This guide will you answer The Care Certificate Standard 9.3b. Describe how to report concerns associated with any unmet needs which may arise from mental health conditions, dementia or learning disability through agreed ways of working.
Reporting concerns about unmet needs associated with mental health conditions, dementia, or learning disabilities is important in health and social care. You must follow agreed ways of working to ensure concerns are addressed appropriately and promptly. This guide will help you navigate the process of reporting these concerns.
Understanding Unmet Needs
What are Unmet Needs?
Unmet needs are areas of a person’s life where they require support but are not receiving it. For individuals with mental health conditions, dementia, or learning disabilities, unmet needs can take many forms:
- Mental Health: Needs could include support for anxiety, depression, or other conditions.
- Dementia: Needs might involve help with memory loss, confusion, or behavioural changes.
- Learning Disabilities: Needs could span educational support, daily living assistance, and social interaction.
Recognising Signs of Unmet Needs
Mental Health Conditions
Look for signs such as changes in mood, withdrawal from social activities, or neglect of personal care. These often indicate unmet mental health needs.
Dementia
Be alert to increased confusion, wandering, or sudden changes in behaviour. These might suggest their current care isn’t meeting their needs.
Learning Disabilities
Pay attention to signs like difficulty understanding instructions, frustration with tasks, or social isolation. These can indicate unmet needs in their support systems.
Agreed Ways of Working
What are Agreed Ways of Working?
Agreed ways of working are the policies and procedures set by your organisation. They outline how to perform tasks and what to do in specific situations, such as reporting concerns.
Why Follow Them?
Following agreed ways of working ensures consistency, safety, and legal compliance. It protects both the individual and the care worker.
Reporting Concerns
Immediate Safety
If there’s an immediate risk to the individual, you must take action straight away. This includes ensuring their safety and contacting emergency services if required.
Documenting Concerns
Start by documenting your observations. Include:
- Date and time of the incident or observation.
- Description of what you noticed.
- How the individual reacted or seemed to feel.
Reporting to Your Supervisor
Notify your immediate supervisor or line manager. Provide them with your documented observations. Your supervisor will guide you on the next steps and might escalate the concern if needed.
Using Internal Reporting Systems
Most organisations have internal reporting systems, such as incident forms or electronic reporting tools. Make sure to:
- Fill out the required forms accurately.
- Attach any supporting documents.
- Follow the submission process as directed.
Confidentiality
Always maintain confidentiality. Share information only with those directly involved in the care and management of the individual.
Follow-Up Actions
Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) Meetings
An MDT meeting may be called to discuss the reported concerns. These meetings involve professionals from various disciplines, such as doctors, nurses, and social workers. They collaborate to plan the best course of action.
Care Plan Review
The individual’s care plan might need reviewing or updating. Ensure the revised plan addresses the unmet needs and that all relevant staff are aware of the changes.
Monitor the Situation
Keep monitoring the individual’s needs and their response to the new plan. Report any further concerns to your supervisor.
Legal and Ethical Considerations
Duty of Care
As a care worker, you have a duty of care to the individuals you support. This means acting in their best interests and ensuring their needs are met.
Mental Capacity Act 2005
You must consider the Mental Capacity Act 2005 when caring for individuals with mental health conditions, dementia, or learning disabilities. This law protects and empowers individuals who may lack the capacity to make their own decisions.
Safeguarding Adults
Safeguarding involves protecting individuals from abuse or neglect. Reporting unmet needs is part of safeguarding as it helps prevent harm.
Training and Support
Ongoing Training
Regular training ensures you stay updated on the best practices for recognising and reporting concerns. Attend all mandatory training sessions and seek additional training if needed.
Support from Colleagues
Work as a team. Supporting each other ensures that concerns are addressed promptly and effectively.
Supervision and Appraisals
Use supervision sessions and appraisals to discuss any challenges and seek advice. These sessions are an opportunity for professional development.
Example answers for activity 9.3b. Describe how to report concerns associated with any unmet needs which may arise from mental health conditions, dementia or learning disability through agreed ways of working
Example Answer 1
When I notice any concerning signs, like changes in behaviour or mood, I start by documenting my observations. I write down the date, time, and what I saw. Then, I report to my supervisor, providing them with my notes. We might use an internal reporting form to formally document the concern. I follow all policies to ensure I’m doing it correctly. If it’s an emergency, I ensure the person’s immediate safety and call emergency services if necessary. I always keep the information confidential.
Example Answer 2
First, I watch for signs such as confusion, frustration, or withdrawal. If I see something worrying, I immediately document it, noting the details like the date, time, and what happened. I then go to my supervisor and show them my notes. We might have a formal reporting system like an incident report, which I fill out accurately. If the situation seems urgent, I make sure the person is safe first and then call for emergency help if needed. Throughout, I make sure to keep all information confidential.
Example Answer 3
When I see any warning signs, such as a change in behaviour or mood, I write down everything I noticed right away. I include the exact times, dates, and descriptions. I inform my supervisor as soon as possible and give them my notes. We may need to fill in a specific form or use an electronic system to report the concern officially. If someone is at immediate risk, I first ensure they are safe, then contact emergency services if required. I make sure to keep all details confidential.
Example Answer 4
If I notice unmet needs, such as confusion in a dementia patient or emotional distress in someone with a mental health condition, I document what I see, including the time and date. I then report these observations to my supervisor. We follow our workplace’s procedures, which might include filling out a specific incident report. In urgent cases, I make sure the individual is safe before doing anything else. I always respect confidentiality, sharing the information only with those who need to know.
Example Answer 5
I stay alert for any signs of unmet needs, like increased confusion in someone with dementia. I immediately jot down my observations, including specifics like the date and time. Next, I go to my supervisor and provide them with my notes. We may need to complete an internal incident report form as part of our agreed ways of working. If there’s an urgent safety issue, I prioritise the individual’s safety and contact emergency services if needed. I also ensure to keep all information confidential.
Example Answer 6
Whenever I notice a potential unmet need, such as difficulty in understanding instructions or changes in mood, I take note of all the details including the date and time. I then communicate these observations to my supervisor, providing them with a detailed account. We follow our agreed ways of working, which often means filling out an incident report. For immediate risks, I ensure the person’s safety first and contact emergency services if necessary. Confidentiality is important, so I only share information with authorised individuals.
Conclusion
Effective reporting of concerns about unmet needs is really important in health and social care. Recognising signs, documenting observations, and following agreed ways of working ensures individuals receive the support they need. Remember your duty of care, stay informed, and seek support when needed. This ensures the best outcomes for those you care for.
