Who is a Vulnerable Adult?

A vulnerable adult could be described as someone who is in need of assistance, care or support and is unable to take care of and protect themselves.

Those who use health and social care services can be vulnerable because of their care and support needs.

Abuse can take place anytime and anywhere. However some situations increase an individuals vulnerability. Examples are:

In an individual’s own home, it is easier for an abuser to hide their actions from others.

Institutional abuse is more likely to happen when standards are poor and routines are planned to fit around a rota or workers feel unsupported by the management. Other workers see this as acceptable and do not try to challenge the situation because they are afraid of speaking out.
Any workplace where individuals display difficult or challenging behaviour that workers are not trained or supported to deal with.

Particular vulnerabilities in the individual such as a sensory impairment, a mental health issue, dementia or a learning disability.
A reaction could be mistaken for a symptom of their condition rather than attempt to tell someone what is happening to them.

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