Vulnerability Of Adults With Learning Disabilities Social Work Essay

Vulnerability Of Adults With learnedness Disabilities Social Work EssayAdults with encyclopaedism disabilities who atomic number 18 d professstairs attack(predicate) withdraw support to en authorized that they atomic number 18 nary(prenominal) denied the right or opportunity to take form water their own finale and bounce their own consent (Peate Fearns, 2006). t eithery to Hayes, (1993) states that, vaingloriouss with breeding disabilities who may squander had no alternative unless to accept the labels dingbat or airhead to cover the confusion, memory lapses, misconstrue or misunders alsod directions, or the dozens of other(a) mean tricks that big has played on through the years. tidy sum who deport much s unmortgaged the ability and contentedness to understand new or tangled in ricochetation, either less able learn new skills in whatsoever case has a littler ability to dealing independently like-the ability to social make up impuissance and the requ irement that of the beginning before the age of puberty deem a lasting effect on begetment (Scottish Executive,2010).Adults with schooling disabilities comprise of a amplyly insecure lift off of the corporation, who have limited access to wellness tutorship facilities / function offered to them. According to Kerr et al., (1996a) he states that, education disabilities jump form a similar range of morbidity as the general population, but some(prenominal)(prenominal) conditions be seen with greater frequency within certain syndrome. They ar often faced with obstacles and challenges mend coping with grave situations such as loss and bereavement of loved ones, soulal illness, death etc (Elliott, 1995).They atomic number 18 cognise to have been disregard persistently in terms of providing serve wells in the acquire of personal illness, death, and other challenging life situations, thus augment their vulnerability all the to a greater extent (Elliott, 1995).Vulnerabi lity ventureA open full-grown is a person who is eighteen years of age or older who is, or may be in need of alliance look at services by reason of mental or other disability, age or illness and who is or may be un impressive to take c ar of him or herself, or protect him or herself a cookst evidential ravish or exploitation.-No Secrets March 2000, p 45.E genuinely human be becomes defenceless during their life cardinalth dimension for m all of reasons they all respond disparately to planets that menstruate to them beca use up of who they be and the lack of support that they have around them (Jacki, 2001). The term undefendable adult(s) is now use more widely in the social c ar field than it ever was, but it may be open to commentary and being dangerous government agency different things to different sight (Jacki,2001).People with knowledge disabilities argon one of the most under fire(predicate) groups in the society (Department of Health 2001). Learning di sabilities may be more at gamble non only because their own toilsomeies in understanding or communicating but likewise because of the way 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 c ar services by reason of mental or disability, age or illness and who is or may be unable(p) to take c atomic number 18 of themselves, or unable to protect him against signifi nonifyt harm, put on the line or exploitation (DOH 2000, s.2.3).Among the most vulnerable members of society they cant spill up for themselves. For example, if consequences be limited when an adult with bailiwick disabilities disgusts another person, the dupe may be left with the idea that such demeanour is usual and acceptable, and that services will provide little tax shelter and that their complaints will not be heard. It may alike increase their vuln erability to further abuse because abuse can become normalised and more likely to be the victim of abuse bodilyly (McCarthy and Thompson, 1996).The Oxford Dictionary define try as pith a hazard, a dangerous, exposure to mischance or peril, as verb it also similar which means hazard, to danger, to expose to the chance of injury or loss( Parsloe, 2005). venture is closely linked to dangerousness, pass oning in harm which seems to be agreed means harm to self or others and extend of harm which constitutes a put on the line in various situations especially adult with discipline disabilities.If you dont know for sure what will happen, but you know the odds thats assay, and if you dont even know the odds, thats hesitation (Knight, 1921, p.25). Royal Society (1983) states that, pretend sound judgment which axiom as the luck that a particular(prenominal) adverse event occurs and social services has been concerned predominate with assay of exposure of exposure assessment to prevent harm. They may also suffer further if they have to deal with seeing their perpetrator on a regular basis, and may be subject to further assaults in revenge of their initial complaint. In addition to the risks to existing victims, poor responses may result in increasing numbers of muckle being abused.Definition of vulnerable adult in section 80(6) Care Standard Act 2000 states that-(a) an adult to whom nursing and accommodation or personal sustentation are provided in care whom (b) in adult to whom personal care is provided in their under arrangements made by a domiciliary care agency own plate (Peate Fearns, 2006). Adults with scholarship disabilities, and those people who have a less capacity like who have mental illness, old and frail, need protection from potentially abusive situation over which they might have little pull wires (Department of Health, 2000). Learning disability Adolescents obliviously it is not always acted in ways that make protrude their own best interests, even as defined by them (Fischhoff et al., 2000). quondam(prenominal)s their perception of their own risks, even of survival to adulthood, is larger than the literality in other cases, they underestimate the risks of particular actions or behaviours since adults abuse and risk has gain high profile. According to Kemshall and Pritchard (2001) states that, in that location has been much debate slightly a wel farawaye put or a criminal justice model should be adopted. After the recent death Steven Hoskin 22 years girlish man who has been dead by numbers people. 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 stately wisdom of adults views of adolescent behaviour. Others, however, take risks because they feel vulnerable to a top approaching hopelessness (Fischhoff et al., 2000). In eithe r case, these perceptions can prompt adults to make poor ends that can put them at risk and leave them vulnerable to physical or psychological harm that may have a invalidating impact on their long-term health and viability.Learning DisabilitiesThe conception of instruction disability Brumback (2004), people who have development inconvenience oneself in their language, speech, reading and associated intercourse skills needed for social interaction also who have sensory handicaps such as blindness or deafness and extrapolate mental retardation. According to Robert (2009) Learning disability is a neurodevelopment disorder deviate a specific cognitive skill that occurs in the presence of constitutional skills in most others realms and specific impairments are presumed to be receivable to disfunction of the brain and to have been present since birth. And acquisition disability substantially limits procedure in one or more aspect of persons life (Mapou, 2004).According to M encap (2010) reports that, in the UK thither are 1.5 million people with a learning disability. Most are treated as different and dont have the alike control over their own lives as the rest of our society. Over the outgoing century and a half there have been huge changes in the in the labelling of those people presently categorize as having learning disabilities. In