Elder Abuse & Neglect

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Community care is about finding ways to enable certain members of society to live as independently as possible.  It applies to a range of individuals, including those over the age of 18 who may, through disability, including mental illness or any other incapacities, require social care in order to improve their quality of life.  Due to the diversity of community care clients, those who are employed in this area often specialise in specific areas; such as working with the elderly.  This essay will explore how community care to the elderly is managed, the role of the social worker when dealing with clients and more specifically when dealing with elderly persons.  In addition, identification of categories of abuse and their main indicators in relation to the elderly will be undertaken.  Furthermore, identification and explanation of practices used in order to help protect the elderly from abuse and harm will also be given.

        

Social workers play a significant role in community care management; it is their job to assess the needs of individuals within the community that are thought to be in need.  A clients needs may arise for a number of reasons: poverty, discrimination and isolation are just a few.  The level of care to be given to those in need is determined by an assessment which is carried out by a Care Management Team.  The results of the assessment are compared to the specific council’s eligibility criteria, from that point a care plan can be devised to best suit the clients needs.  However, the plan is not unchangeable as emphasis is placed on the need for constant monitoring and reviewing of the clients requirements; should their circumstances change then the plan can be amended accordingly.  It is thought that by implementing this process resources can be more fairly distributed amongst those who are in need.  Furthermore, there are several legislative acts in place such as the Disabled Persons (Services Consultation & Representation)Act 1986, which states that it is an individuals right to request a community care assessment.  This right is extended to the carer of an individual in The Carers (Recognition & Services) Act 1995 and The Carers & Disabled Children’s Act 2000.

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A social worker needs to build a relationship of trust with their client, this can be done by both respecting the individuals values and beliefs and their right to confidentiality.  However that confidentiality may need to be broken at times.  For example if the client reveals information that may indicate that they are in need of protection from abuse and harm.  It is important therefore that the client acknowledges that this confidentiality extends to the social worker’s employer.  This break of confidentiality can enable social services to promote the clients health and well-being, thus reducing the risk of them ...

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