Going to a care home could be one of the best decisions you make for your loved one, more so when you take the time to find a nice care home that meets all your needs and requirements. However, elderly people are vulnerable and need protection while in a care home. There are safeguarding procedures in place to protect elderly residents, which are vital for any care home to follow.

Safeguarding creates a framework that care homes can follow to ensure the highest level of care and that the best interests of the residents are at the heart of the services provided.

What is Safeguarding in a Care Home?

Safeguarding is defined as the protection of the health, well-being, and rights of residents. Safeguarding is meant to ensure the residents are safe from any harm or abuse. It should be the focal point of every care home.

A care home must show that there are correct procedures and processes in place, and it should be one of the things you look for when considering a care home for your loved one.

Safeguarding Responsibilities for Care Home Staff

All care home staff must actively practise safeguarding for it to be effective. The policies are in place to protect the well-being of residents in a nursing home or residential care home. There are various procedures in place to ensure the safety of residents, including fire safety and addressing other hazards that could impact vulnerable adults.

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Safeguarding is a responsibility of the care home, and the staff must be trained to ensure they provide the highest level of care for the residents without restricting their independence, while also fulfilling their assessment and care duties.

Some of the responsibilities that care home staff have as far as safeguarding include the following:

  • Ensuring that residents have clean and comfortable beds and that other items and equipment used by them are of high standards and used correctly.
  • Ensure that any trip or potential slip hazards are addressed to minimise the potential for residents.
  • Monitor and manage drug administration and other potentially dangerous substances.
  • Ensure controlled access to hot water, hot appliances, and surfaces, and maintain a safe environment with extra support where necessary.
  • The care home should also provide monitoring and precautions to prevent the spread of infectious disease by maintaining high standards of hygiene for both residents and staff.
  • Training staff on how to respond and manage aggression or challenging behaviour while observing and protecting the well-being of the resident and their health.

What are Some of the Safeguarding Policies that Care Home Staff Should Follow?

There are a variety of safety policies that care homes and their staff must follow. The responsibility of care and support lies with healthcare and local authorities. Each has responsibilities to promote well-being and safety within the caregiving communities.

Here are the six most important guiding principles that care home staff must follow to help achieve the safeguarding of residents:

Empowerment

Residents go to care homes for different reasons, and they have different requirements and needs. The staff and the care home should provide personalised solutions that cater to the needs of the resident. The care home should build a strong relationship that offers support and empowers the resident to live out their best life.

Prevention

Prevention is a critical part of safeguarding, and with the proper training, your staff can support individuals at risk of harm or abuse and take action to prevent it before it happens.

Proportionality

Your staff must act in the least intrusive manner when working with and handling residents. They should always ensure that their actions are in the best interests of the residents.

Protection

The staff should always support and protect the residents. They should support residents who want to report abuse and follow the necessary safeguarding procedures to ensure the well-being and health of the resident.

Partnership

Care homes must establish partnerships and collaborations with other entities and communities to support, protect, prevent, and report abuse.

Accountability

For safeguarding to be effective, it must be transparent and consistently followed by all care staff. Being accountable ensures every step of the process is followed to the letter and maximises the safety of the resident.

Why Safeguarding Training is Important

Safeguarding training for care homes is critical and serves more than just a box-ticking exercise. It is important to ensure that the care home staff are prepared to recognise and respond to potential abuse. Some of the important areas that safeguarding training should focus on include the following:

Understanding abuse and neglect

Care home staff need to be able to identify the signs and different types of abuse and neglect. They should understand obvious signs, such as unexplained injuries, and the most subtle behaviours, such as changes in behaviour or mood.

Legislation and policies

Safeguarding training will also ensure that the staff are familiar with the legal framework surrounding safeguarding and the responsibilities of care providers in safeguarding vulnerable citizens.

Reporting procedures

Knowing how to report concerns is crucial and plays a significant role in ensuring the safety and integrity of training. The training equips the staff with the correct procedures for reporting suspected abuse within the care home and also to external agencies.

Creating a safe environment

The training also focuses on how care homes and their staff can create a safe and supportive environment for residents. This includes promoting transparency and accountability, as well as encouraging residents to voice their concerns without fear of retribution.

Preventative measures

Safeguarding training also helps to emphasise the importance of preventing abuse before it occurs. This may involve conducting risk assessments, providing regular staff training updates, and promoting a culture of respect and dignity.

Closing Remarks

Safeguarding is an important practice in care homes. Care homes and their staff should endeavour to embrace the six principles of safeguarding, ensuring the safety and security of their residents. In addition to being policies, safeguarding should be the central focus of their care home and services. Continued training will ensure that your care home is not only compliant but also conducive to the residents who come seeking your services.