Adults

Definition: "An adult (a person aged 18 years or more) who is or may be in need of community care services by reason of mental or other disability, age or illness and who is or may be unable to take care of him or herself or unable to protect him or herself against significant harm or exploitation." From No Secrets (www.dh.gov.uk/en/SocialCare/Deliveringadultsocialcare), published by the Department of Health. This could include: people with learning disabilities; people with mental health problems; older people; people with a physical disability or impairment.

Their need for additional support to protect themselves may be increased when complicated by additional factors, such as:

• physical frailty or chronic illness;
• sensory impairment;
• challenging behaviour;
• drug or alcohol problems;
• social or emotional problems;
• poverty or homelessness.

Vulnerable adults and adult protection

It is every adult’s right to live free from abuse in accordance with the principles of respect, dignity, autonomy, privacy and equity.

Anyone who has any concerns regarding a vulnerable person in Medway should contact that person's care manager at the council, if they have one. To make a referral or to get general information about adult social care in Medway, please contact an access and information officer using the contact information at the foot of this page. There is also more information about what abuse is and what to do if you think you are being abused on our protecting people from abuse pages.

What the council is doing

Medway Council works with many organisations, including Kent County Council, the health trusts, Kent County Constabulary and the private and voluntary sector. Collectively, these organisations have developed Multi-Agency Policy, Protocols and Guidance (www.kent.gov.uk/adult_social_services/social_services_professionals/advice_and_information/adult_protection.aspx).

Anyone working with vulnerable adults will find up-to-date information on safeguarding adults on this website.

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