Vulnerability Of Adults With Learning Disabilities Social Work Essay

Vulnerability Of Adults With Learning Disabilities Social Work EssayAdults with showing disabilities who ar unguarded exact support to ensure that they atomic number 18 non denied the right or opportunity to make their own decision and give their own consent (Peate Fearns, 2006). According to Hayes, (1993) states that, larges with cultivation disabilities who whitethorn extradite had no filling but to accept the labels dingbat or airhead to cover the confusion, memory lapses, misread or misunderstood directions, or the dozens of other mean tricks that great(p) has played on through the geezerhood. mint who have much less the ability and capacity to understand new or complex discipline, either less able learn new skills as well as has a little ability to dealing independently like-the ability to cordial work weakness and the requirement that of the beginning before the epoch of puberty have a lasting effect on development (Scottish Executive,2010).Adults with skill d isabilities comprise of a highly vulnerable part of the society, who have modified access to wellness c be facilities / serve tenderiseed to them. According to Kerr et al., (1996a) he states that, learn disabilities suffer form a standardized range of morbidity as the prevalent population, but many conditions ar seen with greater frequency within certain syndrome. They are often faced with obstacles and challenges while coping with grave situations such as loss and bereavement of loved ones, individualal illness, death etc (Elliott, 1995).They are hold upn to have been ignored persistently in terms of providing serve up of process in the need of personal illness, death, and other challenging life situations, thus increasing their vulnerability all the more (Elliott, 1995).Vulnerability RiskA vulnerable adult is a person who is eighteen years of age or older who is, or whitethorn be in need of club dispense emoluments by reason of intellectual or other disability, age or illness and who is or whitethorn be ineffectual to shell out palm of him or her ego, or protect him or herself a takest significant harm or exploitation.-No Secrets March 2000, p 45.Every human being becomes vulnerable during their lifetime for many of reasons they all suffice differently to causes that happen to them because of who they are and the lack of support that they have around them (Jacki, 2001). The term vulnerable adult(s) is now use more widely in the affable care field than it ever was, but it may be open to interpretation and being vulnerable means different things to different wad (Jacki,2001).People with encyclopedism disabilities are one of the most vulnerable groups in the society (Department of Health 2001). Learning disabilities may be more at hazard non only because their own difficulties in understanding or communication but also because of the sort they receive services and the fact that they may be actively targeted or taken advantages (Jean and Anthea, 1997). The broad definition of vulnerable adults is a personwho is or may be in need of community care services by reason of mental or disability, age or illness and who is or may be unable to take care of themselves, or unable to protect him against significant harm, seek or exploitation (DOH 2000, s.2.3).Among the most vulnerable members of society they cant speak up for themselves. For example, if consequences are limited when an adult with larn disabilities abuses another person, the victim may be left with the idea that such behaviour is normal and delightful, and that services bequeath provide little protection and that their complaints will not be heard. It may also increase their vulnerability to further abuse because abuse can become normalised and more likely to be the victim of abuse physically (McCarthy and Thompson, 1996).The Oxford Dictionary define run a pretend as meaning a hazard, a dangerous, exposure to mischance or peril, as verb it also similar w hich means hazard, to danger, to expose to the chance of injury or loss( Parsloe, 2005). Risk is closely linked to dangerousness, resulting in harm which seems to be agreed means harm to self or others and extend of harm which constitutes a seek in various situations especially adult with learning disabilities.If you dont know for sure what will happen, but you know the odds thats stake, and if you dont even know the odds, thats uncertainty (Knight, 1921, p.25). Royal Society (1983) states that, peril assessment which axiom as the probability that a particular adverse event occurs and social services has been concerned predominate with risk assessment to prevent harm. They may also suffer further if they have to deal with seeing their culprit on a regular basis, and may be subject to further assaults in retaliation of their initial complaint. In addition to the risks to existing victims, poor responses may result in increasing numbers of batch being abuse.Definition of vulnerab le adult in section 80(6) Care Standard Act 2000 states that-(a) an adult to whom nursing and accommodation or personal care are provided in care whom (b) in adult to whom personal care is provided in their under arrangements