Responding to elder abuse and neglect in residential care settings in Ireland: the role of the safeguarding designated officer

Safeguarding older adults living in residential care settings is a fundamental component of good quality care and a key indicator of organisational accountability. In Ireland, the Health Service Executive Safeguarding Vulnerable Persons at Risk of Abuse National Policy and Procedures identifies the adult safeguarding designated officer as a central figure in responding to safeguarding concerns in residential care settings for older people and in care settings for people with disabilities. Despite the increasing emphasis on adult safeguarding practice, limited attention has been paid to the role, responsibilities, and competencies required by designated officers working across health and social care services. This article explores the role of the designated officer in safeguarding older adults living in residential care settings through a fictitious case study based on the first author's experiences in this role. The article examines safeguarding responsibilities, risk assessment, decision-making, interagency collaboration, documentation and human rights considerations. It also discusses contemporary challenges facing designated officers and highlights the need for a national competency framework to support consistent safeguarding practice across Ireland.