The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) have published new pressure ulcer government guidance which details 'how to respond to individuals at risk of developing pressure ulcers, prevent harm where they occur and raise a safeguarding concern'. 

Click here to find out more. 

This article provides key points for practitioners from Community Care Inform Adults’ guide on executive functioning and the Mental Capacity Act 2005. It also gives practical advice from a Community Care Inform guide on how to assess capacity and make best interests decisions where a person has executive functioning difficulties. 

The absence of such functioning is where a person – for example, someone with an acquired brain injury or eating disorder – gives what appears to be coherent answers to questions, but it is clear from their actions that they are unable to put into effect the intentions expressed in those answers. Colloquially, this can be described as the person being able to ‘talk the talk’, but unable to ‘walk the walk’.

Click here to find out more on what is executive functioning, what does the Mental Capacity Act 2005 code of practice say and the key points for practitioners.

The Ann Craft Trust is holding a free online peer support session providing an opportunity to discuss the safeguarding adults in sport Framework and other safeguarding leads for Sport England and UK Sport on Wednesday 21st February 2024. 

Click here to find out more. 

New Community Recovery and Wellbeing Hubs have launched to offer people easy access to support in the heart of their community.

The hubs will be run by Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust, in partnership with Carlisle Matters and other local organisations.

Hollie Edmondson, Recovery Clinical Lead at CNTW who has led on organising these Hubs, said: “These new Hubs will give people a safe, relaxed space to feel understood, listened to and supported. We can provide on-the-spot support with whatever you might be struggling with. If something’s weighing on your mind, we’re here to help. There’s no need to book. You can just drop in any time the hubs are open. Each week we’ll also be offering an optional educational session between 12-1pm, with different themes each week. People can come along to learn about things like managing anxiety and stress, finding purpose in life, and sleeping better.”

The Hubs will be located at:

• The Oval Centre in Workington (Salterbeck Drive, Workington CA14 5HA), every Wednesday during term time, from 10am – 1pm
  
  
• Botcherby Community Centre in Carlisle (Victoria Road, Carlisle CA1 2UE), every Thursday during term time, from 10am – 2pm.

Watch the remarkable story of how an elderly former engineer in his 80s was taken from his family and kept hidden for four years, and the long search by his devoted daughter to track him down.   This documentary focuses on what protection exists when loneliness and mental decline leave people vulnerable to potential abuse. It is estimated that around 3 million people aged 65 and over live alone in the UK and many hope to form new relationships in later life, especially after bereavement or divorce.

The danger can come from strangers, lovers, and carers; but it can also be closer to home, from family and friends. The UK charities working in this field are united in wanting better protection and can relay countless stories of elderly people being isolated and losing contact with people who are important to them.

Click here to read about the article or click here to sign in or register to listen to the podcast.

Understanding and recognising the signs of domestic abuse in older people is a vital part of safer ageing for all.

According to Hour Glass there are five signs to look out for;

1. Change in personality - becoming withdrawn, anxious.
2. No longer socialises, more isolated, defensive. 
3. Physical signs of bruising, injuries to the body.
4. Excuses for injuries and self-blame, avoiding medical professionals.
5. Changes in appetite, sleep habits, toileting. 

If you're spotting any of these signs in an older family or friend, visit their website here or call the Hourglass 24/7 helpline 0808 808 8141.

In December 2023 the General Medical Council (GMC)  published new guidance on using social media as a medical professional. Within the guidance, social media is described as "...the use of private messaging, websites and applications that enable users to create and share content, or to participate in social networking."

The guidance will come into effect on 30th January 2024.