Adult safeguarding case studies
Service User Award: for going above and beyond to continue to deliver advocacy in the community, ensuring that service users health and welfare are safeguarded as a priority. The team have dealt with several supported living services and a clinical setting during the pandemic where ‘blanket’ do not attempt to resuscitate (DNAR’s) were placed on the service users which should only be authorised where the service user has significant co-morbidities, which would preclude the option of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation. The team approached the setting and engaged a lawyer who wrote to the setting. As a result, the blanket DNAR’s were all lifted, and we supported the decision makers to assess the service users appropriately and individually for DNAR’s.
Respect and Dignity award: for dealing with an extremely complex case over several years. A member of the advocacy team supported a service user, who required surgery, which would change their life. Unfortunately, they were being denied the surgery due to their learning disability. The service user was supported through 3 best interests processes, supported to lodge two formal complaints. The service user has now had surgery with further surgery planned later in the year. The client is overjoyed at their improved mobility, which will only improve further in the coming months. a fantastic outcome for the client!
Case A – A tenant in their 80s had been living in fear of their resident adult child and had not left their home for 3 years. WVHT worked with the allocated social worker to safely support the tenant to decide about their future. WVHT offered a new home and working together with adult social care the tenant was supported to flee to a respite home where they chose to remain. When visited to end the tenancy, the improvement in the customers wellbeing was remarkable, they had new well-fitting clothes, was socialising, had their hair done and said they felt like a new person.
Case B – A tenant with a history of trauma, alcohol and mental health issues stopped communicating with WVHT and their GP. WVHT attended multi-disciplinary meetings and referred the tenant to be discussed. WVHT and Westminster Drug Project alongside the GP and Police worked together to contact the tenant who has now started to engage with agencies.
Case C – WVHT electricians identified a tenant living in a hoarded property, self-neglecting and recognised as at risk by the electricians. Initially hard to engage however due to the diligence and persistence of a tenancy sustainment officer, using a hoarding workbook and clutter image rating, the tenant worked with them, adhered to a property action plan, agreed to a social work referral who organised a reablement package and an Occupational Therapy assessment, and Headway supported the tenant with completely clearing the flat. The tenant is in a much better place mentally and is now being supported to move to a more appropriate property.