Unit 2 Jemma Preston

2.1 Explain the importance of reflective practice in continuously improving the quality of service provided.
Reflective practice is imperative in order to ensure that high standards are kept continuously as circumstances, service users and environments change. In order to reflect one must continuously be aware of approaches used and how they can be changed or developed to improve. Continually improving and adapting approaches benefits both service users and practitioners, ensuring that each individual adults needs are catered for. Reflective practice involves evolving in a personal centred approach. The carer benefits as his/her skills grow and develop, enabling the highest standards of care and provision. It also promotes a better level of understanding and acceptance of those different from us, taking on board the opinions, cultures and attitudes of others to ensure a diverse and positively productive daily experience that enables higher levels of understanding from all. It also fosters personal and team development because a reflective practice evolves our experiences thus enabling higher standards of learning experiences. Experience can only be beneficial when it is either a positive experience (good practice), or a negative experience that is reflected upon and consequently changed and improved.

Unit 5 Jemma Preston

1.1 Define the following types of abuse:
– physical abuse

Physical abuse involving contact planned to cause bodily harm, feelings of intimidation, other physical suffering or injury.

– sexual abuse

Sexual abuse is the forcing of undesired sexual behaviour by one person upon another.

– emotional/psychological abuse

Emotional/psychological abuse may involve threats or actions to cause mental or physical harm; humiliation; violation.

– financial abuse

Financial abuse is the illegal or unauthorised use of a person’s money, property, pension book or other valuables.

– institutional abuse

Institutional abuse involves failure of an organisation to provide appropriate and professional individual services to vulnerable people. It can be seen or detected in processes, attitudes and behaviour that amount to discrimination through unwitting prejudice, ignorance, thoughtlessness, stereotyping and rigid systems.

– self-neglect

Self-neglect is a behavioural condition in which an individual neglects to attend to their basic needs, such as personal hygiene, feeding, clothing, or medical conditions they might have.

– neglect by others

Neglect is a passive form of abuse in which the wrongdoer is responsible to provide care, for someone, who is unable to care for oneself, but fails to provide adequate care to meet their needs. Neglect may include failing to provide sufficient supervision, nourishment, medical care or other needs.

1.2 Identify the signs and/or symptoms associated with each type of abuse.
Physical- Series of unexplained falls or major injuries. Injuries/bruises at different stages of healing. Bruising in unusual sites e.g. inner arms, thighs. Abrasions. Teeth indentations. Injuries to head or face. Client very passive.

Sexual - Change in behaviour. Overt sexual behaviour or language. Difficulty in walking, sitting. Injuries to genital and/or anal area.

Neglect - Absence of food, heat, hygiene, clothing, comfort. Preventing client to have access to services. Isolation. Absence of prescribed medication.

Psychological - Withdrawal, depression. Cowering and fearfulness. Change in sleep patterns. Agitation, confusion, change in behaviour. Change in appetite/weight.

Financial - Unpaid bills. Basic needs not being met. Lack of cash on day to day basis.

Institutional - Inability to make choices or decisions. Agitation if routine broken. Disorientation. Patterns of challenging behaviour.

Discriminatory - Low self-esteem. Withdrawal. Depression. Fear. Anger.

Risk Indicators

These may be additional indicators that abuse is occurring: