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Explain the actions to take if there are suspicions that an individual is being abused

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Explain the actions to take if there are suspicions that an individual is being abused

Abuse is not always up close. The signs of abuse are often not out in the open, especially in health and social care. If you, as a careworker, notice something odd that suggests an individual is being abused, then you should know the crucial steps you need to take to prevent that abuse. Your concern should lead you to policies and procedures designed to help the abused.

First of all, try to determine the level of abuse. How harsh is it? Is it mild bullying or is it something life-threatening? Either way, you need to act quickly the moment you suspect abuse. This is where you consult the police, ambulance, or other relevant services.

Explain the actions to take if there are suspicions that an individual is being abused

Your initial assessment should not be a cause of frustration for the abused. Remember that you are not here to investigate; do not give away this idea. It is best to ask the person what they need for their safety; it is a high form of duty of care.

If they suffer through amnesia, then you should make sure they know where they are, where their possessions and belongings are, and if they have someone around they can trust. Even if all of these things are okay, there might be times when you must check out on them so that they can build a trustworthy relationship with you.

A person may be unable to safeguard themselves, especially when they have been abused in the past. This is called ‘learned helplessness’ and the moment they are abused, their body and mind shut down against the very abuse. That is because they never used anything else except for silence against the abuse. A common police advice for such a scenario is that you should move this kind of individual from one place to another in a care setting.

There could be an issue of an individual not leaving immediately as they are under the effect of alcohol, drugs, injury, or medication. In such a scenario, you will have to stay with them until professional help arrives. Monitor these situations daily so there remains no suspicion of help.

You should know how strong their attachment is to certain things that they cannot leave behind; if possible, try to bring those things when you move the individual to a safe place. If the person is disabled or young, they may need additional support, which is why you need to call a higher authority or someone else who can help.

When professionals show up, you should inform them about all the knowledge that you have about the abuse. Leave nothing of importance so they can look into it further. Do not put yourself at risk while saving others; if you are harmed, then you cannot provide support to the needy. Try your best to keep yourself out of the way of harm.

Make notes about your responses to the abuse so that it can prove how you acted as a care worker. Let them know of your decisions and actions so they can asses your care and support well. It can strengthen your position as a reliable worker, and you can be a trusted personality in case something similar comes up in the future.

We hope these steps have informed you on what to do in an organisation in such a situation. Be aware of legal and ethical concerns; report signs and symptoms accordingly and do not hesitate to call emergency services in times of need, as only they can take immediate action. There are study guides available with relevant information on what and when to do when you observe something abusive at the workplace.

Remember that abuse comes in different forms. Disclosures of abuse are often not revealing; they are subtle and you can observe them well when safeguarding adults and children alike. Another point to ponder is preserving evidence; it is important to act in a way that gives you enough opportunity to collect the proof you need to report with.

If you do not have proof, then your case may raise concerns of legitimacy. Whenever you need advice and support, it may come with a price. Unfortunately, if you report your concerns without proof, you may not be taken seriously. Nobody suspects an individual like that.

This is how you explain the actions to take if there are suspicions that an individual is being abused.

Consequences of Not Following Organisational Policies and Procedures

What happens if you do not follow the proper guidelines documented as your duties? It escalates the situation and puts you and the individual in your care at serious risk. You are here to ensure their safety, to prevent further harm. If you do not guarantee their safety and well-being according to the assigned framework, then it questions your position at work.

You need to assess the danger or needs of the individual in your care. As a care worker, it is a huge part to know how to protect them in a way that keeps them far from harm. If you work solo and are not part of an adult safeguarding team, then safety precautions will have to be taken in a protected way.

Read up on advice and instructions issued by the Care Quality Commission. The Level 2 diploma in care and the Level 4 diploma in adult care have a lot of information on steps that you should take to save individuals from some kind of abuse. You should be able to recognise the pain and discomfort the individual in your care is in.

Abuse has multiple forms. Lack of proper health and safety is also a form of abuse. Medical attention should be quick and precise. If there is a delay in medical help and someone is purposefully making that delay, then it can become a clear case of abuse. Sense the immediate danger well and call social services as soon as possible.

In the case of an emergency, you may get help from someone you know, someone trustworthy. Emergency services may take a while to show up at the place; you will have to ensure that actions you take are the best ones. For this, you will need to know to protect others. This is how you ensure safeguarding individuals from abuse.

This is why it is best to follow procedures and policies. You have to save your position as well. You do not want to stain your career by abandoning the instructions. If the individual requires something, make sure your intentions and moves adhere to the assigned guidelines. Going against those procedures and you put your career at risk, even if you end up saving the concerned individual.

These are the important bits you should know as a caseworker. Abuse can reverse every good and progress you have made for an individual. This is why you should be extra conscious about your individual not being abused. In a care setting, if you feel that the individual is in immediate danger, then it is not the time for second thoughts; it is time to confront the suspected abuser.

All in all, these are the steps that you should take to establish yourself as a qualified carer. Your actions can make a significant change; do not underestimate yourself or your role.