Safeguarding adults at risk

Common indicators

These common indicators should be used to help identify people who may be experiencing a at risk of abuse or neglect:

Socio-emotional Indicators:	Numbing, flatness, or decrease in emotional responsiveness Increased dependency on others and services Withdrawal or social isolation Aggression or irritability Becoming unusually quiet, withdrawn, agitated, or aggressive Difficulty concentrating or decision making Worsening of mental health concerns Emotional outbursts or panic attacks Feeling of hopelessness, helplessness, or being a burden to others Self-harm or suicidal ideation Anxiety, paranoia or suspicion
Behavioural Indicators:	Neglecting personal care or hygiene Substance use Difficulty maintaining a habitable home Increase in risky or dangerous behaviour Hoarding or difficulty discarding possessions A failure to respond to correspondence or to answer the door when visited Refusing to allow access for gas safety checks, repairs or other routine visits Evidence of excessive alcohol use, drug paraphernalia Frequent reports of ASB or reports of disputes with neighbours or family Changes in communication (hyper-frequent or limited contact) Reliance on others to communicate or unable to directly communicate with the tenant
Physical Indicators:	Unexplained or reoccurring physical injuries or bruises Changes to the residents’ normal physical presentation, i.e., changes to weight Physical damage to the home i.e., holes in walls, doors being forced, internal doors being removed, or locks on internal doors Frequent lock changes Unaddressed damp and mould Clutter, mess or rubbish rotting and piling up, bins not cleared or used. Bad smells coming from home. Pests in home
Financial indicators:	Lack of heating, clothing or food. Candles being used for lighting Unexplained shortage of money Unexplained withdrawals from an account Unexplained loss/misplacement of financial documents, The recent addition of authorised account holders/signatories Unexplained changes in a will or other financial documents Debt and rent arrears, including failing into arrears when tenant previously had good payment history Lack of suitable furniture, white goods or other household items
Situational Indicators:	Major life changes e.g. job loss, financial difficulties, relationship problems, or bereavement. Experience of discrimination or abuse Forced displacement from home or community