Dependent on others for personal care
One factor that can lead to abuse is when adults are dependent on others for personal care. Adults who are at risk for this type of abuse taking place is adults with physical disabilities. This type of abuse can be carried out by carers in a residential care home.
(reference 1) class notes
An example of this could be when an elderly individual wanted help to go to the toilet but she was ignored many times by the carers. However when they did come to help the elderly resident was emotionally abused as the carers continuously put her down telling her that she cannot go to the toilet and she should do it in the provided place. (reference 2) class notes
Adults who are not able to give consent or make decisions as they lack mental capacity
This is one reason abusive situations can come about. This is because when adults are not able to make decisions for themselves they are subject to abuse as they are seen as vulnerable.
Adults which could be at risk are adults which lack full mental capacity. The abuse can be carried out by partners or relatives and even paid carers. This abuse can take place within the persons own home. (reference 3) class notes
An example of this could be in a relationship an adult who lacks full mental capacity may be taken advantage of as they may be not be aware of having a sexual relationship as they lack full mental capacity. They would b taken advantage of and would not know the consequences of sexually transmitted diseases. The abuse would be taken place within the person’s own home and this shows that the trust that the individual had on their own family members has been taken away as advantage has been taken. (reference 4) health and social care textbook
Adults who have no social awareness.
This is one other reason abuse takes place. Abuse takes place as adults with no social awareness.
Adults at most risk could be adults who are mentally disabled. They can be abused in their own home. The possible abusers could be neighbours and teenagers. (reference 5) class notes
An example of this could be that an individual has a learning disability and lives in a flat. The neighbours of that individual offered to make lunch and evening meal in return for half of his money. When food is given it is often cold and so the individual spend more money on food. This shows that the individual has no awareness of abuse taking place as the individual is getting something in return. Financial abuse is taking place but in a more discrete way. (reference 6) health and social care textbook
Adults who are in fear or shame in reporting that they have been abused One factor that can lead to abusive situations is when adults are in
fear or shame in reporting that they have been abused.
The adults that are at most risk are adults with learning difficulties.
The abuse can be carried out by paid carers, family members and neighbours. The abuse can take place independent living.
(reference 7) class notes
An example of this could be when adults have been sexually abused by their carers in their own home. They are in fear of reporting abuse that has taken place as they fear their carers and have been threatened that if they report the abuse more abuse would be taking place. For this reason the may feel the need to keep quiet as they don’t want to be abused again. (reference 8) class notes
Adults who have difficulty in communicating
Another factor that can lead to abuse is when adults have difficulty in communicating.
Adults who are at most risk would be adults who are mentally disabled.
The abuse can be carried out by carers or volunteers. The abuse can happen in a disability resource centre. (Reference 9) class notes
An example of this could be when an adult speaks very little or no
English at all could be neglected as they many carers would not