In hand

In Hand has been devised to support health and social service practitioners in their ethical reflection leading to decision-making during the intervention process in a senior abuse situation. It can be used at various points during the intervention process, as often as necessary as the situation develops. With the wishes of the senior as the primary consideration to the greatest extent possible, even in situations where the senior is extremely vulnerable and at the greatest risk, In Hand targets various competing values arising in a senior abuse situation. It presents various suggestions for practice and facilitates the identification of psychological and ethical issues raised in practice situations. The best conditions for use of the tool are the following: the practitioner has the support of their supervisor and their organization the practitioner is a member of a case review group or committee the practitioners organization is an active member of an inter-sectoral committee or network, i.e., is collaborating with various agencies (health, justice, seniors organizations, etc.) Prior to initiating the decision process, the practitioner should: have a good knowledge of the resources available in the community ensure all actions that will be taken are within the mandate (or regulatory framework) of the practitioners organization Finally, In Hand is designed for a practitioner with some experience intervening in senior abuse situations. Because it aims to support ethical decision-making (i.e., it is a reflective process), various screening (detection) or intervention tools can be used in conjunction with it.