Concern for safety

[KathB48]

My sister, who is 57 and non verbal, is a long term resident of a small assisted living house, there are 4 residents. One of the other residents, as well as a learning disability has developed mental health issues. My sister has been the victim of 4 unprovoked attacks in total from this other resident. The first, and most serious, resulted in her falling down stairs and suffering an injury that resulted in her being hospitalised for 3 weeks. A risk assessment is in place, but we, her family, are increasingly concerned that it is not working. The most recent attack happened last week, I only found out when I visited and saw scars and bruising. The attack coincided with a change in care manager, which I was told was the reason for me not being informed. Social services are involved, and are assuring us that protocols are in place. We are trying to set up a meeting between myself, my brother, the social worker and a care manager. We are starting to feel that the aggressive resident should be placed elsewhere - if she continually lashes out, it seems to me that she is not happy, and it's possible that her needs are not being met. Any advice on what approach we should take? I am determined my sister should not lose her place in the house, as she is otherwise very happy there.

[MontyCat]

This is an awful state of affairs and clearly a safeguarding issue. I am shocked (but sadly not surprised) that Social Services insist that "protocols" are in place and are not alarmed by these incidents. I would suggest that you request/demand to have a copy of the care company's Safeguarding policy and any risk assessments. If they resist sharing these with you then I think you will need to escalate actions. It seems more than reasonable for you to insist on a meeting between the various parties involved to discuss your concerns, so I would advise persisting in your requests for this. Does your sister have any means of communicating her feelings? She must feel very afraid and vulnerable. If you could get her input to any meeting, or as further evidence of the need to re-house this aggressive resident in a safer environment, this should be taken seriously. I suspect that Social Services are unwilling to address the problem as there is maybe nowhere available that will take the resident who is attacking your sister, but that should not be an excuse for not giving your sister the care, respect and protection she needs and deserves. Good luck.

[KathB48 in reply to MontyCat]

Thank you

[49Twister in reply to KathB48]

I agree with Montycat. Get this meeting confirmed. There is clearly a reason why this resident has developed a mental health issue. As you say this place is possibly not meeting her needs. Stay firm in what you believe obviously your sister is your priority and your very concerned for her safety and well being. You don't want this to escalate into a more serious or tragic incident. Good luck.

[Bergersil400 in reply to MontyCat]

Really sorry to here this. It is quite shocking and most definitely a safe guarding issue.The aggressive resident needs to be moved into a single occupancy dwelling, to safeguard other residents and staff.

The 10 bedroom complex my daughter resides indbp had a resident who was aggressive to other stiaff and would go into other residents rooms. It was quickly realised by staff that his needs were not being met, and he had to move out.

[Steve__]

So sorry to hear of that. It's a sad and tough situation.

As ever, it may be wise to get advice from an independent social worker or legal adviser in the field. Something has definitely not been right somehow, handy to get it defined by experts.

They would know of your rights and be familiar with similar cases, and therefore they'd know whether one course of action (and the best way of doing it) would be better than another.

Knowledge of how CQC works and the Care Act rights might be handy in talking to social services, but do get advice and check your ground and likely outcomes beforehand with a neutral expert if you are considering approaching or mentioning them.

The meeting sounds a good idea... in my experience arranging a second meeting gets very difficult, so I'd personally want to be ready with everything before that meeting... the "everything" you'd have ready I'm not qualified to advise you on. I have personally found that some homes can carry on the same and some social workers (overworked and sometimes inexperienced) leave things the same if they can find a way to be left to their own devices...

Good luck

[FELTSPAR in reply to Steve__]

This is the best advice. An independent social worker is essential.

[Mybestfriends]

Agree with all these comments. Is there a way that your Sister can communicate or be helped too, maybe some Flash Cards, or Pictures & Words, anything would help you in your meeting. Of course the other Patient that has developed Mental health problems, will be hopefully being assessed & any change in Meds will take a few weeks to get into their system & will have some Side Effects, this could be Mood change Aggressive behaviour, as one of the effects sadly or maybe not. Hope you get the best outcome.

[KathB48 in reply to Mybestfriends]

Given that my sister is now 57, we have exhausted all communication possibilities, but thanks for the thought.