Safeguarding means protecting an adult’s right to live in safety, free from abuse and neglect. The safeguarding duty under the Care Act 2014 applies to any adult who:
- has needs for care and support (whether or not the Local Authority is meeting any of those needs) and;
- is experiencing, or at risk of, abuse or neglect; and
- as a result of those care and support needs is unable to protect themselves from either the risk of, or the experience of abuse or neglect.
Who is at Risk?
Adult abuse can happen to anyone who is over 18. However adults may be at ‘greater risk’ of abuse and neglect:
- If they have a physical, mental, sensory, learning or cognitive illness or disability
- Linked to above; if they need assistance with everyday tasks
- If they rely on others for some kind of social care or health support
- If they are in receipt of care – purchased or funded through:
- Personal budgets
- Local Authorities and/or Health Services
- By themselves
- If they are informal carers, family and friends who provide care on an unpaid basis.
This list is not exhaustive.
Where does Abuse Occur?
Abuse can occur anywhere, examples include:
- Care Homes
- Day Centres
- Hospitals/Health Services
- In a Carers home
- In your own home (including on-line)
- Public Places
- Supported Living arrangements
- Work, College or University.
See it, Report it!
If you suspect a neighbour, friend or family member is being neglected or abused, or you need help yourself: Report Abuse.
Consider risks to others – ‘Think Family’
Consideration should also be given as to whether anyone else is at risk . This may include children or other adults with care and support needs. Should there be a concern that a parent may be neglecting children in their care, concerns must be reported to Children’s’ Social Care – see Local Safeguarding Children Partnerships on how to contact them.