem within the leadership of the organisation, it can be difficult for a positive and proactive safeguarding culture to exist. Those of us who are most vulnerable rely on those who are supporting us to be constantly aware of our safety and raise the alarm if they believe we are unsafe or are participating in activities which could put us in harms way. They also rely on us to report to those in authority if they suspect we are being ill treated.
What is safeguarding?
All adults have a right to be safe and to live a life free from abuse. According to the HSE, safeguarding means putting in place measures that promote and protect people’s human rights, their health and well-being whilst empowering people to protect themselves. Most adults can protect themselves and may only require advice or guidance from the people who support them. Others may require support to protect themselves and may in some cases require a health or care plan to help them feel safe. A minority of people cannot protect themselves adequately from abuse and will require additional protection. Safeguarding should also be viewed as responding to concerns to prevent abuse across a continuum of care.
Safeguarding focuses on the:
- Prevention of abuse.
- Identification of abuse.
- Identification and implementation of measures that reduce/eliminate the risk of recurrence of abuse.
A Safeguarding Ireland Survey Found…
- 1 in 2 Irish adults claim experience of vulnerable adult abuse.
- Physical abuse of vulnerable adults has been witnessed, or suspected, by 1 in 3 adults.
- Emotional abuse is the most common type with over 1 in 3 having experienced it.
- More than 10,000 cases of alleged abuse are reported to the HSE Safeguarding and Protection Teams each year.
Ireland's first Adult Safeguarding Day public awareness event takes place on Friday November 19, 2021. The event is being coordinated by Safeguarding Ireland – in partnership with organisations across the health, social, financial and justice sectors. The aim is to raise a greater awareness and understanding of safeguarding with respect to
- Rights
- Services and
- Empowerment.
In celebration of Ireland's 1st ever Adult Safeguarding Day we will be giving away 5 vouchers (worth €50 each) to attend our Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults at Risk of Abuse training course. Designed for Healthcare Workers, Social Care Workers, Residential Service Providers, Home Care and Disability Sector employees. Our online Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults at Risk of Abuse course helps you clearly identify safeguarding risks, and understand when and how to report a safeguarding concern including allegations or concerns of abuse.
If you would like to be in with a chance to get a voucher the first 5 people to email me will get their free training voucher maighread@maighreadkelly.com