Who is an 'adult at risk'?

An adult at risk is someone who:  

• Is aged eighteen years or over.
• Has care and support needs.  
• Is at risk of or experiencing abuse or neglect.
• And as a result of their care and support needs is unable to protect themselves against that (risk of) abuse or neglect.

What do we mean by the term care and support?

Care and support is the term used to describe the help some adults need in order that they can live in the best way they can, despite any illness or disability they might have.

Although by no means an exhaustive list, care and support needs can include help with things like:

• Getting out of bed      
• Attending to personal care      
• Accessing work or education       
• Cooking or eating meals      
• Accessing the community or leisure opportunities       

If someone does not meet the definition of an ‘adult at risk’ but you are still worried about abuse or neglect, the Adult Safeguarding framework might not be the appropriate pathway for this person. If you are unsure, please contact the Adult Safeguarding Hub on 0118 974 6371.

If you are not concerned about abuse or neglect, but the person you wish to refer may benefit from an assessment of care and support needs, or information, advice or guidance in a more general sense please contact the Health and Social Care Hub on 0300 365 123