The Community Reference Group have designed a new poster in response to survey findings that showed neglect and acts of omission were less likely to be seen as a form of abuse by those with care and support needs, their family and friends, and unpaid carers.

Neglect, or acts of omission, includes ignoring medical or physical care needs, and the withholding of necessities such as medication and adequate nutrition.

The new poster sets out to highlight some of the signs that someone may be experiencing neglect, which might include:

• Poor environmental conditions
• Inadequate heating and lighting
• Poor physical condition of the vulnerable adult
• Persons 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 - denying access to callers or visitors

The Community Reference Group hope that this new poster can be made visible in as many public spaces as possible to raise awareness and help protect adults at risk.

The poster can be found alongside other leaflets and posters on our website.  

If you are concerned that someone you know may be experiencing abuse or neglect, please let Lambeth Adult Social Care know by completing our secure online form.

The Lambeth Safeguarding Adults Board recently launched new Mental Capacity Act Guidance.

This practical, easy to use tool was created by the Mental Capacity Act Subgroup and aims to give front-line workers quick access to guidance on the decision making process. It is available for use by all professionals who have to make best interests decisions, and is designed to work across multiple organisations.

Last week, this guidance tool received its formal launch at an event which focused on the theme of best interests decision making. The event was attended by a wide range of professionals working across Lambeth, and speakers from Kings College Hospital Dental Department and Fairlie House in West Norwood were able to share examples of local best practice. Attendees also heard from Alex Ruck-Keene on the application of law and best practice, and Dr Lucy Stephenson from South London and Maudlsey NHFT who spoke on the importance of encouraging advance decision making in mental health. Later in the afternoon, professionals were joined by members of the wider public, to hear from the British Institute of Human Rights, PohWER advocacy service and Compassion in Dying.

To save your own copy of the guidance, and to find out more about the Mental Capacity Act, please visit the LSAB’s Mental Capacity Act section of the website.