Select Committee on Health Written Evidence


APPENDIX 16

Memorandum by Mike Sharman, Adult Protection Co-ordinator, Middlesbrough Social Services (EA 23)

HOW PREVALENT IS ELDER ABUSE?

  Although there is some research data on the extent of the above it has developed in a haphazard way. "No Secrets" Department of Health Guidance has encouraged Local Authorities to compile statistical information, via framework. However, due to the fact "No Secrets" is guidance, practice varies across local authorities. Equally other organisations hold information (such as the police, Action on Elder Abuse, etc) but because there are no clear requirements of particular statistics required, information can be patchy across the country. Information/research of abused in black and ethnic minority communities is extremely limited possibly due to lack of cultural knowledge, awareness and preventative promotion. Financial abuse is the most common form of abuse in the Middlesbrough area, followed by physical and emotional.
Age GroupMale Female
18-3016
31-5044
51-6443
65-7427
75-84614
85+18
Total1842

WHO ARE THE ABUSERS?

  There is evidence locally to suggest relatives and carers (formal and informal) have been perpetrators. Domestic violence also cross-refers into this area. There has also been some evidence in Middlesbrough to suggest more organised individuals or groups in relation to "distraction burglary" and "bogus workers" are targeting vulnerable adults. The over 74 years female age group are the most common victims of abuse.

THE SETTINGS OF ELDER ABUSE

  More research is required but locally financial abuse appears to be more common where workers work in a person's home. There have been incidents of verbal and physical abuse within care homes.

WHAT CAN BE DONE ABOUT IT?

  Greater awareness of the issue needs to be made. This will also change practice within some settings. Publicity required to highlight situations and it is a criminal matter, which the police will become involved with. A cultural change is required in how older people are seen, ie some abuse is more accepted in society in older people which would be unacceptable if they were children. Assessment and support can assist and prevent further abuse, but the level of severity needs to be raised alongside action, which should include legislation and not just guidance. Either way all agencies need to lock together in partnership. It is still seen as a "Social Services" thing. This is partly because "No Secrets" required Social Services Departments to lead, but responsibility from other organisations is not paramount, health settings and professionals are likely to come across the same if not more abuse.

INFORMAL CARERS

  Again partnership approach is required to ascertain each case. Information for public needs more work.

FORMAL CARERS

  More emphasis required on training and awareness. Inspectors and inspectors' roles need clearer definition in relation to adult protection. How direct payment workers are regulated needs clarifying. NCSC currently registers residential, nursing and domicilary care agencies, but direct payment workers are excluded.

TRAINING

  Role of staff training is crucial in all of the above alongside public awareness. Training varies again because of "guidance" only requirement nature of "No Secrets" and current adult protection arrangements have had to be created out of "existing" resources. Consideration of resourcing training is required nationally. Training should be provided on a multi agency basis eg for social workers, NCSC inspectors, police and nurses. This could lead to the formation of specialist teams.

  Currently training in Middlesbrough is developed within Social Services, but due to operational demands more attention needs to be given to this work.

  The Northern Region Adult Protection Forum also meets to exchange views and issues in this area and could be a useful forum to push forward suggestions.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR NATIONAL AND LOCAL STRATEGY

    —  Legislation and not just guidance is required. Adult protection is where child protection was 25 years ago. Legislation needs to support victims of abuse and professionals who aim to protect them.

    —  Acknowledge the importance of the Draft Mental Incapacity Bill to work with adult protection legislation could tie in practice legislation.

    —  A comprehensive training strategy is required to assist and understand issues around adult protection and specific areas such as elder abuse. Training needs to go hand in hand with guidance and legislation. It needs to be all encompassing on a multi agency basis with acknowledged responsibilities.

    —  The new Commission for Social Care Inspection has a golden opportunity to lead and pull together a streamlined approach alongside its partner CHAI.

    —  There is a danger that ageism can again creep into this agenda. The Government needs to move away from this and recognise vulnerable adults as a whole, encompassing specific areas such as elder abuse and abuse of people with a learning disability.

    —  Further research of the issue is required. Statistics currently are likely to show an increase from 2001-02 to 2002-03 due to "No Secrets" Guidance. If this trend continues resourcing multi agency teams to work with elder abuse/vulnerable adults should be considered.





 
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