It’s important that carers are familiar with the legal issues that they could encounter during their work. Listed below are some key legal terms, knowing them will help a care giver have a clearer understanding of the legal face of caring.
THE LEGAL TERMS
ABANDONMENT: is when a family or agency leaves an individual without care or support.
FALSE IMPRISONMENT: takes place when you intentionally restrict an individual’s freedom to leave a space.
LIABILITY: refers to the degree to which you or your employer will be held financially responsible for damages resulting from your negligence.
ASSAULT: takes place when an individual intentionally attempts or threatens to touch another individual, in a harmful or offensive manner without their consent.
MALPRACTICE: is a failure to use reasonable judgment when applying your professional knowledge.
BATTERY: takes place when an individual harmfully or offensively touches another individual without their consent.
INVASION OF PRIVACY: is revealing personal or private information without an individual’s consent.
NEGLIGENCE: is when a personal injury or property damage is caused by your act or your failure to act, when you have a duty to act. Carers need to understand the distinction between laws and ethics so that they conduct their day-to-day tasks safely and in confidence