make by a domiciliary care agency own home (Peate Fearns, 2006). Adults with learning disabilities, and those lot who have a less capacity like who have mental illness, old and frail, need protection from potential differencely abusive situation over which they might have little control (Department of Health, 2000). Learning disability Adolescents obliviously it is not always acted in ways that serve their own best interests, even as defined by them (Fischhoff et al., 2000). Sometimes their perception of their own risks, even of excerption to adulthood, is larger than the reality in other cases, they underestimate the risks of particular actions or behaviours since adults abuse and risk has gain higher profile. According to Kemshall and Pritchard (2001) st ates that, there has been much turn over nearly a welfare model or a criminal justice model should be adopted. After the recent death Steven Hoskin 22 years young man who has been dead by numbers tidy sum. Adults vulnerable protection systems are likely to come under close scrutiny (Jacki, 2001).It is possible, indeed likely, that some adolescents engage in risky behaviours because of a perception of invulnerability-the current conventional wisdom of adults views of adolescent behaviour. Others, however, take risks because they feel vulnerable to a point overture hopelessness (Fischhoff et al., 2000). In either case, these perceptions can prompt adults to make poor decisions that can put them at risk and leave them vulnerable to physical or psychological harm that may have a negative impact on their long-term health and viability.Learning DisabilitiesThe concept of learning disability Brumback (2004), people who have development disorder in their language, speech, reading and as sociated communication skills needed for social interaction also who have sensory handicaps such as sightlessness or deafness and generalized mental retardation. According to Robert (2009) Learning disability is a neurodevelopment disorder affecting a specific cognitive skill that occurs in the presence of intact skills in most others realms and specific impairments are presumed to be due to dysfunction of the brain and to have been present since birth. And learning disability good limits functioning in one or more aspect of persons life (Mapou, 2004).According to Mencap (2010) reports that, in the UK there are 1.5 million people with a learning disability. Most are treated as different and dont have the same control over their own lives as the rest of our society. Over the past vitamin C and a half there have been huge changes in the in the labelling of those people presently categorize as having learning disabilities. In social form _or_ system of government terms, they have b een variously labelled as vagabonds, idiots, mentally handicapped, learning disabled, and people with learning difficulties among others names (Gordon,2005).Above the definition indicates that, Learning Disabilities is th terminology use to label people that function at an intellectual level that is significantly lower than the average people in society (David and Hinor,2003). Different periods in history have meant different things, depending on the social and economic circumstances of the time, and of course on how long people with learning disabilities lived (Brian, 2006).Risk sound judgement Decision making Process/ Practice ToolsIncreasingly responding to the risks of others, preventing risks to vulnerable adults or running risks to themselves is all in days work for the busy practitioners and manager in the field of social care (Brearley, 1982). Every day a lot of risk situation changes rapidly and what applied yesterday but may not today. Those service drug users who are i dentified as at risk would be provided highly effective instruction to reduce their risk in the identified area (e.g., language, reading, numeracy/ math, behaviour) (Brown, 2003). David Carson (1988b) points to about risk Risks should be taken to achieve specific goals in the light of possible harms occurring and Taking risks involves deciding that the potential benefits of a proposed act out weight the potential drawback (p.248).Hence risk always should be taking whether or not to act to achieve beneficial results in an consciousness of potential harm. To diminish risk and make it useful and meaningful, may risk situations need to be reassessed regularly perhaps daily basis according service users daily need. People with learning disabilities are subject to risk all time due to their vulnerability they sometimes abused by those who have control over them or by those who realize that they are vulnerable because of their disabilities they often find it very much more difficult to assess risk the way most of social carer and services do (Vaughn and Fuchs, 2003). slice most of carer don dont asses risk very efficiently they generally make some attempt to do so. Its not easy at all to do risk assessment as it is a complex task and most of the time carer or support worker they do adequately but not very thoroughly (Carol, 2002). In spite of some difficulties, there is an increasing awareness that people with learning disabilities can make choices, however