RCGP Safeguarding toolkit
The aim of this toolkit is to enhance the safeguarding knowledge and skills that GPs already have to enable them to continue to effectively safeguard children and young people, as well as adults at risk of harm.
Part 2C: Identifying adult abuse and neglect
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.