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 Group | Male
| Female |
| | |
| 18-30 | 1 | 6
|
| 31-50 | 4 | 4
|
| 51-64 | 4 | 3
|
| 65-74 | 2 | 7
|
| 75-84 | 6 | 14
|
| 85+ | 1 | 8
|
| Total | 18 | 42
|
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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