they want to do so. Nevertheless its often failed to consider is that, the amount of risk that these choices carry and most of us have grown up accustomed to risk-taking. many chores about assessing risk that different services user may perceive the different risk. What is acceptable to one person may not be acceptable to another. Main objective of the risk assessment when its possible may sometimes affect decision making in number of different ways (Heilbrun, K.et.al (1999). It is adjust many adults with le arning disabilities who have always facing risk in their everyday life. Significantly about choice decision sometimes its difficult for adult as well carer to make right choice how could be at risk.The difficulty for people with learning disabilities is that carers often do feel often they are expected to make these choices for them. The law of negligence can appear to inhibit decision making personal freedom and choice sit uncomfortably succeeding(prenominal) to the concepts of duty of care and professional liability (Fuchs, 2003). People with learning disabilities may not have done perhaps carers need to be encouraged to patron their service users how to make choices with and appreciation of the risk involved. This is more challenging task than just encouraging choice alone it seems that not only should people with learning be allowed to make choices and take risk they should actively be encourage to do (Kemshall Pritchard, 1996).Multidisciplinary Risk perspicacityThere are a range of sources where information can be gained for a through risk assessment which include the prospective resident, their relatives or practitioners involve with the person and any written reports which may be historic or recent (Alaszewski and Manthorpe, 2002). The problem with the right to make choices is that it assumes that adult with learning disabilities are able to make choice about risk in the same way every one does (Heilbrun, K.et.al.1999). It acknowledge that adult with learning disabilities do have real difficulties with many cognitive takes. Most have problems in assessing risk effectively because of the complexity of doing so it is likely that people with learning disabilities will find the particular difficult. An endeavour to make balance the protection of vulnerable adults, as standard in the No Secrets guidance ( DoH, 2000) where different policies that encourage and aid to take more control to service users in their lives which also including to take opportunit ies and manage risks. In 2007, Department of Health established risk assessment and management regulation and various assessment tools for help practitioners and professional to work predominately in the field of social care. According to Jones, 1998 states that, the assessment of ability to consent and the ability to make real choice, especially in relation to understanding the likely consequences of the choices or decision made.It could be helpful when any risk assessment plan to do like-if carer support worker want to take any decision about the service users or any person , is the person are aware about that decision been mad or going take ? Are they communicating their choice decision making? Giving more choice people with learning disabilities especially about taking risk, its mean that carer have to be quick to the extent to which the service users are able realistically to assess the level of risks involved (Sellars, 2003). Many adult with learning disabled the most success ful way to avoid and minimize risk to avoid further problem is by effective management. When the person concerned may have been living in a setting where the opportunities for such behaviour have been very limited or absent, carers and professionals are sometimes tempted to assume that because the recent past has been incident-free the problem has disappeared (Carol, 2003)Risk AssessmentRisk assessment is about predicting the future and the likelihood of particular events occurring these will be both wanted and unwanted events (Pritchard, 2004). Risk assessment is merely the description of good methodical practice to risky situations (Jones, 1998 p.5). In leave to address matters of importance for instance dangers, hazards, and known triggers and how best to keep open away from them is a risk assessment. Confirm that they are recognizable with the exacting risks that you have put measures in infinite to reduce, or eliminate them and that you could face with the person in your car e. A assorted and time consuming task and a continuous process is Assessment (Pritchard, 1997).Assessment of risk for adult with learning disabilities which should be evolutionary in spirit constantly informed and shaped by changes of circumstances upon service users ineluctably (Brown, 2003). The practice of risk assessment and management is the process of data collection, recording, interpretation, communication and implementation of risk reduction plan (Maden, 1996). For the risk of learning disability, clinical model of risk assessment have become the norm. There are two builds of risk that are relevant to work people with learning disabilities, risk of unnecessary exposure to undesirable events or experience, and risk