Concerns have been raised that risks may be missed because vulnerable people now have ‘multiple carers’ looking after them in their homes.

The issue off ‘people coming and going’ was raised at a recent council meeting.

Cllr Elaine Sherrington said she was particularly concerned with how risks can be managed for a vulnerable resident who may “not have a voice”

She explained how difficult it can be when it comes to making sure they are not at risk, because their carer may not be “the same person they saw last time”.

 

She said: “We have got a lot of people who are being looked after in this town by people who are just going in and coming out, and sometimes they are not the same person they saw last time.

 

“And they are spending a short period of time with that person on their own and that person might be somebody who doesn’t have a voice.”

 

Cllr Sherrington questioned whether this was something that could be resolved through relying on relatives coming forward to say they don’t think some things are working.

 

Cllr Sherrington added: “If we have got a situation like that, do we look at the possibility of putting CCTV in the house so that could be the monitor for this particular  person.

 

“And also like I say, it might not be the same person the next time they are actually having the care.

 

“So, it’s very difficult to work out the risk factor.”

 

The independent chair for adult safeguarding Neil Smith says that some of the issues raised are underpinned by workforce, development, and training, as well as access to safeguarding pathways, so that people have the ability to speak up.

 

He also explained that one of the key partners is GMP, and they have set up a vulnerable adult’s hub, and that they are being “much more proactive” on some of the concerns Cllr Sherrington raised.

 

Rachel Tanner Director Adult Services, Bolton Council, says that it can be “especially difficult” when individuals are on their own, with different carers coming and going.

 

She added: “But our strategy is very much about trying to enable those who can have a voice to have a voice and to speak up, enabling staff to be able to speak up.

 

“And I appreciate in some situations there are multiple staff going in, but also it’s about the wider network such as family awareness.”

 

She explained that one of the big priorities is around raising public awareness due to the residents likely to interact with their neighbours or the bin collector.

 

Rachel said that whilst “the community all has a responsibility to help that voice” that it’s not about communities assessing the risks, but it’s making sure they can report it in the best way.

 

According to the latest Safeguarding Adult Board Annual Report Bolton has the lowest rate in Greater Manchester for Care Homes requiring improvement work.

 

And they deal with approximately 700 vulnerable adults at any one time through Bolton at Home. a

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