Long-term Care and Safeguarding

Long-Term Care

• Long-term care can occur at home, within the community, or in a residential facility, providing flexibility based on individual needs.

Safeguarding

• Safeguarding measures aim to lower the risk of harm, uphold human rights, enhance health and wellbeing, and empower individuals to advocate for themselves.

Elder Abuse

• Defined as any single or repeated act, or failure to act, within a trust-based relationship that results in harm or distress to an older person, violating their human rights.

Regulation in Ireland

• The Health Information Quality Authority (HIQA) oversees registration, monitoring, and inspection of residential services for older adults to ensure standards are met.
• National Standards serve as a framework for service providers to ensure safe and effective care, in compliance with the Health Act 2007.

Autonomy

• Autonomy highlights the right of older individuals to make personal decisions free from external influence, correlating with their capability to self-govern.

Types of Elder Abuse

• Seven recognized forms of elder abuse include:
  • Physical abuse
  • Psychological abuse
  • Financial abuse
  • Sexual abuse
  • Organizational abuse
  • Neglect
  • Discrimination

Common Summary Assessment Report (CSAR)

• In Ireland, healthcare professionals utilize the Common Summary Assessment Report (CSAR) during care needs assessments to evaluate and document individuals' requirements.

Test your understanding of long-term care options and the importance of safeguarding in promoting health, wellbeing, and human rights.