Safeguarding vulnerable adults

Abstract

Healthcare assistants (HCAs) and assistant practitioners (APs) are privileged to work with a wide range of people in our society. However, many of these people may be seen as vulnerable. The safety, health and wellbeing of the public should be seen as an essential aspect of the role and work undertaken by HCAs and APs. This article provides information concerning the vulnerable adult, a definition of key terms and the ways in which the HCA and AP can recognize and respond when people they care for may be in vulnerable situations. HCAs and APs have a duty to put the interests of the people they care for first and to protect them if they feel they may be at risk of harm. It is important that HCAs and APs know how to raise concerns and escalate them in the most appropriate way.