my husband and I were stopped from seeing our blind friend todaay at the care home; so so sad; this was my email to the social worker, describing what happened; would love any comments or advice
Dear A
Susan ; yesterday Paul and I were stopped from seeing Susan by M, a senior carer at The abc care home we were invited into the office for 1 minute or so. We had been given no advance warning , written or verbal that we would be prevented from seeing Susan.
We had brought Susan a teddy bear on behalf of Clarice in New Zealand , as well as a recording for Susan to listen to from Clarice. We had also brought her a hand cream to massage her hands. We had a letter to read to Clarice with all the latest news from England and New Zealand; we had songs specially for her from a folk group to play.
We only left the teddy bear for Susan. We had to leave the care home without being able to comfort Susan or pass on Clarice’s news.
We were told that Susan’s Uncle had put in a safeguarding complaint against us. We asked if there was anything formal Michelle could give us as this was complete news to us that we were an alleged safeguarding risk. Michelle said she could not comment and it was nothing to do with the care home; We pointed out that I had been supervised to support Susan by the Dementia Nurses from the start every time we have visited .Rob the Uncle told us he wanted us to visit Susan ; he offered me a hug and told Paul and I he was happy for us to visit.
A can you help Paul and I to clear our names from any malicious and untrue allegations that have been made about us , as we would love to see our friend and we know Susan would love to see us
Every good wish Susan and Paul
thank you so much for letting me share this; has anyone ever successfully challenged a decision; any comments most welcome
Hi @susan_170912 Safeguarding complaints are difficult to do anything about when you don’t know what the complaint is actually suggesting. Strictly speaking, you have a right to know the details of the complaint against you: however as the home did not make the complaint, they do not have the right to any details of the complaint. They can be instructed by the local Safeguarding Board to prevent contact pending the results of an investigation, and it appears that is what has happened here. Legally speaking, this is no different than suspending someone from work pending an investigation - it’s a neutral act that says only that to protect both parties it’s best to keep you separate for now. Obviously, that’s as upsetting for you as the accusation, whatever it is.
From what I remember from your earlier posts, the niece mentioned about a month ago that she thought you were taking money from your friend: I assume that is the complaint that’s gone forward.
But you have the right to know for certain, so you need to contact the local Safeguarding Board and ask them for the details of the complaint made against you, as you have a right to know them and you have the right to a fair hearing.
Until you know for certain what the complaint is, you can’t defend yourself effectively.
i am so grateful to you Charles; I have just had one hour of counselling and feel so much better; i am truly grateful to you and will look after my mental health now; thankyou so much ;have a wonderful weekend
hello everyone this is what I got back from the social worker; i am allowed to talk to my friend this afternoon | | |
| - | - |
Good afternoon,
As advised on the phone, a safeguarding concern had been raised due to alleged risk of financial abuse. This was triaged by the safeguarding team and was NFA due to low likelihood of risk.
The home did not have the information, and due to duty of care had implemented safety measure which amounted to yourself being unable to see SY.
I am aware we have agreed for a Teams meeting next week, and if you let me know your availability it would be great. However, the home and I wish to have a Teams or in person meeting, to discuss any issues and plan how to move forward as there has been ongoing issues and we do not wish for SY to miss on any relationships. I would like to arrange this sooner rather than later, to prevent any future issues. As I have mentioned, please I do not wish for yourself to feel like you may be ambushed at the meeting, as with any concerns/issues it is important that those are being discussed with any relevant individuals and professionals involved. If at any point you where to feel uncomfortable this can be ended.
I do hope we can work together to resolve of any issues.
hello everyone it has tken me a week to get this information; still
better late than never
12:53 (46 minutes ago)
undefined
-—
to me
Good afternoon,
As advised on the phone, a safeguarding concern had been raised due to alleged risk of financial abuse. This was triaged by the safeguarding team and was NFA due to low likelihood of risk.
The home did not have the information, and due to duty of care had implemented safety measure which amounted to yourself being unable to see SY.
I am aware we have agreed for a Teams meeting next week, and if you let me know your availability it would be great. However, the home and I wish to have a Teams or in person meeting, to discuss any issues and plan how to move forward as there has been ongoing issues and we do not wish for SY to miss on any relationships. I would like to arrange this sooner rather than later, to prevent any future issues. As I have mentioned, please I do not wish for yourself to feel like you may be ambushed at the meeting, as with any concerns/issues it is important that those are being discussed with any relevant individuals and professionals involved. If at any point you where to feel uncomfortable this can be ended.
I do hope we can work together to resolve of any issues.
Hi @susan_170912 sounds like your friend’s relatives were trying to cause trouble for you - they probably feel threatened by your close relationship with her. Very stressful to be under investigation for safeguarding reasons even though you knew she wasn’t at risk from you and you had her best interests at heart.
I hope the counselling helps you to make sense of and cope with all the stress this has caused.
It’s good news that you are able to visit your friend again, as soon as you feel strong enough.
Are you going to attend the meeting? Could you take anyone with you? It does sound like the social worker is willing to build bridges, but she wasn’t the one under investigation …
thank you so so much Melly for all your compassion, for your wisdom and wise words. thank you so much; the counselling was actually meant to be for me because my husband had just lost his Dad; however the counselling has been wonderful because I have been able to do some wonderful safeguarding for Susan;
I have told them all I am going on holiday for 2 weeks and will speak to the socoal worker when I get back
A thousand thanks Melly for your awesome compasion
