Possible safeguarding issue
Discussion
Opinion please on a possible safeguarding issue that I may be completely unjustifiably raising.
We have a holiday cottage that these days we only visit 6 times a year. About 4 months ago a mid 80's lady moved into the rented cottage next door. A very kind lady.
However she has been befriended by a mid 30's man and we are somewhat concerned about his intentions. He has taken to staying a few days a week and we believe (unjustifiably again) she has lent him money for a business. He is very kind - the other day he bought her a bar of chocolate, but it was on her credit card.
She has family within 30 miles but they have not visited her so far although her son is coming next week after we leave. She says she is only intending to rent for a year until she finds somewhere to buy.
Only been down a couple of days this visit, and only exchanged a hello with him, so can form no opinion. The also elderly lady on our other side also shares our concerns.
Advice please
We have a holiday cottage that these days we only visit 6 times a year. About 4 months ago a mid 80's lady moved into the rented cottage next door. A very kind lady.
However she has been befriended by a mid 30's man and we are somewhat concerned about his intentions. He has taken to staying a few days a week and we believe (unjustifiably again) she has lent him money for a business. He is very kind - the other day he bought her a bar of chocolate, but it was on her credit card.
She has family within 30 miles but they have not visited her so far although her son is coming next week after we leave. She says she is only intending to rent for a year until she finds somewhere to buy.
Only been down a couple of days this visit, and only exchanged a hello with him, so can form no opinion. The also elderly lady on our other side also shares our concerns.
Advice please
I was safeguarding officer for my rugby club. I put a cause for concern for an adult to local social services and they took it seriously and resolved the issue quite promptly. How, I'm not sure as they gave me no details but the particular point I raised did not reoccur.
Look at it this way: how will you feel if your suspicions was well-founded and, when she becomes destitute, you wonder why you did nothing. On the other hand, say you do report it, and he gets a clean bill of health, you can still feel go about the result and yourself.
Look at it this way: how will you feel if your suspicions was well-founded and, when she becomes destitute, you wonder why you did nothing. On the other hand, say you do report it, and he gets a clean bill of health, you can still feel go about the result and yourself.
Is there any way you can contact the family to convey your, and the other person's concerns?.
Along with the suggestions here, I'd do my best to ensure the family are made aware of what you have done and what you have observed.
Keep us updated.
Along with the suggestions here, I'd do my best to ensure the family are made aware of what you have done and what you have observed.
Keep us updated.
Edited by texaxile on Saturday 8th November 22:30
pheasant said:
About 4 months ago a mid 80's lady moved into the rented cottage next door... She has family within 30 miles but they have not visited her so far although her son is coming next week after we leave.
Pretty poor show by her family if you ask me. Did the old lady tell you about the befriending, chocolate bars, business loan etc? How do you know the man isn't family?
Sounds like your Spidey senses are spot on as described. Certainly worthy of doing something, and good on you for top neighbourliness.
You'd be absolutely justified in calling the police as things stand, but it might be worth getting in touch with her family to begin with - they may tell you there's an innocent explanation (he's a nephew or old friend). But if you're still not happy or feeling that the family aren't taking you seriously then definitely calling the police is the way to go - they'll take it seriously and there are many different routes they could go down. Ultimately they and/or social services would be likely to engage with family and try to encourage them to take more responsibility, so you might as well cut out the middle man.
Sorry didn't read 2104 post. Sounds good.
You'd be absolutely justified in calling the police as things stand, but it might be worth getting in touch with her family to begin with - they may tell you there's an innocent explanation (he's a nephew or old friend). But if you're still not happy or feeling that the family aren't taking you seriously then definitely calling the police is the way to go - they'll take it seriously and there are many different routes they could go down. Ultimately they and/or social services would be likely to engage with family and try to encourage them to take more responsibility, so you might as well cut out the middle man.
Sorry didn't read 2104 post. Sounds good.
Edited by whimsical ninja on Saturday 8th November 22:32
80 is not exactly young now days. I play golf with 80 year olds. (And only skive free drinks)
If she's in that much of an incapacity then maybe she shouldn't be living alone in the first place.
I don't think what you think OP is right, it's just very interesting now days to see what we all care about.
If she's in that much of an incapacity then maybe she shouldn't be living alone in the first place.
I don't think what you think OP is right, it's just very interesting now days to see what we all care about.
Having a lasting POA for my 97 yr old aunt I find the OPs suspicions entirely justified.
Adult Social services will have a service where you can report your concerns to
https://www.devonsafeguardingadultspartnership.org...
Adult Social services will have a service where you can report your concerns to
https://www.devonsafeguardingadultspartnership.org...
pheasant said:
Lady has opened up a little to my wife and more so the elderly lady on other side, she is a lovely lady but rather naive. We are staying on an extra day or so to meet her son and will take it from there.
No, he is definitely not family, but he could be a prince !
This makes sense along with reporting to the local social services as mentioned above. No, he is definitely not family, but he could be a prince !
fourstardan said:
80 is not exactly young now days. I play golf with 80 year olds. (And only skive free drinks)
If she's in that much of an incapacity then maybe she shouldn't be living alone in the first place.
I don't think what you think OP is right, it's just very interesting now days to see what we all care about.
I didn't realise keeping an eye out for our neighbours was a particularly modern trendIf she's in that much of an incapacity then maybe she shouldn't be living alone in the first place.
I don't think what you think OP is right, it's just very interesting now days to see what we all care about.
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