Publications from ODSW Social Insights: Letters by DSW (Vol 1) | Page 72

Adult Protection Service Casework

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situation. Sometimes this requires a collateral information if the older adult
appears unaware of his or her financial status. Signs of financial abuse
include large withdrawals from bank accounts that are not consistent with
prior banking activity, endorsement of cheques or documents that do not
match the older person’s signature or thumbprint and an increase in ATM
cash withdrawals that do not match prior banking activity.
Acting as a co-ordinator or a voice for the older adult needing services.
Initiating a psycho-educational support group for the older adult and his
or her family/ caregiver to facilitate better self-care and to create a safe
environment for the older adult.
Developing a comprehensive understanding of the older adult’s culture.
This will enable the service provider to make positive engagements through
adaptations to their culture.
Checking for signs of self-neglect or self-abuse such as sudden weight
loss, extreme thirst, bedsores or unattended wounds, poor hygiene, and
obvious body odour.
Checking for signs of physical abuse which may include bruising, rope
marks on wrists or ankles, unexplained injuries and refusal to seek medical
help for injuries.
Checking for signs of sexual abuse which may include torn or stained
underwear or bedding, bruises in genital areas or on breasts, bleeding
vaginally and newly diagnosed sexually transmitted infections.

Inter-agency work
An effective protective service is built on good relationships among law
enforcement agents, medical personnel, court personnel and representatives
from various service providers. Very often, social workers play the role of
advocate, case manager and convenor of case management and decision
making platforms. For vulnerable adults, especially those with complex needs
or needs that require the services of more than one agency, department or
professional, the experience of a coordinated response and commitment
to a case plan will better safeguard the interest of the client. The adult will
have a better sense of safety, care and support. Now that we know that interagency work is important, it is a working style that agencies will have to adopt
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