Care Certificate Standard 10 Answers Guide – Safeguarding adults

The Care Certificate is a set of standards that social care and health workers adhere to in their daily working life. It helps ensure that they have the required skills, knowledge, and behaviours to provide compassionate, safe, and high-quality care and support.

The Care Certificate is made up of 15 standards, and Standard 10 focuses on “Safeguarding Adults.”

Care Certificate Standard 10 Answers

10.1 Understand the principles of Safeguarding adults

• 10.1a Explain the term safeguarding adults
• 10.1b Explain their own role and responsibilities in safeguarding individuals
• 10.1c List the main types of abuse
• 10.1d Describe what constitutes harm
• 10.1e Explain why an individual may be vulnerable to harm or abuse
• 10.1f Describe what constitutes restrictive practices
• 10.1g List the possible indicators of abuse
• 10.1h Describe the nature and scope of harm to and abuse of adults at risk
• 10.1i List a range of factors which have featured in adult abuse and neglect
• 10.1j Demonstrate the importance of ensuring individuals are treated with dignity and respect when providing health and care services
• 10.1k Describe where to get information and advice about their role and responsibilities in preventing and protecting individuals from harm and abuse

10.2 Reduce the likelihood of abuse

• 10.2a Describe how care environments can promote or undermine people’s dignity and rights
• 10.2b Explain the importance of individualised, person centred care
• 10.2c Explain how to apply the basic principles of helping people to keep themselves safe
• 10.2d Explain the local arrangements for the implementation of multi-agency Safeguarding Adult’s policies and procedures
• 10.2e List ways in which the likelihood of abuse can be reduced by managing risk and focusing on prevention
• 10.2f Explain how a clear complaints procedure reduces the likelihood of abuse

10.3 Respond to suspected or disclosed abuse

• 10.3a Explain what to do if abuse of an adult is suspected; including how to raise concerns within local whistleblowing policy procedures

10.4 Protect people from harm and abuse – locally and nationally

• 10.4a List relevant legislation, local and national policies and procedures which relate to safeguarding adults
• 10.4b Explain the importance of sharing information with the relevant agencies
• 10.4c Describe the actions to take if they experience barriers in alerting or referring to relevant agencies

Overview of Standard 10: Safeguarding Adults

Standard 10: Safeguarding Adults

Emphasises the importance of safeguarding an adult’s right to live in safety, free from abuse and neglect. It ensures that care workers can recognise, report, and take action on issues of abuse or neglect.

Key Elements of Standard 10

Understanding Abuse and Neglect:

Abuse violates a person’s human and civil rights. It can be physical, emotional, sexual, financial, or institutional.

Neglect means not providing necessary care, leading to severe health or developmental harm.

Types of Abuse:

• Physical: Hitting, slapping, pushing, misuse of medication
• Emotional/Psychological: Threatening, humiliating, controlling behaviour
• Sexual: Unwanted sexual activity or conversation
• Financial: Stealing or coercion about finances
• Neglect/Omission: Ignoring medical needs
• Discriminatory: Racism, sexism or other forms of discrimination
• Institutional/Organisational: Poor practice within an institution
  -Self-Neglect: Not caring for one’s own basic needs

Recognising Signs of Abuse:

• Unexplained injuries or frequent hospital visits.
• Changes in behaviour or personality.
• Withdrawal from social activities.
• Sudden financial difficulties.
• Poor living conditions.
• Fearfulness around certain individuals.

Roles and Responsibilities:

Duty of Care: Care workers must protect those they support.
Confidentiality: Share information only on a need-to-know basis with relevant agencies.
Report Concerns: Promptly report any suspicions or evidence of abuse to the safeguarding team.

Reporting and Responding to Abuse:

• Immediate Action: If someone is in immediate danger, contact emergency services.
• Report Procedures: Report concerns to a manager, supervisor, or designated safeguarding lead.
• Documentation: Keep accurate records of any signs of abuse, conversations, and actions taken.
• Following Policies: Adhere to organisational policies and procedures regarding safeguarding.

Legislation and Guidelines:

• Care Act 2014.
• Mental Capacity Act 2005.
• Human Rights Act 1998.
• Local safeguarding adult boards and multi-agency procedures.

Promoting a Safe Environment:

• Encourage a culture of vigilance and reporting.
• Provide training and support for recognising and reporting abuse.
• Implement policies and procedures that safeguard individuals.

Competency Assessment for Standard 10

To demonstrate competence in Standard 10, workers must:

• Show a clear understanding of the different types of abuse and neglect.
• Recognise signs and symptoms of abuse and neglect.
• Demonstrate an understanding of their role and responsibilities in safeguarding adults.
• Follow the correct procedures for reporting any concerns.
• Understand the importance of treating information sensitively and confidentially.
• Be aware of current legislation and guidelines related to safeguarding adults.

Conclusion

Standard 10 of the Care Certificate ensures care workers have the knowledge and skills to identify and respond to potential abuse or neglect.

By knowing their roles and responsibilities, care workers enhance the safety and well-being of those they support.