Case Study: Eric
Eric was a 96-year-old man who lived at home with his wife, who had been Eric’s primary carer for many years. Eric was in receipt of endof life care and had a care package in place.
Police were called to the couple’s home following report of a domestic abuse incident. Eric was admitted to hospital and a safeguarding enquiry undertaken. Eric’s wife received a police caution.
Sadly, Eric passed away during a second admission to hospital.
Whilst in hospital, Eric and his wife both reflected on heightened stress at the time of the incident. Eric’s wife had her own care and support needs and had previously expressed that she needed more support in her caring role.
Risk of abuse, either for the carer or the person they are caring for, increases when the carer is isolated. Timely assessment of both the carer and the cared for person is therefore vital for adult safeguarding.
Eric chose to return home with his wife, and he had the mental capacity to make this decision. Shortly after his discharge from hospital, Eric was readmitted with suspected chest infection.
Hospital staff were informed by family members that Eric’s wife had ignored directions to keep Eric on a soft diet. This information was incorrect. Nevertheless, it informed the response of professionals. Professionals must ensure that we communicate and verify information to make evidence-based decisions.
A decision was made to restrict Eric’s wife’s access to the ward due to information provided by the family and the concerns around previous abusive behaviour. This meant that Eric’s wife was unable to be with him before he died.
Proportionality is a key principle of adult safeguarding, and services should ensure that they take the least intrusive response appropriate to the risk presented, with consideration of a person’s human rights.
The information around the initial domestic abuse incident was not communicated with the care provider or the commissioning service.
Whilst this may not have changed the outcome for Eric due to his quick readmission to hospital, this information could have prompted changes to the care package to support the couple. Early sharing of information is the key to providing an effective response where there are emerging concerns for an adult at risk.
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