I have received a triple D* in this course. I have received a distinction for unit 7. My assignments are top quality. The case study i have used in my assignment is the Merryvale Residence.
P4: Explain the factors that may contribute to and reduce the likelihood of abuse and
neglect for service users in health and social care
CASE STUDY:
The Merryvale Residence provides support for 10 older men and women who are all over the age
of 75. Three of the residents have a hearing impairment, two have dementia and the remaining
residents have varying degrees of reduced mobility. Two of the female residents are in a same-sex
relationship and have experienced discrimination from one member of staff, but do not want to
cause problems and have therefore not made a complaint. The couple feel that they must be
entitled to a double room but are not certain what their legal rights are on this issue. One of the
women has noticed that her partner, who requires support with dressing and bathing, has
developed bruises on her neck and arms. When questioned by her partner, she states that she fell
over. The residence has a high turnover of staff and often operates with less than the legal limit in
terms of care workers. This can mean that residents who require support with personal care have
to either wait for long periods or manage by themselves. Some residents have remained without a
bath or shower for two or three days, causing distress and, in some cases, worsening of a skin
condition. The residence has recently lost its full-time cleaner Mary Jones, following a dispute
between Mary and the deputy manager. This means that the care staff are currently sharing the
domestic duties between them. Spilled food and drinks are often left on work surfaces and waste
bins overflow, as staff cannot keep up with all the cleaning in addition to caring for the residents.
VULNERABLE GROUPS:
Service users may be vulnerable for several reasons which they have no control over. Anyone
dependent on support from others in order to perform the activities of daily life is vulnerable to
abuse and neglect. Everyone has different physical, intellectual, emotional and social needs.
Individuals with similar needs may be categorised as groups within a society and a person may be
part of different groups at different periods in their lives. A person may be considered vulnerable by
reason of any of their PIES needs. Specific individuals or groups of children may be more vulnerable
to abuse or neglect because of risk factors in their family or environment, or due to the way they are
seen by their carers. Identifying these vulnerable groups may allow professionals or other individuals
to take steps to help and safeguard the well-being of such children and to respond appropriately to
concerns. It is essential, however, not to stigmatise families because of the presence of specific risk
factors; whilst the risks of mistreatment may be higher, the majority of adults and children within
these vulnerable groups are valued and cared for and do not experience abuse.
It is described as adults being vulnerable if they’re permanently or briefly incapable to care for
themselves and their wellbeing, either through a mental or physical reason. Vulnerable adults are
exposed to risks of psychological and physical harm or being misused for other individual’s
advantage. The subsequent groups of people are thought to be vulnerable adults: older people who
are physically or psychologically weak, individuals with learning disabilities, and people with a
mental health condition such as dementia or personality disorder, people who are unwell and
require assistance to carry out normal everyday functions, people with physical disabilities, people
who have experienced a recent trauma such as a grief, a divorce or dismissed from their job for
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