Volume 13, Issue 3: Adult safeguarding – a question of consent

Adult safeguarding – a question of consent

Blurb

You tentatively hit ‘Available’ on the MDT and within seconds another case comes in. It’s a Cat 2 to an 84-year-old male who has had a fall. On arrival you are concerned that the patient is showing signs of abuse and neglect, but he declines a safeguarding referral and appears to have capacity. Should you make one anyway?

CPD benefit

According to the Safeguarding Adults, England 2021–2022 Report there were an estimated 541,535 concerns of abuse raised during 2021–22. This article outlines the factors to consider when deciding whether or not to make a safeguarding referral. The Care Act 2014 is discussed including the categories of abuse or neglect it identifies and the signs to be aware of. The role that capacity plays in safeguarding is also examined along with the five important principles to consider when assessing a person’s capacity. This will enable you to ensure that any suspicions are passed to the appropriate agency so that the patient can access the help that they need.