Organisational / Institutional Abuse
What is Organisational/Institutional Abuse?
Examples: Neglect, poor practice within an institution such as a care home or hospital and also poor practice in relation to care provided in the adult’s own home. This can be only one incident or a series of incidents which are neglect or poor practice as a result of organisations poor policies, procedures and practice.
It is important not to jump to the wrong conclusions too quickly but the following list may be possible indicators of institutional abuse.
Possible Indicators:
- No flexibility in bedtime routine and/or deliberate waking
- People left on a commode or toilet for long periods of time
- Lack of personal clothes and belongings
- Un-homely or stark living environments
- Inappropriate care of possessions, clothing and living area
- Deprived environmental conditions and lack of stimulation
- Inappropriate use of medical procedures such as enemas, catheterisation
- Batch care – lack of individual care programmes
- Illegal confinement or restrictions
- Inappropriate physical intervention
- Inappropriate use of power or control
- People referred to, or spoken to with disrespect
- Inflexible services based on convenience of the provider rather than the person receiving services
- Service user removed from the home or establishment, without discussion with other appropriate people or agencies because staff are unable to manage the behaviour
