Vulnerable Adults: Who They Are and How to Help Protect Them

 

Hello Shielded Space,

The post today is about vulnerable adults. Safeguarding as a profession aims to protect vulnerable adults from harm. This means that as safeguarding professionals, we have a particular focus on identifying and responding to risks to vulnerable adults. So, let us learn about vulnerable adults.

WHO IS A VULNERABLE ADULT?

A vulnerable adult is someone aged 18 or over, who may be in need of community care services, by reason of abuse, neglect, or exploitation, due to their age, physical or mental health, disability or other circumstances. They are usually unable to care for themselves or protect themselves from significant harm or exploitation. Vulnerable adults may have difficulty communicating or making decisions. Often times, certain circumstances may make an adult vulnerable.

SOME FACTORS THAT CAN MAKE AN ADULT VULNERABLE

Age: Older adults living independently within the community are more likely to be vulnerable because of age-related changes such as frailty, dementia, or sensory impairments.

Physical or mental health conditions: Adults with physical or low level mental health conditions may be more vulnerable to abuse because they may be dependent on others for care or may have difficulty communicating.

Learning disabilities: Adults with low level learning disabilities may have difficulty understanding their rights or making decisions about their care.

Mental illness: Adults with mental illness may be more vulnerable to abuse because they may be more likely to trust others or may have difficulty asserting themselves.

Substance Misuse/ Addiction: Adults with substance misuse problems may be more vulnerable to abuse because they may be more likely to be taken advantage of or to make poor decisions.

Financial dependence: Adults who are financially dependent on others may be more vulnerable to abuse because they may be afraid to speak out or may feel like they have no other choice.

Social isolation: Adults who are socially isolated may be more vulnerable to abuse because they may not have anyone to turn to for help.

Experience of previous abuse: Adults who have been abused in the past may be more vulnerable to abuse in the future.

HOW TO HELP PROTECT VULNERABLE ADULTS

There are many things that can be done to help protect vulnerable adults from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. These include:

Raising awareness: It is important to raise awareness of the issue of vulnerable adult abuse so that people can be more vigilant and supportive.

Reporting suspected abuse: If you suspect that a vulnerable adult is being abused, it is important to report it to the appropriate authorities.

Providing support: There are many organisations that provide support to vulnerable adults and their families. These organizations can offer help with things like housing, healthcare, and financial assistance.

Advocating for change: We can also advocate for change at the policy level to better protect vulnerable adults. This could include things like increasing funding for support services or making it easier for vulnerable adults to report abuse.

By working together, we can help to create a society where all vulnerable adults are safe and protected.

I hope this blog post has been informative. If you have any questions or concerns about vulnerable adult abuse, please share in the comments below, and do not hesitate to contact your local authorities or a trusted support organisation.