More than 100 enquiries into abuse in care homes

Charity Age UK has called for a zero-tolerance approach to abuse, after "deeply distressing" figures revealed an increase in investigations of maltreatment of elderly people across England.

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

Figures released by NHS Digital reveal Herefordshire Council completed 115 such enquiries into incidents occurring in care homes in 2018-19.

The enquiries – which can also be carried out for suspected abuse occurring in other settings, such as hospitals or a victim's own home – may concern allegations of physical, sexual, psychological or financial abuse, as well as neglect and substandard care.

Caroline Abrahams, director of Age UK, said the figures were "deeply distressing".

She said: "Some older people are being badly let down by a system that has failed to treat them with respect or protect them from abuse and neglect and this urgently needs to change.

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

"Any abuse, whether neglect, financial manipulation or physical or mental cruelty, is unacceptable and deserves a zero-tolerance approach.

"We would encourage anyone who suspects that someone is being abused to contact their social services department or the police straight away."

Across England, the number of enquiries into abuse in care homes increased by 6% compared to the previous year, climbing to 47,535 in 2018-19.

Herefordshire did not follow this upward trend, with the number of enquiries falling by 4.2% over the same period.

A council spokesperson said: "We are pleased that the number of enquiries has reduced over the past 12 months. The safety and wellbeing of all residents is a top priority for Herefordshire Council.

"Our adults social care team work with providers to ensure that high standards of care are delivered in the county's residential homes.

"In order to further safeguard individuals and ensure quality of services the council has a dedicated quality assurance and enhanced quality in care home team.

" This team of nurses and council officers work closely with our NHS partners and care homes proactively to prevent poor quality care and safeguarding incidents.

Overall, 1,930 safeguarding concerns were raised about vulnerable adults in Herefordshire during the year, and 290 Section 42 enquiries completed.