of negative consequences when possible benefits and desirable experiences are perused ( William, 2006).Above this it is clear that a strategy of prevention should implement, and management is required so that risk and benefit are balanced. In social care and health care there are broadly two main context of risk which are not provided and everyday risk in their life and learning disability have a history of formally documented offence (Thompson, 2000).So far it has been established that different service users have different risk upon their physical and mental health which is major issue for people with learning disabilities and there are large number of people with learning disabilities who suffer from configuration of physical and mental health condition (Heilbrun, K.et.al. 1999). However, the true extent of the problem cannot be known, due to difficulties in assessment, and it is estimated that the actual number is high due to the service users being unable to sufficiently communicate their social life. It follow that the more severe the communication problems, sometime its difficult service user are gain true assessment (Priest Gibbs2004).In order to ampley appreciate the process of risk assessment, here identify the one of parti cular service users and consider the kind of life they lead at present. Service users who is Mr M 22 years old young male with complex physical learning disabilities who has Cerebral paralyze affecting all four limbs, epilepsy, severe learning difficulties and Migraine which affects him seizure pattern. Who lives in a residential care home with four others service users people with learning disability. However this service user also have gastro feed which need to use for his water and medication as he cant discombobulate and always need someone to assist his food. Deliberate self-harm is relatively common when he feels lovesick and anxiety his verbal language is very limited he can communicate within short sentences and can answer yes/no. Mr M always need to use oscillation chair for maintains his everyday life.Assessment of riskThe plan should note risk low, medium or high as well as the impact of the child or young person on others. (Guidance on the Child or Young Persons Pl an, Scottish Executive. 2007, page 13). Risk assessment is useless unless the results are shared with everyone who is involved in the care of ht client (Sellars, 2003 p.154). There are several risk exist her for this service users as he has Cerebral palsy which is a general term used by doctors to refer to a set of neurological conditions that affect a people movement and co-ordination. Neurological conditions affect the brain and nervous system. Epilepsy is common, he needs to regular medicine and to control this and possibly refer to regular doctor visit due to he has hemicrania problem as well as. He also has choking difficulties while he eats his meal. Risk can fall of wheel chair if it does not fasten. At risk of being pine when moved. And at risk of falling off ramp when loading in to resident vehicle while he travelling.Risk to carer/ lagThis service user often to risk carer or staff, some risk that he could become aggressive if he is feel hungry or any physical illness. in frequently he can become aggressive or even violent during the illness so that this behaviour needs to be monitored.Frequency of riskThis service user sometimes settled and had good responded well to medication. It is likely he is vulnerable and sometime faced with stress in his life due his migraine problem. And he has Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG) and need to see doctor every four months.Level of RiskThe level of risk is very high this residential care home has own risk assessment plan. For minimize the risk as vulnerable adult trust has their own policy according to service users need. For health and safety and others physical risks as well as there are recognized health risk associated with the carer and service users. Taking risks daily on occasion, and thus the level of risk that he will come to harm which is quite high.Manual handling risk To minimize risk during changing of localisation in bed/on floor, slide sheet to be used and make sure service user is positi oned correctly and two trained staff to assist him all times. Staff to use high adjustments on equipment where needed like Hoist. To transfer from bed to chair, chair to bed and chair to chair the level of risk also high staff always hoisted for all transfer using allocated sling. Staff to use height adjustment equipment where available during Changing bench/ shower/ bath level of risk also high. Due to his physical ability while he travels in transport he need his wheel chair and have to make sure four point clamps to be use while on the vehicle and addition seat belt to minimize risk during his journey.Possible outcomeThe immediate outcome is that health needs are constantly monitored by his parents and his career. He has cerebrally palsy which affecting his limbs and also had severe learning disability and epilepsy which is controlled using prescribed medicine that administrated by his concern of his resident/trust. He also sometimes suffers from migraine and