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QUIZ: What would you do when caring for a vulnerable adult?
How to avoid abuse or neglect of the most vulnerable adults in our society.
MOST OF US WOULD like to think we do the best to look out for people around us, but this can sometimes involve difficult decisions.
Sometimes when supporting vulnerable people, the right approach may not be immediately obvious.
Take our quiz to see how you fare.
1. An older neighbour who is sometimes forgetful has asked you to pick something up for them, and gave you more cash than is needed. What do you do?
Give the full change back to them
Quietly keep some change to cover your expenses such as parking or public transport
Keep the change as a reward for helping out
2. A loved one who has mental health difficulties has become distressed. They have already taken their medication, but you know if they take more they would calm down. What do you do?
Encourage them to take an extra dose to calm their distress
Try to reassure them as best you can, and call a doctor if needed
Make them take a sedative, so they can fall asleep
3. You’re staying with an older relative who sometimes gets confused. You are heading out for an hour and are worried that they may let themselves out of the house. What do you do?
Lock them in the house to keep them safe
Bring them with you, but ask them to remain in the car and lock it
Talk about it and give them your phone number should they need to call you
4. You are encouraging a relative with an intellectual disability, and behaviours that challenge, to eat dinner - but they are not interested in eating what you’ve served. What do you do?
Explain they need to eat what they’re given, or will go hungry
Take their plate away quickly, so they will learn to eat what has been cooked next time
Ask them what and when they would like to eat and allow them plenty of time
You scored out of !
You may need a little more information.
It's so important that we know how to protect vulnerable adults in society properly and to safeguard their rights, dignity and independence. You can view the National Safeguarding Committee website to learn more.
You scored out of !
You know the basics, but could do with learning more.
You definitely can recognise the basics about how to protect vulnerable adults, but aren't so sure when the scenario gets a little more complicated. Check the National Safeguarding Committee's website for more.
You scored out of !
Congratulations, you definitely know your stuff!
You can recognise the rights that vulnerable adults have and the best way to keep them safe. Check the National Safeguarding Committee's website for more information about keeping up to scratch.
Note: The correct ‘green’ responses represent the recommended best approach to safeguard vulnerable adults. The responses marked as incorrect represent abuses or neglect. Sometimes abuse or neglect may be subtle and unintended, but none the less it should not take place.
To find out more go to safeguardingcommittee.ie or call (061) 461 358.
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