What to do if your worried about someone.
Published on 22 May 2019 10:05 AM
It can be worrying to see someone struggling as they get older. One of the best things you can do is talk it over together with the person you're worried about, discussing your concerns and listening to each other.
Having those conversations isn't always easy. Family and friends can be deeply unsettled by signs that suggest a loved one isn't coping. Sometimes people find it difficult to have open conversations because they don't want to cause offence, or have strong emotions of their own, not wanting to acknowledge that a loved one is getting older and that they might lose them one day.
Age UK spoke to people struggling with issues in their lives, as well as family, friends and professionals who work with them. We listened to their views and concerns and drew out some ideas for how you can talk to the person you're worried about. These pages are here to guide you through that process. You can come back to this information at any time you need to.
If you think someone is at immediate risk
If there's an immediate risk of harm, call the emergency services on 999. If you're very concerned about someone's health or welfare but don't think it's an emergency, call 111 for NHS advice, 24 hours a day.
In other situations you can contact the local council in the area where the person lives and raise an 'adult safeguarding' concern. This should be done with the consent of the person wherever possible.
If that's not possible, or you feel that seeking consent would create more risk, then you can contact the council without the consent of the person at risk.
To contact Kirklees Council visit: https://www.kirklees.gov.uk/beta/adult-protection/report-abuse.aspx
To contact Calderdale Council visit:https://www.calderdale.gov.uk/v2/residents/health-and-social-care/safeguard-adults
Not able to talk to the person you're worried about?
If you think they need some practical support that you can't help with, the national charity Age UK can provide information and advice on lots of issues - from housing to health. To get in touch call the national advice line on 0800 678 1602 or click the link opposite to contact our local office.
I want to talk to the person I'm worried about. What should I do first?
Before trying to help, it's best to be clear about what the problem is.
Sometimes there's a really simple solution to a problem; for example, someone isn't eating properly because they're finding it too difficult to get to the shops. In which case, helping them to set up an online shop might be the best solution. But it's important to have that conversation and not make assumptions.
If you're reading this, then the issue you're worried about might be more complicated. Perhaps the person you know seems not to be taking care of themselves or their home in the same way as they used to. Or you might have noticed changes in their personality or behaviour.
It can be really helpful to take a step back and assess your worries objectively. We can help you do that.
Things to consider
It’s important to remember that if someone is able to make their own decisions (called having mental capacity), they have the right to make choices other people might think are unwise. If you believe that someone is not able to make their own decisions and this puts them at risk, speak to the adult safeguarding team at the local council in the area where they live.
-Mental capacity means being able to make or communicate specific decisions at the time they need to be made. To have mental capacity you must be able to understand the decision you need to make, why you need to make it, and the likely outcome of your decision.
Let's recap
- A conversation is the best place to start.
- It's best not to try to 'fix' the problem or impose your views without listening to what the other person has to say first.
- If someone is capable of making their own decisions, you can't force them to do something.
For more information please visit the National Age UK website.
https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/worried-about-someone/