Safeguarding Adults in Cumbria
If you are at risk or suspect someone is at risk, don't ignore it ... say something, tell someone!
Your first point of call should be your local Adult Social Care office.
In an emergency:
What is safeguarding?
Adult safeguarding is the term used to describe the function of protecting adults (aged 18 or over who appear to have health and social care needs) from abuse or neglect. It is a shared priority across a range of public services, but a key responsibility of the local authority.
An adult at risk may be a person who:
- is elderly and frail due to ill health, physical disability or cognitive impairment
- has a learning disability
- has a physical disability and/or sensory impairment
- has mental health needs, including dementia or a personality disorder
- has a long term illness/ condition
- misuses substances or alcohol
- is a carer such as a family member/ friend who provides personal assistance and care to adults and is subject to abuse
- is unable to demonstrate the capacity to make a decision and is in need of care and support
What is abuse?
Harm can include any of the following:
- a single act or repeated acts
- an act of neglect or a failure to act
- multiple acts, e.g., an adult at risk may be neglected and also financially abused
What should you look out for?
- Unexplained injury
- Signs of fear or distress