Neglect or an act of omission is when someone who is responsible for caring for an adult with care and support needs fails to provide them with the care they need. This can be intentional or unintentional.
Some examples of neglect include
- Ignoring the person's medical, emotional, or physical needs
- Not providing the person with access to the healthcare, care and support services they need
- Withholding the necessities of life, such as medication, adequate food, and heating
Signs of neglect
Neglect can take many forms, including physical neglect, emotional neglect, and medical neglect; here are some examples.
- Poor environmental conditions
- Inadequate heating and lighting
- Poor physical condition of the vulnerable adult
- Clothing is ill-fitting, unclean and in poor condition
- Malnutrition
- Failure to give prescribed medication properly
- Failure to provide appropriate privacy and dignity
- Inconsistent or reluctant contact with health and social care agencies
- Isolation from callers or visitors.
- Inappropriate cancellation or reduction of support services
- Failure to allow choice and preventing people from making their own decisions
- Ignoring or isolating the person
- Not taking account of individuals’ cultural, religious or ethnic needs
- Not taking account of educational, social and recreational need
If you are concerned that someone may be experiencing neglect, it is important to report your concerns to the authorities.