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Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults

At Forbes Solicitors, we specialise in the legal aspects of safeguarding vulnerable adults.

SOLVING PERSONAL LEGAL MATTERS

Safeguarding vulnerable adults is a vital responsibility, and one that requires expert legal knowledge and experience. At Forbes Solicitors, we have a team of specialist safeguarding solicitors who can help you understand the legal framework for safeguarding vulnerable adults. We can advise you on the different types of abuse, the legal responsibilities of care providers, and the best ways to prevent abuse from occurring. We can also help you if you or a loved one has been the victim of abuse, ensuring that your legal rights are protected and that you receive the support you need. With Forbes Solicitors, you can be confident that your legal matters will be managed effectively and compassionately.

What is Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults?

Safeguarding vulnerable adults refers to the protection of individuals who are at risk of abuse or neglect, either due to their age, illness, disability, or other factors that make them vulnerable. This can include measures to prevent abuse, such as setting up protection plans, and responding to reports of abuse.

At Forbes Solicitors an area of focus which is important to us is the treatment of vulnerable adults. The definition of a vulnerable adult is someone who is over the age of 18 who may be in need of community care services because of mental or physical disability, age or health reasons and maybe unable to look after themselves or unable to protect themselves from harm or exploitation.

It is appropriate that safeguarding measures are in place for the protection of vulnerable adults. The Local Authority is a key organisation which will endeavour to help vulnerable adults and they should always be contacted if it is suspected that a vulnerable adult is being abused in any way whether physically, mentally or financially.

What is a vulnerable adult?

A vulnerable adult is someone (aged 18 or over) who is or might be in need of community care services because of a mental or other disability, their age, an illness or are otherwise unable to look after themselves or sufficiently guard against exploitation or harm.

This can cover a very wide range of people, but some of the most common factors that can make someone a vulnerable adult in the eyes of the authorities and under law can include:

Someone who has been diagnosed with a mental or physical illness or condition that affects their daily life significantly
Someone with dementia
Someone who isn't able to make decisions for themself
Someone who is unable to report abuse
Someone who is elderly or frail due to a physical disability or condition.

Vulnerable adults are considered a high risk for experiencing maltreatment, harm and exploitation.

The Mental Capacity Act 2005

The Mental Capacity Act 2005 has allowed some vulnerable adults to be protected. It provides a framework for significant life decisions to be made on behalf of vulnerable adults who lack the requisite mental capacity to make such decisions for themselves. Such decisions may cover their financial affairs or personal welfare matters such as where they live and what sort of community care they require.

In relation to financial matters, signs of abuse may include bills not being paid, unusual activity in bank accounts, pressure on an elderly person to change their Will, or an elderly or vulnerable person not being allowed to check their own bank account. Even though regulated measures can be put in place such as Lasting Powers of Attorney and Court of Protection applications, it is often still possible for the abuse of a vulnerable adult to take place, for example by someone taking hold of a pension book and not allowing that person to have access to their money.

If you believe a vulnerable adult is suffering abuse in any way, you should refer the matter to Social Services and the appropriate person responsible for adult safeguarding should be able to help. Alternatively, if you believe a crime may have been committed, the police should be informed as soon as possible.