Adult Safeguarding

It is the firm belief of Ludham and Stalham Green Surgeries that every individual who accesses our services has a right to be free from fear and intimidation, to be treated with dignity and respect, to have their choice respected and not to be coerced to do anything against their will.

What is adult safeguarding?

Safeguarding adults is about protecting those at risk of harm (vulnerable adults) from suffering abuse or neglect.

Abuse can happen anywhere. It can happen at home, in a residential or nursing home, in a hospital, at work or in the street. There are different types of abuse, which include:

  • Physical – being hurt or harmed either deliberately or through rough, careless or thoughtless behaviour.
  • Emotional abuse or bullying. Being humiliated or put down or made to feel anxious or frightened.
  • Financial abuse or theft – someone using your money or possessions in a way that you don’t want.
  • Neglect – not being given the things you need to feel safe and comfortable or not making sure you get the care or treatment you need.
  • Sexual abuse – being made to do something that you don’t want to do.

Anyone can be vulnerable to abuse at some time in their life. The person who is responsible for the abuse is often well known to the person abused. They could be:

  • A paid carer or volunteer.
  • A health worker, social care or other worker.
  • A relative, friend or neighbour.
  • Another resident or service user.
  • An occasional visitor or someone who is providing a service.
  • Someone who deliberately exploits vulnerable people.

Who is at risk?

Those who need safeguarding help are often elderly and frail, living on their own at home, or without much family support in care homes.

Other people at risk of suffering harm are those with physical or learning difficulties or people with mental health needs.

How large is the problem?

Abuse of vulnerable adults is common but often not reported. It is not known exactly how common it is.

How can I spot adult abuse?

At first, you might not recognise the signs of abuse. They may appear to be symptoms of dementia or signs of the elderly person’s frailty. Examples of adult abuse include:

General signs of abuse:

  • Frequent arguments between the carer and the elderly person.
  • Changes in personality or behaviour in the person being abused.

Physical abuse:

  • Unexplained signs of injury such as bruises, burns or scars, or more serious unexplained injuries such as broken bones.
  • Report of a person taking too much of their medicines or not taking their medicines regularly (a prescription has more remaining than it should).
  • Broken eye glasses or frames.
  • Signs of being restrained, such as bruises on the wrists.
  • Staff in a care home refusing to allow you to see the elderly person alone.

Emotional abuse:

  • Threatening, belittling, or controlling behaviour by the abuser.
  • Behaviour from the abused person that seems like dementia, such as rocking, sucking, or mumbling to themself.

Sexual abuse:

  • Bruises around the breasts or genitals.
  • Unexplained genital infections.
  • Unexplained bleeding from the vagina or from the back passage.
  • Torn, stained or bloody underwear.

Neglect by caregivers or self-neglect:

  • Unusual weight loss because of not eating enough food or drinking enough fluids.
  • Untreated physical problems, such as bedsores.
  • Dirty living conditions: dirt, bugs, soiled bedding and clothes.
  • Being left dirty or unbathed.
  • Unsafe living conditions (no heat or running water; faulty electrical wiring, other fire hazards).

Financial exploitation may include:

  • Significant withdrawals from the vulnerable person’s bank account.
  • Items or cash missing.
  • Suspicious changes in wills, power of attorney, policies or other documents.
  • Suspicious addition of names to the person’s signature card.
  • Unnecessary services, goods or subscriptions.

What should I do next?

If you are being abused or concerned about someone else being abused, it is very important to talk about your concerns.

If you are worried that there is an immediate danger of harm then you should contact the police. If you think the person is in immediate risk of serious harm from physical violence then you should dial 999.

It can be difficult for the abused person to talk to someone about what is happening, especially if:

  • The person abusing them is otherwise someone they love such as a family member.
  • They feel guilty.
  • The person abusing them is someone they depend on for care or financial support.
  • They feel frightened of what might happen if they tell someone.

Whom can I ask for support?

You can obtain help just by talking to someone you trust or by talking to:

  • A GP or doctor.
  • A social worker or care manager.
  • Home carers.
  • Community or district nurses.
  • Daycare workers.
  • Hospital staff.

Further help & information

Action on Elder Abuse

PO Box 60001
Streatham
London
SW16 9BY

Telephone: (UK Helpline) 0808 808 8141

Website: www.elderabuse.org.uk

Norfolk County Council

We will ask someone from Adult Social Services to get in touch with you and answer any questions you have.

If you want to speak to them, please call them on 0344 800 8020.

Easyread