Safeguarding Adults - Responding to Suspected or Disclosed Abuse Health and Social Care Training Resources

Aims:

• To equip care home staff with the knowledge and skills to respond effectively to suspected or disclosed abuse in residential care settings.
• To provide guidance on immediate actions to ensure the safety and well-being of individuals who may be experiencing abuse.
• To enhance communication skills to facilitate sensitive and empathetic interactions with residents and colleagues in abuse-related situations.
• To familiarise care home staff with reporting procedures, documentation requirements and the importance of maintaining confidentiality in abuse cases.
• To raise awareness of support networks and external agencies available to assist in responding to abuse and providing appropriate care and protection.

Learning Objectives:

A. Immediate actions to ensure safety and well-being
1. Identify immediate actions that should be taken to protect the safety and well-being of an individual who may be experiencing abuse.
2. Demonstrate the ability to assess the immediate risks and take appropriate measures to mitigate harm.
3. Apply knowledge of emergency protocols and escalation procedures to ensure prompt and effective responses to abuse situations.
B. Effective communication with residents and colleagues
1. Demonstrate effective communication techniques when responding to suspected or disclosed abuse, while ensuring empathy, respect and maintaining dignity.
2. Apply active listening skills to create a safe and supportive environment for individuals to disclose abuse or express concerns.
3. Develop strategies to communicate sensitive information to colleagues while maintaining confidentiality and following appropriate protocols.
C. Reporting procedures and documentation requirements
1. Explain the importance of accurate and timely reporting of suspected or disclosed abuse incidents.
2. Familiarise care home staff with the reporting procedures and documentation requirements specific to their organisation or regulatory guidelines.
3. Demonstrate the ability to complete incident reports and related documentation effectively, ensuring relevant information is captured in a clear and concise manner.
D. Confidentiality and information sharing
1. Understand the principles of confidentiality and the legal and ethical considerations related to sharing information in abuse cases.
2. Apply strategies to maintain confidentiality while balancing the need to share information with appropriate parties to ensure the safety and well-being of individuals.
3. Recognise situations where confidentiality may need to be breached in the best interest of the individual or others involved.
E. Support networks and external agencies
1. Identify and describe the support networks and external agencies available to assist in responding to abuse situations in residential care.
2. Understand the roles and responsibilities of external agencies, such as adult safeguarding teams, regulatory bodies and law enforcement.
3. Develop an awareness of the referral processes and pathways for accessing external support and expertise when responding to suspected or disclosed abuse.

PowerPoint Presentation (102 slides)
Word Documents - 6 x Handout, End of Session Multiple Choice Assessment, , Suggested other learning activities.

Slide Titles:

Aims
Objectives
Welcome
SECTION HEADER - RESPONDING TO SUSPECTED OR DISCLOSED ABUSE
Introduction
Key Points
Importance of Reporting
Creating a Safe Environment
Recognising Disclosure
Responding to Suspicions
Support and Advocacy
Collaboration and Multi-Agency Working
Conclusion
SECTION HEADER - IMMEDIATE ACTIONS TO ENSURE SAFETY AND WELL-BEING
Objectives
Key Points
Remove from Harm
Provide Support and Reassurance
Document and Preserve Evidence
Follow Reporting Procedures
Involve Appropriate Authorities
Ensure Medical Attention
Review and Enhance Safety Measures
Communicate with Relevant Parties
Conclusion
SECTION HEADER - EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION WITH RESIDENTS AND COLLEAGUES
Objectives
Importance of Effective Communication
Active Listening
Empowerment and Respect
Confidentiality
Open and Honest Communication
Collaborative Approach
Documentation and Reporting
Emotional Support
Professional Boundaries
Training and Education
Conclusion
SECTION HEADER - HOW TO RESPOND VERBALLY IN A SITUATION OF DISCLOSED ABUSE
Stay Calm and Reassuring
Listening Actively
Avoid Judgement or Blame
Validate Feelings
Use Open Ended Questions
Empower and Support
Clarify Information
Avoid Promising Confidentiality
Document the Disclosure
Report the Abuse
Conclusion
SECTION HEADER - REPORTING PROCEDURES AND DOCUMENTATION REQUIREMENTS
Objectives
Introduction
Immediate Response
Reporting to the Designated Authority
Local Safeguarding Team
Form and Format of Reporting
Information to Include in the Report
Confidentiality and Data Protection
Whistleblowing
Documentation
Conclusion
SECTION HEADER - CONFIDENTIALITY AND INFORMATION SHARING
Objectives
Introduction
Duty of Care
Need to Know Basis
Consent
Legal Obligations
Data Protection
Anonymity and Confidentiality
Record Keeping
Whistleblowing
Conclusion
SECTION HEADER - SUPPORT NETWORK AND EXTERNAL AGENCIES
Objectives
Introduction
Local Safeguarding Boards (SAB)
Local Authority Adult Social Services
Police
NHS
Care Quality Commission (CQC)
Local Advocacy Services
National Domestic Violence Helpline
Action on Elder Abuse (AEA)
Disclosure and Barring Service
Local Charitable Organisations
Conclusion
RECAP
references and Further Reading