Prevention, Detection and Removal of Abuse and/or Neglect

Purpose / To ensure consumers are kept safe and are not subjected to, or at risk of, abuse and/or neglect
Scope / All staff involved in service provision
Performance Indicator / Staff demonstrate knowledge and understanding preventing, detecting and removing neglect and/or abuse for customers
FIVE COMMONLY IDENTIFIED CATEGORIES OF ELDER ABUSE ARE:
Physical Abuse: / infliction of physical pain, injury or force, including medication abuse (deliberateor accidental misuse of medication and prescriptions that sedate or result in harm to the olderperson) and inappropriate use of restraint or confinement that causes pain or bodily harm
Sexual Abuse: / any forced, coerced or exploitive sexual behaviour or threats imposed on anindividual, including sexual acts imposed on a person unable to give consent, or sexual activitythat an adult lacking mental capacity is unable to understand
Psychological/Emotional Abuse: / any behaviour that causes anguish, stress or fear, including verbal abuse, intimidation, harassment, damage to property, treats of physical or sexual abuse, and the removal of decision-making powers
Financial/Material Abuse: / illegal or improper use of funds or other resources, and/or exploitation
Neglect: / occurs as a result of another person failing to meet the physical and emotional needsof an older person.

Family Violence Intervention Guidelines.Elder Abuse and Neglect (2007) Ministry of Health.

This policy and procedure should be read and implemented in conjunction with Family Violence Intervention Guidelines. Elder Abuse and Neglect, (2007), Ministry of Health, and Lippincott procedure: Suspected Elder Abuse, Recognizing and Reporting Ambulatory Care.

Consumer & their Family/whānau

The consumer will be provided a safe environment free from any actions that cause harm.

Consumer needs will be met in a safe and timely manner which may include but not limited to working in collaboration with Primary Care Providers, Needs Assessment and Coordination Agency (SupportNet), Aged Care Association, Alzheimers Society, Mental Health Services, Bay of Plenty District Health Board, Māori group or communities and the Civil Defence.

The consumer and their family/whānau (if requested by the consumer) will be empowered to self-determine in all aspects of their own carewhich includes regular assessment, care planning, review and evaluation processes.

The consumer may refuse or withdraw consent at any time. The currency of consent will be checked by staff at regular intervals.

The consumer will be provided information on the Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers’ Rights (the Code), the complaints system and the National Health and Disability Advocacy Service.

Staff

All newly engaged staff will receive education which will include an orientation and ongoing training related:

cultural intelligence

confidentiality and consent

empowering consumers while working with them

learning to recognise types and signs of abuse

identifying and responding to abuse and/or neglect

ensuring the safety of abused and/or neglected consumers.

Assessment and Response

This procedure incorporates the six step approach - Family Violence Intervention Guidelines. Elder Abuse and Neglect, (2007), Ministry of Health.

Reporting

allsuspectedand/oractual abuse and/or neglect will be forward to and managed by or delegated person in the absence of .

Identify

general questions will be includedduring an assessment to help identify alert features

elder abuse questions will be used for all consumers who present with alertfeatures or signs and symptoms of elder abuse, andmay be used where risk indicators suggest there is the potential for elder abuse.

Provide Emotional Support

the consumer’s storywill be listen to

what the consumer tells staff isacknowledged

the consumer’s experienceis validated.

Assess Risk

the level and urgency of safety concernswill be determined

risk that is life threatening;risk of suicide or self-harm will be identified.

Plan Safety

if the consumer is at risk of serious harm or death, advise the consumer of the concernsand contact the police. Contact Elder Abuse and Neglect Prevention Services, and/or relevant agencies such associal workers, mental health services for older people, or an emergency safe bed facilityfor all other safety concerns, consent to refer will be sought and a safety plan andreferral options discussed

theconsumerwill be educated and supportedwhatever their choices, and provided contact informationfor services.

Document

actions taken will be recordedand documented including current or past injuries

the complaints procedure will beimplemented as required

a section 31 notification will be completed and forwarded to the Ministry of Health and Clinical Quality Facilitator (Planning and Funding - Bay of Plenty District Health Board) and CC’d to DHB Portfolio Manager - Health of the Older Person

a corrective action plan will bedeveloped as required.

Refer

appropriate referrals, such as to Elder Abuse and Neglect Prevention Services, health, social and/orlegal serviceswill be complete

interventions will be documented and monitored,and followed up as required.

Environment

A mix of appropriately skilled staff will be available to deliver services, and be adequately supported by management.

Staff will be appropriately supervised at all times.

Police checks will be regularly undertaken for all staff (including prior to an offer of employment).

Reference checks will be completed for all staff prior to employment.

Policies and procedures are in place to guide and promote a safe environment these include but not limited to: consumer rights, confidentiality, informed consent and recognition of cultural values and beliefs.

A culture of open communication will be fostered.

Staff will be supported to participate in any family/whānau, interagency or court proceedings to address specific cases or abuse or neglect.

SERVICE / CONTACT DETAILS
Police / 07 577 4300
Fax:(07) 577 4879
11 Monmouth St
Tauranga
Tauranga
PO Box 144
Elder Abuse and Neglect Prevention Services (Aged Concern) / 07 578 2856
Fax:07 578 2015
177a Fraser Street
Tauranga 3012

References: Health and Disability Services (Core) Standards. NZS 8134.1:2008.

Aged Care Service Agreement for the Provision of Aged Related Residential Care.

Family Violence Intervention Guidelines.Elder Abuse and Neglect, (2007), Ministry of Health.

Midland Learning: Lippincott Procedures.

Version: / Issue Date: / Review Date: / Authorisation:

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