Safeguarding Matters: Radfield Home Care Bexhill, Hastings & Battle’s Guide to Protecting Older People

At Radfield Home Care Bexhill, Hastings & Battle, we are dedicated to providing safe, high-quality care for older people in our community. Safeguarding is a fundamental part of our role, ensuring that every individual we support is protected from abuse and harm.

Sadly, abuse can take many forms, from financial scams to neglect, and it can happen in any setting. Raising awareness of safeguarding issues is crucial so that families, friends, and Care Professionals can spot the signs and take action when needed.

Types of Abuse Affecting Older People

Older people may experience different forms of abuse, often from those they trust. Here are some of the most common types of abuse and how they can affect vulnerable adults:

Physical Abuse

This includes hitting, pushing, or handling someone roughly. Older adults may also suffer from misuse of medication or inappropriate restraint. Unexplained bruises, burns, or fractures could be signs of physical abuse.

Psychological or Emotional Abuse

Verbal insults, intimidation, manipulation, and isolating someone from loved ones can severely impact mental health. Emotional abuse can lead to anxiety, depression, and loss of confidence.

Financial Abuse and Scams

Financial abuse is one of the fastest-growing concerns for older people. This includes theft, coercion into changing wills, misuse of funds, or being scammed by fraudsters. Scammers often target older individuals by posing as legitimate businesses, charities, or even family members.

Common Scams Targeting Older People

• Phone Scams: Callers pretending to be from banks, HMRC, or even the police, asking for personal information or money.
• Online Scams: Fraudulent emails, fake websites, and social media scams tricking people into sharing personal or financial details.
• Doorstep Scams: Rogue traders offering unnecessary services, such as fake roof repairs, at extortionate prices.
• Romance Scams: Fraudsters forming online relationships to manipulate and steal from vulnerable individuals.

Neglect

Neglect occurs when an older person’s basic needs are not met, whether intentionally or due to lack of awareness. This can include poor hygiene, malnutrition, untreated medical conditions, or lack of emotional support.

Sexual Abuse

This involves any form of non-consensual sexual activity. It can be physical or involve inappropriate conversations, harassment, or coercion.

Why Safeguarding is Important

Safeguarding is about protecting the rights, dignity, and wellbeing of older people. Abuse can have devastating effects, but by raising awareness, we can create a safer environment where everyone is treated with respect.

Maddie Clark, one of our dedicated Care Professionals at Radfield Home Care, understands the importance of safeguarding first-hand. Maddie, who is about to start her Level 3 Adult Care Apprenticeship, has been instrumental in developing resources to help inform and support our clients. She says:

“Safeguarding is at the heart of good care. It’s about looking out for people, listening to concerns, and acting when something isn’t right. Everyone deserves to feel safe, and I want to make sure our clients know they can trust us to protect them.”

Radfield’s Safeguarding Leaflet – Helping You Stay Safe

To further support our clients and the wider community, Radfield Home Care has created an 8-page safeguarding leaflet. This valuable resource was developed by Maddie Clark and covers:

• The different types of abuse and how to spot the signs
• Steps to take if you suspect abuse or neglect
• How to stay safe from scams
• Contact details for local safeguarding support

The leaflet has been distributed to all our clients, but we are happy to send copies to anyone in the community who would like one. If you or someone you know would benefit from this information, please contact us, and we will send a copy free of charge.

What to Do If You Have Concerns About an Older Person in East Sussex

If you suspect that an older person is being abused, neglected, or targeted by scammers, take action:

• Report It to the Local Authority – Contact East Sussex Adult Social Care via their website or phone 0345 60 80 191 (open 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week)
• Speak to a Trusted Professional – If you have concerns about someone receiving care, talk to their GP, care provider, or social worker.
• Call the Police in Emergencies – If someone is in immediate danger, call 999.
• Reach Out to Radfield Home Care Bexhill, Hastings & Battle– Our team is here to offer advice and support. We take safeguarding seriously and will help you find the right next steps.

Creating a Safer Community for Older People

At Radfield Home Care Bexhill, Hastings and Battle, we are committed to protecting older people from abuse and ensuring they feel safe, valued, and respected. By working together as a community, we can prevent harm, support those at risk, and help older people maintain their independence and dignity.

If you would like a copy of our safeguarding leaflet or need further advice, please get in touch with our friendly team. Together, we can make our community a safer place for older people to live well and with confidence.