Thousands of safeguarding concerns about vulnerable adult in East Sussex

By Sonja Tutty, Data Reporter
Published 21st Sep 2023, 10:21 BST
The hands of an elderly woman in Poole, Dorset. The hands of an elderly woman in Poole, Dorset.
The hands of an elderly woman in Poole, Dorset.
There were thousands of safeguarding concerns raised about vulnerable adults in East Sussex last year, new figures show.

There were thousands of safeguarding concerns raised about vulnerable adults in East Sussex last year, new figures show.

Age UK said a shortage in good quality care could have "miserable consequences" for older and disabled people, if it is not addressed by Government.

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NHS figures show 5,150 concerns of suspected abuse were made about adults with care and support needs in East Sussex in the year to March – a fall from 5,835 the year before.

Across England, there were nearly 588,000 safeguarding concerns raised – a 9% increase on the year before.

Caroline Abrahams, Age UK charity director, said: "At a time when our social care services are under such acute pressure it is not surprising that the numbers of reported incidents of abuse against older people are on the rise, and that the neglect of those living in their own homes form the largest category.

She added older people often wait months for a social care assessment, while home care agencies are stretched in finding staff to provide the support their clients need.