RCGP Safeguarding toolkit

Neglect and acts of omission

This includes:

• failure to provide or allow access to food, shelter, clothing, heating, stimulation and activity, personal or medical care
• providing care in a way that the person dislikes
• failure to administer medication as prescribed
• refusal of access to visitors
• not taking account of individuals’ cultural, religious, or ethnic needs
• not taking account of educational, social and recreational needs
• ignoring or isolating the person
• preventing the person from making their own decisions
• preventing access to glasses, hearing aids, dentures, etc.
• failure to ensure privacy and dignity.

Signs and indicators include:

• poor environment – dirty or unhygienic
• poor physical condition and/or personal hygiene
• pressure sores or ulcers
• malnutrition or unexplained weight loss
• untreated injuries and medical problems
• inconsistent or reluctant contact with medical and social care organisations
• accumulation of untaken medication
• uncharacteristic failure to engage in social interaction
• inappropriate or inadequate clothing.