New booklet to tackle dementia abuse
Published 13 June 2008
A new booklet to help care workers identify potential abuse in the dementia care environment will be released on World Elder Abuse Day, 15 June 2008.
Developed by the Alzheimer's Society and Action on Elder Abuse, the booklet aims to help tackle abuse of people with dementia.
'Uncovering abuse in the dementia care environment' explores why people with dementia can be particularly vulnerable to abuse and identifies types of abuse that might not be so recognisable, such as neglect, financial and psychological abuse.
The booklet features essential advice on how to handle suspected abuse and where to access further support or advice is also included. One method featured is Body Maps, whereby a person can make a note of physical signs of abuse on a map of the body and hand it over to Social Services in order to help them with an investigation.'
Neil Hunt, Chief Executive of the Alzheimer's Society, says
This booklet provides essential, practical advice for anyone working with people with dementia in the care environment.
People with dementia are often not able to communicate that they are being abused. We want to ensure that carers can recognise the signs of abuse and take appropriate, immediate action to stop it.
The Alzheimer's Society is grateful to Comic Relief for funding this work and for their continued support.
Gary FitzGerald, Chief Executive of Action on Elder Abuse, comments,
Providing support for care workers often working in difficult circumstances is a vital part of tackling abuse and poor practise.
'This booklet represents the combined experiences of Action on Elder Abuse and the Alzheimer's Society and we urge all of those who provide, purchase and commission care services to ensure its widest possible distribution.
Funded by Comic Relief, the booklet is part of a two-year project to reduce and prevent abuse of people with dementia.
Please note that you can only order the booklet as part of a pack of 20, 50, or 100.
Read our factsheet on 'Understanding and respecting the person with dementia