takes medication fo r his migraines appears to be controlled at the present time. He always uses wheel chair for mobility. Seizure and migraines are prone to increase when become too warm and carers are aware of this which is monitor by closely.Managing RiskFrom the above analysis it is clear that this service user is a high risk client. However, the key to understanding the level of risk is the acceptance that his behaviour could be change which depends on his medication and close support from his parents/ career and doctor. And it is important in the first instance try keep staff safe and would be wise to ensure that staff work always in pairs, and that vulnerable are not left alone unattended. While assessed others should not be put at risk and violence cant be ignored (Casellas, 2003). Sometimes it would be wise to monitor behaviour it may be possible to discover patterns his behaviour like- When he became agitated is there any time or reason? How about his voice does he fight different tones of v oice? Why he wants to hit staff is there any communication gape? Are some time or someday difficult? Does he feel uncomfortable or need personal support? Or are there any physical problems which make him unhappy and annoyed?For behaviour assessment by psychologist or doctors recommended, in order to see if any patterns emerge this may allow the behaviour plan to be managed within the existing home. However sometime service users simply exploiting inexperience staff to his advantage, then it may be necessary to move him to another place ensuring that he is supported by staff with experience who knows him well. Thus a review of medication and careful monitoring to ensure that he takes it may remedy the situation which he has epilepsy and others physical illness. And staff should be aware environment they are in and hazard that may be present. While proper risk-assessment procedures may be lengthy and complex quality of life for a person with learning disabilities is likely to depend upon them (Kemshall and Pritchard 1996).Conclusion/RecommendationRisks change constantly and people grow, change, and develop. It is important to review risk assessment regularly, and aim always to increase choice and freedom for the people with learning disability (Sellars, 2003 p.155). People with learning disabilities are beginning to reclaim the lives they lost in the institutions, having choices, jobs, sex lives and even becoming parents unthinkable until even quite recently. Slowly, perhaps far too slowly, the rest of the community is beginning to realize that the majority of people with learning disabilities are not so different from everyone else, and need the same things in their lives that all of us do work, leisure, partners, and a sense of being part of a social group (Heillbrun, K. Et al 1999).They want to feel useful and valued, as we all do. Life is full of risks. We all take risks all the time, and the more familiar they are the less we tend to recognize the real le vel of risk involved. It actually takes the greatest risk in our lives every time that we step into a car, but few of us really consider that risk seriously (Daniel, 2003). This is the other side of the gold we are inclined to believe that it wont happen, even when the objective statistics suggest otherwise the difficulty that now exists for people with learning disabilities, especially those with greater disability, and those who care for and support them, is that the law specifies that many such people are vulnerable, and not able to make this choice for themselves (Daniel, 2003).The onus of assessing risk and making the decision therefore often rests with carers. Because it is such a difficult decision to make for someone else, carers often take the simple way out, and avoid letting situations arise where learning-disabled people in their care have the opportunity to develop sexual relationships if a person cannot make an informed choice then perhaps it is easier not to offer t hem that choice (Lindsay 2004). This is the current dilemma for those who work in community care situations. According to David J. Thompson,(2000) the issue of sexual relationships is perhaps the most difficult and complex, but this problem of balancing risk and choice is a constant one for carers and professionals, in relation to many aspects of everyday life. In the background is the ogre of the law (and/or local management), ready to jump on the unwary, should they get it wrong. No wonder, perhaps that many are cautious about enabling such choices to be made. stir up higher in the information of vulnerable adults referred to them for the reason that they are at risk of physical and sexual mistreatment, in addition to financial fraud, a battlefield has found in Social services departments have seen (Simon, 1997. So where adult with learning disabilities have more complex problems, such as behaviour problem, mental illness, or others any physical or mental disorder they will need additional care and support to cope with their everyday lives (Hawks, 1998). Sometimes these problems get down additional risks, and these do need to taken into account when assessing and managing risks for each person/adult.