Protecting vulnerable adults Flashcards
1
Q
Vulnerable adult
A
- Person over the age of 18 who is at a greater risk of abuse or neglect.
2
Q
Examples of vulnerable adults
A
- Mental or physical disability
- Learning difficulties
- Frail or elderly
- Abusive relationship
- Substance misuser.
3
Q
Duty of care
A
- Professional, social and moral duty to protect vulnerable adults from abuse or neglect.
- Work with other organisations and authorities to safeguard vulnerable adults.
- Obtain consent - take into account their wishes.
- Consider overriding their wishes if their safety is at risk.
4
Q
Sexual abuse
A
- Repeated requests for emergency hormonal contraception.
5
Q
Financial abuse
A
- Sudden changes to finances e.g. getting into debt
- Inappropriate, exploitative or excessive control over the finances of the vulnerable adult
6
Q
What to do if you are unsure of someone’s mental capacity
A
Seek advice, e.g. from GP
7
Q
Addressing concerns
A
- Do not attempt to investigate suspicions or allegations of abuse directly or to discuss concerns with the alleged perpetrator of the abuse or neglect.
- Make appropriate records (same as for children).
8
Q
What to do when you suspect abuse of a vulnerable adult
A
See diagram
