Care of Vulnerable Older People ─ Legal and Ethical Aspects of Nursing

It is reasonable to expect that most people will live a relatively healthy life as they age, with their dignity intact and rights guaranteed. For many, however, reality may be quite different: the findings of key reports highlight the need to raise awareness of the failures in health and social care systems to safeguard vulnerable older people.


In this important text, a team of expert authors brings the focus to how legislation, ethics and national policy can be applied to the context of protecting 'at risk' older adults. Clear and accessible, the book will improve nurses' skills in safeguarding vulnerable older people, aided by the use of such helpful features as:


• Detailed case studies to link theory with practice
• Explicit 'Thinking Points' to encourage readers to reflect on how law, policy and ethics can be applied to their own practice
• In-depth discussion of statutory and case law, and analysis of relevant Serious Case Reviews


An essential read for students and qualified nurses alike, this text provides the reader with a solid foundation for clinical decision-making and safeguarding vulnerable older people, as well as a forum for discussion and reflection.

Paul Buka MIHM, MSc, PGCE, LL. B(Hons), HNC, FETC, RN, RNT, is Lecturer in Nursing at the University of Essex. He has many years' experience in Further and Higher Education, teaching Law and Nursing, undergraduate, postgraduate and continuing professional development post-registration modules. Paul's career in nursing began in Scotland, where he qualified and gained his initial clinical experience. His specialist interest is in Healthcare Law and Ethics and in Care of Older People. Paul co-authored his first book on Healthcare Law and Ethics in 1999.

Monica Davis MA, PGDip HE, BSc (Hons), PGDip Health Visiting, RNT, RGN, NP, was formally a Lecturer Practitioner at the University of West London and is currently working as a Health Visitor Team Leader at a London NHS Trust. Monica has many years of experience in clinical practice as a nurse in cardiology and as a Specialist Public Health Nurse – Health Visitor. Monica studied education and gained a Masters in Higher Education. She has worked as a Lecturer Practitioner for many years, combining academic teaching (adult nursing, specialising in public health and primary care) and clinical practice. Monica wrote her first chapter in a book that published in 2011. Her specialist interests are safeguarding adults and children.

Madalene Pereira MA, PGDipHE, BSc (Hons), RN, RM, RHV, NP, RL\PE, was formerly Senior Lecturer in Adult Nursing and Primary Care, Public Health and Health Promotion at the University of West London. She has now returned to clinical practice and is currently working as a Practice Placement Facilitator and Lead Nurse at a London NHS Trust. Madalene has attained many years of experience in clinical practice as a nurse, midwife, health visitor and practice educator, as well as writing for publication.