Elder Abuse
Elder abuse occurs when older men or women are harmed, mistreated or neglected. Like child abuse, it is a real problem. Caringinfo aims to increase awareness of elder abuse among decision makers, service providers and older people, so that abuse does not go unrecognised.
If you work in health or social care and believe that an older person is being mistreated, speak to your line manager immediately. Do not keep it to yourself. You may want to refer to local procedures such as the “Sussex Muti-Agency Policy and Procedures for Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults “ on adult protection for your agency. You may be very worried about talking about what is happening, but this is likely to be better than continuing to be mistreated. You owe it to yourself to seek help from a trusted friend or relative or from a health or care professional to whom you can speak in confidence and discuss your options.
Make sure you know what elder abuse is, how to recognise it, and how to get help.
If you are worried about a vulnerable person being abused (physically, emotionally, psychologically, financially, sexually or discriminatorily) or neglected by others, for their sake ... please say something!
- Be alert to signs of abuse.
- Call for help if the person is in immediate danger.
- Protect and support the person.
- Always report your concersn to one of the West Sussex County Council helpdesks.
- Make sure you keep a record of your concern.
Don't ignore it.
Don't start to investigate the situation.
Don't confront the person you think is resposible for the abuse.
Don't keep it secret.
In an emergency call 999
For advice and to report concerns please email: socialcare@westsussex.gov.uk
or contact one of the West Sussex County Council's helpdesks:
Arun 01243 642400
Adur and Worthing 01903 839100
Chichester 01243 752999
Horsham 01403 213100
Mid Sussex 01444 4446100
