Skip to content

How We Safeguard Against Elder Abuse

We would like to show you how Comfort Keepers acts to minimise the risk of elder abuse. The blog will outline how we react if we suspect that elder abuse, in any shape or form, is occurring.  Thankfully, elder abuse is rare but that does not mean it doesn’t happen. In any case, it is something we take very seriously.

Forms of abuse

When one thinks of abuse, most people might think of physical abuse or sexual abuse.  However, when we think a little deeper, it is evident that abuse can take many forms. For example, passive abuse is something that can happen if a person becomes overwhelmed, is uninformed or has poor communication skills.  There are a number of forms of elder abuse and these include physical, financial, psychological, neglect, sexual and discrimination.

While physical abuse can have the obvious signs of cuts or bruising, emotional or other abuse does not display so readily. Symptoms that we look out for include a disruption in sleeping patterns, change of mood or lack of confidence. Also a change to toileting behaviours or if eating habits alter. Of course, these changes may be due to other factors such as for medical reasons however this is always checked.

At Comfort Keepers, we have a number of safeguards in place:

  1. Employee training: Our carers are trained on recognising the signs of elder abuse. As well as the internal protocol we have in place in this regard. Our On-call team also receive this training so that, out of hours, we can provide safe and effective care.
  2. Journal records: Comfort Keepers carers record each visit in a journal for each individual client. It provides a synopsis of the care given each visit and a record of any changes or observations, however minor.  These journals are checked by a Client Care Manager regularly.  Any changes noted are taken seriously by the Client Care Manager. Any issues of concern will be addressed in a timely fashion.
  3. Incident Forms: Carers record any isolated incidents in incident forms, which are then sent straight to their Client Care Manager.
  4. Client Care Manager Visits:  As part of the care package agreed, a client care manager or reviewer visits the client on a regular basis. Depending on the level of care, these visits are either monthly, bi-monthly or quarterly. This visit has many purposes. Two of which are to review the care package and also to work as a safeguard.
  5. Unified Approach: Comfort Keepers work closely with the HSE and the public health nurse in the client’s locality.  The Senior Case Worker in the HSE is contacted if there are any suspicions of abuse.
  6. Client Satisfaction Survey: We conduct this survey twice per year and any feedback on this that raises concerns will be dealt with by management and in conjunction with the HSE.
  7. Whistleblower Policy: Comfort Keepers have a designated whistleblower contact within the company so if any carer has any concerns at all, they know they have someone to confide in.

Conclusion

Our clients’ health and care is our priority and we do our utmost to ensure they are well cared for at all times.  It is our policy to report any suspicions and this is always done in good faith and in the clients best interests.

If you have any questions about our care policies, please feel free to contact us.

Connect with us

To begin starting care for your loved one, you can click here.

To join our incredible award-winning team, you can apply now by clicking here or emailing your CV to recruitment@comfortkeepers.ie

Want to find out more about what care services suit your needs best?

Book A Consultation Now
X
Join Our Newsletter