Adult Safeguarding

Adult safeguarding is the process of protecting adults with care and support needs from abuse and/or neglect. All health care professionals have a duty to safeguard their patients and those they work with by developing skills and knowledge to detect those who may be at risk.

Types of potential abuse include physical, psychological, sexual, social or economic abuse, neglect (self-neglect, acts of omission and discrimination). Domestic violence and abuse, modern slavery, FGM, domestic servitude, forced labour, begging, benefit fraud, home invasion, drug-related activity, radicalisation, or human trafficking are also important to consider.

Abuse might be directly observed, overheard, or disclosed by the individual. Injuries can be observed during a consultation or examination.

Signs that someone may be in need of safeguarding support? 

• Unexplained injury, change in behaviour or health care need. 
• Inconsistent story around the reason for seeking health care. 
• Individual may be withdrawn and uncommunicative. If you suspect someone may be at risk, ask a simple question such as: “Do you feel safe (at home) (here) (with company)?”. It may help to start a conversation. If possible, discuss any concerns with the individual and obtain their agreement.

What to do if you recognise someone is at risk? 

• Know the local policies and procedures with regard to safeguarding. 
• Take time to find out if there is an issue. 
• Create a safe opportunity for the individual to speak to you alone especially if they are accompanied by someone. 
• When speaking, reassure them that it is safe to speak.
• Only use non-judgemental relevant questions. 
• Allow the person time to speak to you.
• Do not promise that you can keep the information totally confidential, remember this may need the involvement of social services, police, etc.
• Document your concerns.
• Speak to your manager or safeguarding lead.

You need to be aware of the intercollegiate adult safeguarding competencies at: rcn.org.uk/ professional-development/publications/pub-007069