The number of people referred to Adult Support and Protection in Scotland has risen by more than 200 a week in the last year.
Today (Monday, 20 February) marks Adult Support and Protection Day, with people being urged to look out for signs of neglect.
There were around 940 Adult Support and Protection referrals per week, on average between December 2021 and December 2022, compared to an average of around 700 the year before.
The majority of harm to adults has occurred in peoples’ own homes. As a result, this year, the awareness day is drawing attention to the risk of neglect, self-neglect, self-harm, physical, psychological, financial or sexual harm for some adults who may be unable to safeguard themselves.
Neglect is when someone is not being cared for properly, either by themselves or by someone responsible for them. A neglected person may not have enough food to eat, be living somewhere that’s cold, dirty or unsafe, they may not be appropriately dressed or might not seem to have washed recently.
They may be being denied the important medical and social care that would keep them safe and well. It is important that everybody gets the professional help they need, especially if they take medication.
Some people’s ability to take and action decisions about keeping themselves safe may be compromised due to the impacts of trauma. This could present as behaviours that compromise health, wellbeing and safety, like self-harm, using drugs or alcohol, hoarding, or self-neglect.
Brenda Walker, National Adult Support and Protection Co-ordinator, said: “It’s sometimes hard to see when someone is struggling to manage, or you might feel you don’t want to interfere. Sharing your concern is the right thing to do and can allow support to be offered.
“Right now, many people are finding it even more difficult, and the cost of living crisis is making already challenging situations worse.
“Harm can happen anywhere: in someone’s home, where they work, in a public place – often caused by the people closest to them. It can even happen in places responsible for keeping someone safe, such as a care home or day centre.”
If you’re worried that someone isn’t taking care of themselves, or those they look after, or is doing things that might put their safety at risk, contact your local social work team (search Adult Protection), alert the Police on 101, or 999 if there is immediate danger.
You can also visit Act Against Harm for more information and contact details for your local council.
