Thousands of safeguarding concerns made over vulnerable adults in Bedford

Thousands of safeguarding concerns were made about vulnerable adults in Bedford last year, figures show.

Age UK said some older people across England are being let down by a care system that has failed to protect them from abuse and neglect.

NHS Digital figures show 2,335 concerns of abuse were made about adults with care and support needs in Bedford in the year to March.

However, this was down from 2,835 in 2020-21.

Age UK said the "distressing" figures show that some older people in care are not being treated with respect or protected from abuse and neglect.

Charity Director Caroline Abrahams said: “Any abuse of older people is intolerable and there must be zero tolerance of any abuse whether through neglect, financial manipulation or physical or mental cruelty.

"These cases concern some of the most vulnerable members of our society, many of whom feel that they have no-one to turn to for help.

"Care workers must adhere to the strict rules and procedures which are devised to help prevent problems such as abuse, poor management and neglect."

She added that staff shortages might be leaving some settings ill-equipped to provide safe care, with record vacancy rates for manager roles in care homes particularly worrying.

If councils believe an adult with care and support needs is experiencing or is at risk of abuse or neglect, they must carry out a Section 42 enquiry to determine whether they need to take action.

Bedford Borough Council completed 190 such enquiries in 2021-22 – up from 180 in 2020-21.

Raised in 29% of enquiries, neglect and acts of omission was the most frequently mentioned reason last year.

Nationwide, the most common type of risk in Section 42 enquiries – which typically involve people aged 85 and over – was also neglect and acts of omission, which accounted for 31% of risks.

The person's own home was the most common location of the risk – in just under half of all enquiries.

The Department of Health and Social Care said abuse of any kind is abhorrent and comprehensive inspections aim to ensure it is caught.

A spokesman added: "The Government has made sure that across the country, the police, councils and NHS are working together to help protect vulnerable adults from abuse or other types of exploitation.

“Local authorities have a duty under the Care Act to carry out safeguarding enquiries where concerns have been raised and, following this, to take appropriate action to ensure that people are as safe as possible.”