Emerald | Journal of Adult Protection, The | Table of Contents

Editorial JAP 15.3

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Bridget Penhale, Margaret Flynn) — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Not available.

The experience of being protected

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose - The purpose of the paper is to discuss how adult support and protection (ASP) work might support or further damage an adult’s strengths, skills and sense of self. There is a particular focus on adults who require some support with decision-making.Design/methodology/approach - Forum theatre and other creative techniques were used to discuss ASP with 42 people who access support. A range of advice for practitioners was generated, a portion of which is reported here. The research design was participatory, with ten people who access support being members of the research team.Findings - ASP work can support or undermine an adult’s strengths, skills and sense of self, depending on the way it is performed. Three inter-locking themes are presented to illustrate this finding. First, participants thought it might be intimidating to be "singled out", and wished to be understood in the context of their relationships. Second, ASP was thought likely to be experienced as a judgement on the person and their problem-solving skills. Third, people wanted to be "really listened to" and acknowledged as a person with preferences and strengths.Practical implications - It is important for practitioners to be mindful of the process of ASP work, as well as of its outcomes. Ways must be found to keep the person central, and to maintain and develop their strengths and sense of self.Originality/value - The perspectives of adults actually or potentially affected by ASP have been under-researched. This study adds substantially to the available evidence.

Abuse and neglect of older care recipients in domestic settings – Results of a survey among nursing staff of home care services in Hanover (Germany)

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Susann Rabold, Thomas Goergen) — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose - Although there is some anecdotal evidence for the phenomenon of abuse and neglect of community-dwelling older care recipients by home care services, empirical data on this topic are almost completely lacking in Germany. Thus the main purpose of this study was to determine scope and risk factors of abuse and neglect of older care recipients by nursing staff.Design/methodology/approach - A self-report study was conducted among home care nursing staff in the German city of Hanover. 503 professional caregivers took part in the study; the response rate was 43.3 %. Findings - Nearly 40 % of all respondents reported at least one incident of abuse or neglect of an older care recipient within the last 12 months. Psychological abuse/verbal aggression and neglect were most common. Serious problem behaviour can be predicted by care recipients’ aggressive behaviour, the number of a nurse’s clients suffering from dementia, subjects’ use of alcohol as a means of alleviating work-related stress, and general judgments of quality of care delivered by the respective home care service.Originality/value - The study provides a first impression about the extent and potential causes of abuse and neglect by home care nursing staff. Findings show that the problem of abuse and neglect of care recipients is not limited to nursing homes and care by family members. The paper also points at opportunities for prevention and accentuates the need for further research in this field.

Recognising and responding to financial abuse in residential aged care

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Cheryl Tilse, Jill Wilson) — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose - Responding to suspected financial abuse in residential aged care poses particular challenges to care managers. This paper explores responses to financial abuse by care managers and the knowledge, policies and principles that guide practice in this context. Design/methodology/approach - The research is part of a larger project exploring financial asset management and financial abuse in residential aged care in Australia. The thematic analysis reports on responses of care managers in sixty two aged care facilities to survey interview questions and case scenarios presenting issues of alleged financial abuse. Findings - Although most care managers accepted an obligation to act in response to suspected financial abuse, inconsistency and a lack of familiarity with policy are clearly demonstrated. Practice responses vary according to whether the primary focus is on residents, family or managing risk. Despite most reporting policies in place in the event of alleged theft, reports on the use of policies and protocols to guide responses to suspected misuse of an enduring power of attorney or undue influence are limited. The care manager’s knowledge and approach to practice are crucial to framing up the response. Originality/value - The research provides insight into inconsistencies in responses to financial abuse in residential aged care, identifies good practice and outlines the limitations in knowledge of some care managers. It argues for the need to enhance understanding, support and training to further develop practice in this setting, particularly in relation to adult protection principles.

Elder Financial Abuse in England: A Policy Analysis Perspective related to Social Care and Banking

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose - A review of selected adult safeguarding policy and guidance documentation was undertaken to establish the level of guidance provided in relation to financial abuse; identify similarities and differences between the guidance given to professionals working in different contexts; and report gaps or inconsistencies in the guidance given.Design/methodology/approach - Qualitative documentary content analysis was undertaken to identify key issues and themes in documents selected from twenty-five local authorities in England..Findings - Little variation found in the content of the documents, which were all heavily influenced by ‘No Secrets’ Guidance. The victim and perpetrator were largely invisible and there is no reference to the possible medium to long- term impact of abuse on individuals. There is no research evidence underpinning the use of the notion of ‘significant harm’ when used in the context of adults. In addition, there is no means of comparing safeguarding decisions across different local authorities to evaluate consistency of decisions and outcomes.Research limitations/implications - The lack of any mechanisms to compare safeguarding decisions and outcomes across local authority areas is a serious limitation of the way safeguarding works. Also, the failure to address the aftercare and support of victims means they are left to manage the psycho-social consequences. Practical implications - Safeguarding boards should evaluate the outcomes of interventions in a standardised way to enable comparison. They should also do more to ensure the longer-term wellbeing of victims. Originality/value - The only policy review that focuses specifically on financial abuse.

The law on hate crime

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Catherine Heard) — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to inform readers about the Law Commission's review of hate crime offences and provide information on key stages. At the time of writing the review is at consultation stage and people are being invited to participate in this process.Design/methodology/approach - The paper is structured in a question and answer format and provides an overview of existing hate crime offences and the stages of the Law Commission's review.Findings - The consultation will consider the affect of the Law Commission’s review of hate crime law on people with disabilities.Originality/value - The author is a member of the Law Commission’s criminal law team and answers questions on what’s involved in the consultation process. The Law Commission wants to make sure that people who could be affected by any changes to the law on hate crime have their say.

Working with Adults at Risk of Harm

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Bridget Penhale) — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Not available.