What to do if you suspect the abuse of an older person or someone in vulnerable circumstances

The abuse of older people or those in vulnerable circumstances is a serious issue that often goes unnoticed. Whether it's physical harm, emotional manipulation, financial exploitation, or neglect, abuse can happen anywhere - in care homes, hospitals, and within families. If you suspect someone is being mistreated, it’s important to act. Here’s a simple guide to help you understand what to look for and what to do.

Spotting the signs

• Abuse can take many forms. Some common signs include:
• Physical injuries like bruises, burns, or fractures with no clear explanation
• Emotional changes, such as becoming withdrawn, anxious, or unusually aggressive
• Neglect, such as poor hygiene, malnutrition, or untreated medical issues
• Financial issues, like missing possessions, unexplained bank withdrawals, or sudden changes in financial documents
• Fear or reluctance to be alone with certain individuals

Sometimes, the person may try to explain away these signs or may be too afraid or ashamed to speak up. Trust your instincts - if something feels wrong, it probably is.

What you can do

1. Talk to the person privately

Gently express your concerns. Mention specific things you’ve noticed, like changes in mood or appearance. Let them speak freely and listen without judgment. Avoid making promises you can’t keep - especially about keeping things secret - as you may need to report the issue to protect them.

2. Contact the right authorities

• If someone is in immediate danger, call 999
• For non-emergencies, contact the local police or adult safeguarding teams at the local council
• If the person is in a care home or hospital, speak to the manager of the facility
• If there are concerns about an attorney under a registered Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA), contact the Office of the Public Guardian safeguarding team: https://www.gov.uk/report-concern-about-attorney-deputy-guardian

3. Speak to professionals

A GP, social worker, or specialist lawyer can help guide you through the next steps. If the person has care and support needs the local authority has a legal duty under the Care Act 2014 to investigate safeguarding concerns.

4. Report concerns even if you’re unsure

It’s better to raise a concern and be wrong than to stay silent and allow abuse to continue. Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility - not just professionals.

Final thoughts

Abuse flourishes in silence. By staying alert and speaking up, you could help protect someone from ongoing harm. You don’t need to have all the answers - just the courage to act. Whether you’re a neighbour, friend, relative, or carer, your voice matters.

If you’re unsure what to do, start by talking to someone - a trusted professional, a helpline, or the local council. Together, we can make sure older and vulnerable people live safely, with dignity and respect.

Peter Taylor

Partner, Judge & Priestley

Peter is a highly regarded solicitor in our Private Client Department, known for his empathetic, friendly, and client-focused approach. He has earned consistent praise from clients for combining deep technical expertise with a reassuring manner, making him a trusted advisor for individuals and families navigating sensitive personal matters.

Expertise

Peter is an integral part of the Private Client team, with a broad practice that includes:

• Wills and Probate
• Lasting Powers of Attorney
• Court of Protection Matters
• Mental Capacity Law
• Elderly Client Services and Advocacy

With over 10 years of dedicated experience, Peter specialises in Court of Protection work, acting in complex matters involving mental capacity, best interests decisions, and the appointment of deputies. He regularly represents and advocates for individuals who lack capacity, ensuring their rights, welfare, and dignity are upheld. He is also registered to act as a Deprivation of Liberty Safeguard (DoLS) Representative for clients and often liaises with local authorities, NHS bodies, and families to achieve positive, client-led outcomes.

Peter’s previous experience includes volunteering at a Central London legal clinic, providing free legal advice to vulnerable individuals unable to afford representation. He also supports fundraising initiatives for care homes in the local community.

Career Path

Before qualifying as a solicitor, Peter gained extensive legal experience as a senior paralegal and trainee solicitor, working on high-value and sensitive private client matters. His career has consistently focused on capacity and protection issues, making him a recognised specialist in this field.

Professional Memberships

• Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) – Full Member and Member of Mental Capacity Special Interest Group
• Lifetime Lawyers Association – Accredited Member

Notable Work

• Successfully challenged a local authority’s decision regarding a client’s care home fee contribution, securing a significant financial benefit for the client.
• Advocated in contested Court of Protection proceedings.

Outside of Work

Peter is an active outdoors enthusiast who enjoys hiking, climbing, and playing sports, most notably football and cricket. He also enjoys travel — past adventures include visits to Turkey, India, Malaysia and USA amongst other destinations.

Judge & Priestley

Established in 1889, we’re a firm that has come a long way.

Our business is now about servicing modern-day legal needs. With teams specialising in the major areas of law, we have a loyal client base who rely on us for our forward-thinking approach to their situation. And our investment in personal legal areas – something that began when we began – continues to attract a wide range of individual clients including those embarking on their first home purchase, future planning for themselves and their families.

We may be a different firm now, but we retain the values that built our success: personal service, strong relationships, expertise and professionalism. Ours is a service that respects and values clients. It’s one that makes your experience of using lawyers that much better.