Carer’s Blog - Health Care

3 Responses to “What Is The Potential Abuse For Confused People In Health And Social Care Contexts?”

1. Nucleus says:

   November 5, 2009 at 10:14 pm

   Homeless vulnerabilities: Drug and alcohol use/relapse. Difficulty in coping with the move indoors, feeling that they’ve lost freedom and friends as a result. Vulnerability to ‘friends’ who are a bad influence, but remember that this doesn’t apply to all friends, isolation will have negative implications. HIV/Hepatitis exposure, Hep B and C tests worth advising, clinics may offer vaccination for Hep B. Not being treated with respect but as a victim/charity case would impact upon confidence/resolve/self image, encourage but never treat as a child. Many homeless people have skills and are intelligent but have just been dealt a raw deal by life, encourage development of skills. Treat as an equal and you will gain this person’s respect, but also be realistic. Try to show that it’s possible to improve themselves but respect that it’s their life and encourage them to use their own initiative. May have difficulties dealing with authorities/officialdom. Encourage towards work/meaningful activities and just try to help them to get some of the good things in life, by their own merits. Don’t patronise.
   EDIT: Thanks Marie
2. MickeyT says:

   November 5, 2009 at 10:21 pm

   I expect the elderly, dementia patients, or those with learning disabilities are vulnerable on a few levels.
   For one thing, if they are confused, they may not remember the abuse, so are at risk of repeated bad treatment
   Even if they do remember an incident, they wouldn’t be thought of as credible account givers, so are more likely to have their stories dismissed
   They probably aren’t in any fit state to relate their needs to carers, so may be more vulnerable when it comes to neglect
   Staff may not be properly trained to look after their special needs
   For the homeless, there is a risk of being overlooked completely by the system because they become invisible on the streets and because many find it too difficult to negotiate a maze of paperwork for benefits. As they have no fixed address, they may not be able to use some services. They’re also at risk from gangs on the street, drink/substance problems, the cold at night, lack of proper nourishment, and mental problems resulting from their general situation.
   Well done, Mickey
3. Deecy says:

   November 5, 2009 at 10:38 pm

   Basically, there are physically abused, knowingly or unknowingly.
   The main important thing when dealing with less fortunate is your empathetic attitude.