Protecting the Elderly from their Carers

Stephanie Rose reviews the recent Government statistics concerning risks to the elderly, and details how risks can be reduced.

Tim Ross, Political Correspondent of the Telegraph, in his spine-chilling article this week, draws our attention to the first-time-publishe


d government figures concerning abuse of the elderly.

Of 96,000 adults who had suffered alleged abuse between April 2010 and March 2011, more than 34,000 vulnerable adults were alleged to have been hit, slapped, kicked or suffered another type of physical abuse while almost 27,000 allegations of neglect were recorded. Almost one in four cases, some 23,000, involved ‘financial abuse’, including theft, fraud, exploitation, pressure related to wills, or the misappropriation of benefits or possessions. In the majority of these cases, the alleged victims were elderly. Most of the allegations were reported to social workers by health or care nurses but 42% of incidents were alleged to have taken place in the victim’s own home.

The figures make frightening and depressing reading. An occasional case of abuse is a case too many, but these figures suggest that failures in care are not occasional. Of course, they do not reveal the huge numbers of vulnerable adults who receive high levels of care and attention from their carers, nor contrast with those whose carers go beyond expectation in the way that they provide for their relatives, patients and clients.

What as a society can we do to protect the vulnerable and the elderly?

A first observation is that care should not be left as the sole responsibility of one carer. Initially, care may be excellent, but as time progresses (or a relative, patient or client becomes more challenging) care can deteriorate. Without the support and oversight of others – extended family, relatives, visiting nurses, supervisors – the risks increase. Every vulnerable person should have the support of both a carer and 'a confidant' –someone who they can confide in, and who has the capacity to take responsibility and alert other services where necessary.

Secondly, we as a society should focus greater care and support on the care providers.   There are thousands of home carers who go unassisted and unmonitored, battling daily against difficult conditions and behaviours, and no doubt succumbing to the short-cut, the drop of standards or the reaction backlash. Frequently, the sheer stress of providing care without respite may give rise to risk.

Managing risks to clients is one of ‘Stephanie’s Bespoke Care Services’ top priorities. It was for this reason that we originally introduced the relative’s video log. Clearly, over time, it has developed a plethora of uses over and above risk management, but this still remains a core purpose of the video recording. We also ensure, whilst providing continuity of care, that each client is cared for by more than one carer; and each client is seen and cared for on a regular basis by supervision. This way, the corners are identified and reinforced. Poor practices are picked up at an early stage. Carers who are not coping are supported. Most importantly, the little tell-tale signs of concern are spotted.

No system can be perfect, and any care is going to be only as good as the carer can manage; but with the right level of experienced observation and scrutiny, risks can be reduced.


The ideas here are the personal ideas of the author and may not be reproduced without permission and attribution to Stephanie's Bespoke Care Services.