Ways to Stay Safe

wording stay safe blocks with a block house

When managing your own care needs or letting new people into your life, it is important to consider possible risks, no matter how small, and to have a plan on how to manage those risks. This information will help you to think about the sorts of issues involved in managing risk, as well as offering advice on how to keep safe.

There are four main ways you can reduce the risk of being harmed:

Be aware of local services, support and information
Protect yourself
Speak up
Know your rights

You have a right:

to be safe from abuse
be treated fairly and with respect
to say what care you do or do not want
to be given information about your care
to be involved in making decisions about your care and your life

How to protect yourself

Never give your bank details or pin number to anyone
Never sign anything you are not sure about or you don’t understand what it is about
Do not give away your possessions if you still need them
Keep any money or valuables you have at home locked away
Never send or give money to someone you don’t know
Do not isolate yourself, join local groups or activities or seek out support groups
Make sure there is someone you trust who knows your wishes and who you can talk to if you need to
Check the ID badge of people who come to your home. If you are worried do not let people inside your home
If possible you should have a safety chain on your front and back doors
If you have a Keysafe, remember you can change the number if needed
If you are suffering from abuse keep notes about what is happening
Make sure you do not rely on one person only to support or care for you.
Gather a few people around you to help watch over your safety
Try to make sure people understand what your needs are
If you receive care in your own home or you live in a care home and you are worried about any aspect of your care or treatment, please do not stay silent. Make a complaint or speak to someone you trust. If no one visits you, you could talk to a professional or voluntary visitor, for example the chiropodist or hairdresser
If you feel uncomfortable with the way someone gives you personal care or the way someone touches you tell someone you trust (this can be your doctor, friend or social worker)
Remember you have a right to say no to unwanted and unasked for touches

For information and advice about keeping your home and vehicle secure:

Age UK website at www.ageuk.org.uk/security-in-your-home