The document outlines three cases of suspected abuse involving vulnerable individuals, highlighting the emotional responses of Personal Support Workers (PSWs) and the signs of abuse in each case. It emphasizes the importance of documenting incidents and reporting to supervisors or authorities to ensure the safety and well-being of the victims. Each case illustrates the complexities of emotional involvement and the need for professional action in response to suspected abuse.
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Module 5
The document outlines three cases of suspected abuse involving vulnerable individuals, highlighting the emotional responses of Personal Support Workers (PSWs) and the signs of abuse in each case. It emphasizes the importance of documenting incidents and reporting to supervisors or authorities to ensure the safety and well-being of the victims. Each case illustrates the complexities of emotional involvement and the need for professional action in response to suspected abuse.
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CASE #1 – Mrs.
Green
1. Feelings and impact on resolving the problem:
PSWs might feel concerned, helpless, angry, or sad. These emotions are helpful if they motivate the PSW to act and advocate for the client. However, if the PSW becomes too emotionally involved, it might cloud professional judgment or lead to inaction due to fear of conflict. 2. Three behaviours that indicate abuse : a. Mrs. Green is overly anxious about the PSW leaving on time. b. She becomes visibly distressed when her daughter arrives. c. She avoids confrontation, looks down at the floor, and appears helpless. 3. Power exertion: The daughter exerts power through verbal abuse, controlling Mrs. Green’s social interactions and finances. Her tone and accusations show emotional manipulation and dominance. 4. Appropriate PSW action : The PSW should document the incident and report it to their supervisor or the appropriate authority, following organizational policy. This is important because Mrs. Green may be a victim of elder abuse, and the PSW has a duty to ensure her safety and well-being.
CASE #2 – Sarah
1. Feelings and impact:
The PSW may feel shocked, concern, sadness, or anger. These emotions can help by encouraging the PSW to advocate for Sarah, but they might also make it hard to stay calm and professional if not managed. 2. Three signs of abuse : a. Visible large bruise. b. Sarah’s emotional distress and crying. c. Her attempt to cover up the injury with an unlikely explanation. 3. Two examples of denial : a. Sarah claims her husband is a “good man” despite his violent actions. b. She asks the PSW not to tell anyone, minimizing the abuse. 4. Other emotion displayed: Fear – Sarah is afraid of the consequences of others finding out about the abuse. 5. Appropriate PSW action: The PSW should document the injury and disclosure and report the suspected abuse to the supervisor or proper authorities. Sarah’s safety is at risk, and the PSW has a legal and ethical responsibility to act.
CASE #3 – Ross Family
1. Feelings and impact (2 marks):
The PSW might feel shocked, disturbed, or worried. These reactions can help in taking appropriate steps to protect the child, but overreacting might escalate the situation or breach trust. 2. Possible reasons for outburst (3 marks): a. Sleep deprivation and exhaustion from caring for five children. b. Stress from unexpected triplet births. c. Lack of family support or breaks from caregiving. 3. Two behaviours in Ray indicating abuse (2 marks): a. Regression in speech (baby talk). b. Increased fearfulness and reduced physical ability (e.g., running less steadily). 4. Appropriate PSW action (3 marks): The PSW should report the incident to their supervisor or child protection services. It is important to act immediately, as physical abuse of a child is a serious issue, and intervention is necessary to ensure Ray’s safety.