Falls

Some people who are frail or have mobility problems may have a greater risk of falling. Following a fall, the individual may require more intensive services for longer, and in some cases may never return to previous levels of mobility. A fall does not automatically indicate neglect, and each individual case should be examined to understand the context of the fall.

Non-reportable concerns

Examples of isolated incidents where no other similar concerns have been identified and that do not need to be reported as a safeguarding concern include:

A fall where no injury has occurred and:

• There is a reasonable explanation as to why this occurred.
• A care plan and/or risk assessment is in place and being adhered to.
• Actions are being taken to minimise further risk.
• Other relevant professionals have been notified.
• Full discussions with the person or people, next-of-kin, or any other representative.
• There are no other indicators of abuse or neglect.

Concerns requiring consultation

More serious incidents will require internal consultation, through relevant organisational policies and procedures and senior leadership as well as potentially through the Sussex Safeguarding Adults Policy and Procedures and other organisations being made aware.

In these cases, it is important that you consider alternative or additional actions to contacting the local authority. These include:

• Share information with the ICB Quality Team and/or the CQC.
• Referral to the local authority Adult Social Care department for a social care assessment, carers assessment, or review of existing arrangements.
• Complaints or disciplinary processes.
• Consideration of whether mental capacity is an issue.

Examples that require external consultation with the relevant Adult Social Care department, and may lead to a safeguarding concern needing to be submitted, include:

Multiple falls have occurred where:

• A care plan and/or risk assessment is not in place or has not been fully implemented.
• It is not clear that professional advice or support has been sought at the appropriate time (e.g., Falls Prevention Service, provider services monitoring team)
• There have been other similar issues or areas of concern.
• There may be other indicators of abuse or neglect.

Reportable concerns

Serious incidents need to be formally raised as a safeguarding concern with the local authority Adult Social Care department. Consideration should also be given as to whether the police or other emergency services need to be contacted. Professional curiosity is important and a Think Family approach if children or other adults may be impacted.

In these cases, it is important that you consider additional actions to contacting the local authority. These include:

• RAISE SAFEGUARDING CONCERN
• If there is an indication a criminal act has occurred, the police must be consulted.
• Immediate safety plans must be implemented.

Examples of reportable concerns include:

• Any fall resulting in significant injury or death where there is suspected abuse or neglect by a staff member or Person in a Position of Trust.
• Where a person sustains an injury (other than a very minor injury) which is unexplained or in which appropriate medical attention was not sought.
• Repeated falls in which significant injuries have been sustained in a person who lacks capacity to understand preventative advice provided.