<p>Older people in society are particularly vulnerable and it is very difficult to ensure they are safe 24 hours a day. No body, young or old should be shattered by abuse but it is still a concern very prevalent in our society. Acknowledging that it is not possible to guarantee that no elderly person will be harmed by or put at risk of neglect, aggression or exploited by others, it is our duty to do everything in our abilities to protect them from such harm.</p><p>This process can begin by trying to ensure society’s most vulnerable are protected as much as possible in all aspects of their lives. This includes in particular where they live. This Elder Abuse Awareness training will clearly outline how the protection of the elderly must be put at the core of any family, extended family, care staff or organisation working with them.</p><p>This training will provide participants with a <strong>broad understanding of protection issues</strong> from understanding the nature of abuse to development of appropriate recording and reporting procedures and policies. It will include legislation, obstacles to disclosure, stress factors and difficulties for families caring for an older family member as well as supports. The training also looks at the issue of self-neglect and policies in relation to managing this.</p><p> </p><ul><li>Legislation<ul><li>The Criminal Justice (Withholding of Information on Offences against Children and Vulnerable Persons) Act 2012</li><li>Assisted Decision Making (Capacity) Bill 2013​</li><li>What is considered criminal with regard to elder abuse?</li></ul></li></ul><ul><li>Supports and frustrations with regard to the elderly and their families<ul><li>Recognising signs of stress </li><li>What to do when coping is difficult</li></ul></li></ul><ul><li>Allegations or Suspicions of Elder Abuse by Employees<ul><li>Reporting procedure</li><li>Action to be taken</li><li>Further follow-up</li><li>Feedback from Health Boards</li></ul></li></ul><p> </p><ul><li>Developing policies in relation to Elder Abuse</li></ul><p> </p><p><strong>Certification</strong>: Social Care Training Ireland Certificate in Abuse Prevention and Care of the Elderly in the Community (valid for two years)</p><p> </p><p>For more information on our training courses call Mary Hutton on 0818 220 261 or email mary.hutton@socialcaretraining.ie</p>