The Care Certificate is a set of standards that social care and health workers adhere to in their daily working life. It helps ensure that they have the required skills, knowledge, and behaviours to provide compassionate, safe, and high-quality care and support.
The Care Certificate is made up of 15 standards, and Standard 10 focuses on “Safeguarding Adults.”
Care Certificate Standard 10 Unit Answers
10.1 Understand the principles of Safeguarding adults
- 10.1a Explain the term safeguarding adults
- 10.1b Explain their own role and responsibilities in safeguarding individuals
- 10.1c List the main types of abuse
- 10.1d Describe what constitutes harm
- 10.1e Explain why an individual may be vulnerable to harm or abuse
- 10.1f Describe what constitutes restrictive practices
- 10.1g List the possible indicators of abuse
- 10.1h Describe the nature and scope of harm to and abuse of adults at risk
- 10.1i List a range of factors which have featured in adult abuse and neglect
- 10.1j Demonstrate the importance of ensuring individuals are treated with dignity and respect when providing health and care services
- 10.1k Describe where to get information and advice about their role and responsibilities in preventing and protecting individuals from harm and abuse
10.2 Reduce the likelihood of abuse
- 10.2a Describe how care environments can promote or undermine people’s dignity and rights
- 10.2b Explain the importance of individualised, person centred care
- 10.2c Explain how to apply the basic principles of helping people to keep themselves safe
- 10.2d Explain the local arrangements for the implementation of multi-agency Safeguarding Adult’s policies and procedures
- 10.2e List ways in which the likelihood of abuse can be reduced by managing risk and focusing on prevention
- 10.2f Explain how a clear complaints procedure reduces the likelihood of abuse
10.3 Respond to suspected or disclosed abuse
- 10.3a Explain what to do if abuse of an adult is suspected; including how to raise concerns within local whistleblowing policy procedures
- 10.4 Protect people from harm and abuse – locally and nationally
- 10.4a List relevant legislation, local and national policies and procedures which relate to safeguarding adults
- 10.4b Explain the importance of sharing information with the relevant agencies
- 10.4c Describe the actions to take if they experience barriers in alerting or referring to relevant agencies
Overview of Standard 10: Safeguarding Adults
Standard 10: Safeguarding Adults
Emphasises the importance of safeguarding an adult’s right to live in safety, free from abuse and neglect. It ensures that care workers can recognise, report, and take action on issues of abuse or neglect.
Key Elements of Standard 10
Understanding Abuse and Neglect:
- Abuse is a violation of an individual’s human and civil rights by another person or persons. It can be physical, emotional, sexual, financial, or institutional.
Neglect is failing to provide necessary care, resulting in serious damage to the person’s health or development.
Types of Abuse: - Physical Abuse: Hitting, slapping, pushing, misuse of medication.
Emotional/Psychological Abuse: Threatening, humiliating, controlling behaviour. - Sexual Abuse: Unwanted sexual activity, touching, or conversation.
- Financial Abuse: Stealing, defrauding, coercion regarding financial affairs.
- Neglect and Acts of Omission: Ignoring medical or physical care needs.
- Discriminatory Abuse: Racism, sexism, or other forms of discrimination.
- Institutional/Organisational Abuse: Poor care practice within an institution.
- Self-Neglect: When an individual neglects to care for their own basic needs.
Recognising Signs of Abuse:
- Unexplained injuries or a history of frequent hospital visits.
- Changes in behaviour or personality.
- Withdrawal from social activities.
- Sudden financial difficulties.
- Poor living conditions.
- Fearfulness around certain individuals.
Roles and Responsibilities:
- Duty of Care: Care workers have a responsibility to protect the individuals they support.
Confidentiality: Information should be shared only on a need-to-know basis with appropriate agencies.
Report Concerns: Any suspicions or evidence of abuse should be reported promptly to the appropriate safeguarding team.
Reporting and Responding to Abuse:
- Immediate Action: If someone is in immediate danger, contact emergency services.
- Report Procedures: Report concerns to a manager, supervisor, or designated safeguarding lead.
- Documentation: Keep accurate records of any signs of abuse, conversations, and actions taken.
- Following Policies: Adhere to organisational policies and procedures regarding safeguarding.
Legislation and Guidelines:
- Care Act 2014.
- Mental Capacity Act 2005.
- Human Rights Act 1998.
- Local safeguarding adult boards and multi-agency procedures.
Promoting a Safe Environment:
- Encourage a culture of vigilance and reporting.
- Provide training and support for recognising and reporting abuse.
- Implement policies and procedures that safeguard individuals.
Competency Assessment for Standard 10
To demonstrate competence in Standard 10, workers must:
- Show a clear understanding of the different types of abuse and neglect.
- Recognise signs and symptoms of abuse and neglect.
- Demonstrate an understanding of their role and responsibilities in safeguarding adults.
- Follow the correct procedures for reporting any concerns.
- Understand the importance of treating information sensitively and confidentially.
- Be aware of current legislation and guidelines related to safeguarding adults.
Conclusion
Standard 10 of the Care Certificate ensures that care workers are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to recognise and act upon instances where an adult may be at risk of abuse or neglect.
By understanding and fulfilling their roles and responsibilities, care workers can contribute significantly to the safety and well-being of the individuals they support.
