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Options
The AEA helpline
is run by specially trained staff and volunteers, and provides
confidential support and advice for people who have been abused or know
someone who may be suffering abuse. It is available weekdays from 9am to
5pm on a freephone 0808 808 8141. Your number is not identified
by our system when you call us, and our number will not show on your
telephone bill if you ring us. The helpline will listen to your
concerns and then will advise you as to the best course of
action.
Alternatively, you can consider these options:
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Social Services/Social Work department
and Adult Protection
The central telephone number for your local social services or social
work department (part of the local council) is in the phone book.
Alternatively, you can find social services information on your local
council website. DirectGov will point you in the right direction for any council in
England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
However,
arrangements vary by country.
In England and Wales you should say that you want to talk about an Adult Protection issue (both these countries have special
guidance in place called 'No Secrets' in England and 'In Safe
Hands' in Wales).
In Scotland you should also say that you want to talk about an adult
protection referral, but bear in mind that this is the only UK
nation that has legislation under which adult protection
services are provided so they have a statutory duty to
respond.
In Northern Ireland there is no guidance or legislation,
but the social work department will still understand an adult
protection referral.
In the Republic of Ireland there
are elder abuse staff in every Health Board so you should say
that you want to make an elder abuse referral.
You can make referrals to these bodies regardless of whether you
receive care support, and also if you receive care through a
personalised service (e.g. Direct Payments).
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Police/Gardai
If you think a crime has been committed, report it to the police
immediately. In an emergency, call 999; otherwise, call your local
station (see the phone book, or in the UK find your local force at
www.police.uk). The Police/Gardai can also offer advice regarding safety at
home and in the community, and in the UK may refer people to the linked Victim
Support scheme (tel. 0845 30 30 900), staffed by trained volunteers.
You can make referrals to the police/gardai
regardless of whether you receive care support, and also if you
receive care through a personalised service (e.g. Direct
Payments).
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Social Care inspection bodies
If you have concerns about bad practices or abuse in a care home or by
domicilary care services,
contact the appropriate organisation. These organisations do
not regulate care provided through personalised services, unless
you receive care from a structured care service
In England, it is the Care
Quality Commission (tel. 03000 616161);
In Scotland, it is the Scottish
Care Commission (tel: 0845 603 0890)
In Wales, it is the Care
and Social Services Inspectorate for Wales (tel. 01443 848450); and
In
Northern Ireland, the Northern
Ireland Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety -
Social Services Inspectorate (tel. 0289 052 0500).
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General Practitioners/practice nurses/dentists
You can speak, in confidence, to your GP, practice nurse or dentist if you are
being harmed. If you know an older person who needs medical attention or
seems to be emotionally upset, talk to them about seeing their GP
or, with their permission, talk to a doctor/practice nurse on their
behalf. A GP or dentist may also notice physical signs of abuse.
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More
Information:
What is
elder abuse?
Why does it happen?
What are the signs?
What to do and who to contact
Concerned for yourself
Concerned for others
Helpful contacts
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