social policy terms, they have been 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 used to label people that function at an intellectual take aim 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 mind Decision Making Process/ dedicate ToolsIncreasingly responding to the risks of others, preventing risks to vulnerable adults or running risks to themselves is all in eld work for the busy practitioners and manager in the field of social care (Brearley, 1982). Every day a lot of risk situation changes cursorily and what applied yesterday but may not today. Those service exploiters who are identified 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 touchs deciding that the potential benefits of a proposed act out weight the potential drawback (p.248).Hence risk always should be victorious whether or not to act to achieve beneficial results in an sensory faculty of potential harm. To minimize risk and make it effective and meaningful, may risk situations need to be reassessed regularly peradventure daily basis agree service users daily need. People with learning disabilities are subject to risk all time collect 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).While most of carer don dont asses risk very efficiently they mainly make some attempt to do so. Its not easy at all to do risk assessment as it is a obscure task and most of the time carer or support player they do adequately but not very thoroughly (Carol, 2002). In wound of some difficulties, there is an increasing awareness that people with learning disabilities can make choices, moreover they want to do so. Nevertheless its often failed to moot is that, the amount of risk that these choices carry and most of us have bragging(a) up accustomed to risk-taking. Many difficultys 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 devising in number of different ways (Heilbrun, K.et.al (1999). It is true many adults with learning disabilities who have always facing risk in their insouciant life. significantly about choice decision sometimes its difficult for adult as well carer to make right choice how could be at risk.The occupation 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 subordinate decision making personal freedom and choice sit uncomfortably next to the concepts of duty of care and professional liability (Fuchs, 2003). People with learning disabilities may n ot have done perhaps carers need to be encouraged to encourage 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 throw ined to make choices and take risk they should actively be encourage to do (Kemshall Pritchard, 1996).Multidisciplinary Risk Assessment at that place 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 each one does (Heilbrun, K.et.al.1999). It acknowledge that adult with learning disabilities do have real difficulties with many cognitive takes. Mo st 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 opportunities and manage risks. In 2007, Department of Health open up 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 accommodative 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 restless 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 sure-fire way to avoid and minimize risk to avoid further problem is by effective management. When the person concerned may have been existing 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 recent has been incident-free the problem has disappeared (Carol, 2003)Risk AssessmentRisk assessment is about predicting the coming(prenominal) and the likelihood of particular events occurring these will be both wanted and discarded events (Prit chard, 2004). Risk assessment is merely the description of wide-cut methodical put on to risky situations (Jones, 1998 p.5). In leave to address matters of importance for instance dangers, hazards, and cognize triggers and how best to keep away from them is a risk assessment. Confirm that they are recognizable with the exacting risks that you have put measures in place to reduce, or eliminate them and that you could face with the person in your care. A multifaceted 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 personality constantly informed and shaped by changes of circumstances upon service users of necessity (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 r isk assessment have become the norm. There are two kinds 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 system 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 passing(a) 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 strain of physical and mental health condition (Heilbrun, K.et.al. 1999). hith erto, 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 constitute that the more severe the communication problems, sometime its difficult service user are gain true assessment (Priest Gibbs2004).In order to richly appreciate the process of risk assessment, here identify the one of particular service users and consider the kind of life they lead at present. overhaul users who is Mr M 22 years old young male with complex physical learning disabilities who has Cerebral paralyse 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 drink and always n eed someone to assist his food. Deliberate self-harm is relatively common when he feels unhappy 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 wheel head for maintains his habitual 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 teenage Persons Plan, Scottish Executive. 2007, page 13). Risk assessment is useless unless the results are dual-lane 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 medicate and to control this and possibly refer to regular doctor visit due to he has migraine 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 anguish when moved. And at risk of falling off ramp when loading in to resident vehicle while he travelling.Risk to carer/ staffThis service user often to risk carer or staff, some risk that he could become aggressive if he is feel hungry or any physical illness. Infrequently 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 latent hostility 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 ever-changing of position in bash/on floor, slide sheet to be used and make sure service user is positioned 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 upper side 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 for 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 untoughened and carers are aware of this which is monitor by closely.Managing RiskFrom the above compend it is clear that this service user is a high risk client. However, the severalise 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 do ctor. 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 respond different tones of voice? 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, thusly 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 prudent monitoring to ensure that he takes it may improve 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, perhap s 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 level of risk involved. It actually takes the greatest risk in our lives every time that we step into a car, but few of us actually consider that risk seriously (Daniel, 2003). This is the other side of the coin we are inclined to believe that it wont happen, even when the objective statistics suggest other than 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 allow 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 them 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), bring in to jump on the unwary, should they get it wrong. No wonder , perhaps that many are cautious about enabling such choices to be made.Get 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 study 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 impose additional risks, and these do need to taken into accounting system when assessing and managing risks for each person/adult.