Examples of neglect and abuse

Financial abuse

There are lots of times when it is easier not to report your worries.

  • You don't want to cause a fuss
  • You don't want to make matters worse
  • It can't really be happening - it's just your imagination
  • Staff are so busy - things are bound to slip a bit
  • You don't want to get anyone into trouble

If you are worried, talk to the staff first about your concerns. If you don't get anywhere, or you don't feel you can talk to them, talk to their manager. If that isn't possible, then talk to us on the number below.

If you are worried, report it on 0161 206 0604 or complete our online form.

It is better to be safe than sorry.

You might think that it is someone else's responsibility to make sure that services are working well. Please don't assume that we have always got it right - unless you tell us there is a problem, we don't always know.

Below are some examples of what might be adult abuse or neglect and should be reported.

When you visit your mum in hospital she always seems very thirsty and often not very clean. You have spoken with the staff a few times but they seem to be ignoring you. They are always appear to be very busy.

You think a son is taking money from your friend without her permission. He does help out by doing her shopping for her. You are worried he is taking advantage of her.

Your dad lives in a home for older people. When you visit you sometimes hear a particular staff member shouting at some of the other residents and threatening them  if they do not behave.

Your brother who has a learning disability has told you a carer exposed himself and touched his 'privates'. He does sometimes makes things up but this is not one of his usual stories.

Your parents are supposed to have help from home care staff every day. However sometimes you are certain they have not come. When they do come, they record they are there for a full hour when you know they are in and out in 15 minutes.

Your relative whom you have visited in hospital tells you a nurse is 'rough' with her and shows you some bruises. Your relative can be a bit confused. You do not think a nurse would do such a thing.

You hear your elderly neighbours rowing regularly and have overheard crying. You know one of the parties is disabled. You suspect the able bodied person may be hitting the other one.

You are fairly sure money is going missing from your mum's purse. She is always short of money and never used to be. She is unable to leave the house because of her disabilities and has dementia. You suspect one of her home carers who is new may be taking advantage of the situation. 

Whenever you are worried about a relative, a friend or anyone who is vulnerable and may not be able to protect themselves, you can report it. 

If you have raised it with the service responsible and they have not done anything, you can report it to someone who is entirely independent.

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