Ways to keep safe

Knowing your rights is a first step to staying safe and in control of your care. You have the right to live free from abuse, neglect and discrimination, and to make choices about your life.

It is important to understand the different types of abuse so you can spot the signs early. Staying connected with family, friends and community groups can help reduce isolation, and you should always ask for clear information about your care plan.

Start by learning what support you are entitled to and make sure you are involved in all decisions about your care. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or request explanations if something isn’t clear.

If you find it hard to speak up or understand information, you can ask for an independent advocate. Advocates help you express your views, understand your options, and make informed decisions. They can attend meetings with you and ensure your voice is heard.

You also have the right to be treated with dignity and respect, and to receive care that meets your needs without discrimination. If you ever feel unsafe or believe your rights are not being respected, raise your concerns with your local safeguarding team, the Care Quality Commission (CQC), or the police in emergencies.

Knowing your rights is a first step to staying safe and in control of your care. You have the right to live free from abuse, neglect and discrimination, and to make choices about your life.

It is important to understand the different types of abuse so you can spot the signs early. Staying connected with family, friends and community groups can help reduce isolation, and you should always ask for clear information about your care plan.

Start by learning what support you are entitled to and make sure you are involved in all decisions about your care. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or request explanations if something isn’t clear.

If you find it hard to speak up or understand information, you can ask for an independent advocate. Advocates help you express your views, understand your options, and make informed decisions. They can attend meetings with you and ensure your voice is heard.

You also have the right to be treated with dignity and respect, and to receive care that meets your needs without discrimination. If you ever feel unsafe or believe your rights are not being respected, raise your concerns with your local safeguarding team, the Care Quality Commission (CQC), or the police in emergencies.

Here are some simple steps to protect yourself and your home for greater safety and peace of mind.

Secure your home environment

Lock doors and windows, especially at night or when you’re alone. Consider installing peepholes or video doorbells so you can check who is visiting before opening the door. Never share keys with anyone you do not fully trust.

Look out for bogus callers - sometimes known as doorstep thieves - who trick their way into homes to steal money or property. They may pretend to be council officials, utility workers (gas, electric or water), or even the police. Always be cautious and never let anyone in without proper checks.

Ask for visitors for ID

Only allow carers who come from registered agencies or those you know and trust. Always ask for identification from anyone claiming to be a care worker or official before letting them in. Keep a list of approved carers and emergency contacts near the phone so you can quickly check visitors and know who to call if you need help.

Stay connected with family and friends

Regular contact with family, friends or community groups is one of the simplest ways to keep safe. Arrange scheduled check-ins by phone or video call. Isolation can increase vulnerability, so staying connected is an important safeguard for your wellbeing.

Reduce physical risks

Remove trip hazards such as loose rugs or clutter, and ensure hallways and stairs are well lit. Installing grab rails in bathrooms and near steps can provide extra support, especially if you have mobility issues.

If you are at higher risk of fire because you may not notice or escape when a smoke alarm goes off, Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service can help. Their firefighters and safety advisers can conduct a Safe and Well visit to your home.

Manage medication safely

Store medication securely and follow the instructions provided by your doctor or pharmacist. If someone else manages your medication, check that the doses are correct and properly recorded.

Report any missed doses or incorrect medication immediately to your care provider or pharmacist. These steps help prevent harm and ensure your health needs are met.

Here are some simple steps to protect yourself and your home for greater safety and peace of mind.

Secure your home environment

Lock doors and windows, especially at night or when you’re alone. Consider installing peepholes or video doorbells so you can check who is visiting before opening the door. Never share keys with anyone you do not fully trust.

Look out for bogus callers - sometimes known as doorstep thieves - who trick their way into homes to steal money or property. They may pretend to be council officials, utility workers (gas, electric or water), or even the police. Always be cautious and never let anyone in without proper checks.

Ask for visitors for ID

Only allow carers who come from registered agencies or those you know and trust. Always ask for identification from anyone claiming to be a care worker or official before letting them in. Keep a list of approved carers and emergency contacts near the phone so you can quickly check visitors and know who to call if you need help.

Stay connected with family and friends

Regular contact with family, friends or community groups is one of the simplest ways to keep safe. Arrange scheduled check-ins by phone or video call. Isolation can increase vulnerability, so staying connected is an important safeguard for your wellbeing.

Reduce physical risks

Remove trip hazards such as loose rugs or clutter, and ensure hallways and stairs are well lit. Installing grab rails in bathrooms and near steps can provide extra support, especially if you have mobility issues.

If you are at higher risk of fire because you may not notice or escape when a smoke alarm goes off, Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service can help. Their firefighters and safety advisers can conduct a Safe and Well visit to your home.

Manage medication safely

Store medication securely and follow the instructions provided by your doctor or pharmacist. If someone else manages your medication, check that the doses are correct and properly recorded.

Report any missed doses or incorrect medication immediately to your care provider or pharmacist. These steps help prevent harm and ensure your health needs are met.

Here are some practical tips to keep your money and personal details safe from theft and fraud.

Keep personal details secure

Never share PINs, passwords or banking details with anyone you don’t fully trust. Use strong passwords and change them regularly. Store important documents - such as bank statements, ID and legal papers - in a locked drawer or safe.

Be careful with cash and cards

Avoid keeping large amounts of cash at home as this can make you vulnerable to theft. If someone helps you shop or withdraw money, always check receipts and monitor transactions. For added safety, consider using contactless payments or online banking instead of handling cash.

Use trusted financial support

If you need help managing your money, choose someone you trust and stay involved in all decisions. Avoid giving full control of your finances to one person without oversight. For extra protection, consider setting up a Lasting Power of Attorney. This allows you to appoint one or more trusted people to help you make decisions or make them on your behalf if you become unable to.

Watch out for scams

Never share personal details with strangers and avoid clicking on suspicious links in emails or texts. Common scams include fake calls from banks or government agencies - if in doubt, hang up and contact the organisation directly using official details.

Understand financial abuse

Financial abuse can include theft, fraud or pressure to give money - even from someone you know. If you suspect financial abuse, report it immediately to the Adult Social Care Helpdesk or the police.

Here are some practical tips to keep your money and personal details safe from theft and fraud.

Keep personal details secure

Never share PINs, passwords or banking details with anyone you don’t fully trust. Use strong passwords and change them regularly. Store important documents - such as bank statements, ID and legal papers - in a locked drawer or safe.

Be careful with cash and cards

Avoid keeping large amounts of cash at home as this can make you vulnerable to theft. If someone helps you shop or withdraw money, always check receipts and monitor transactions. For added safety, consider using contactless payments or online banking instead of handling cash.

Use trusted financial support

If you need help managing your money, choose someone you trust and stay involved in all decisions. Avoid giving full control of your finances to one person without oversight. For extra protection, consider setting up a Lasting Power of Attorney. This allows you to appoint one or more trusted people to help you make decisions or make them on your behalf if you become unable to.

Watch out for scams

Never share personal details with strangers and avoid clicking on suspicious links in emails or texts. Common scams include fake calls from banks or government agencies - if in doubt, hang up and contact the organisation directly using official details.

Understand financial abuse

Financial abuse can include theft, fraud or pressure to give money - even from someone you know. If you suspect financial abuse, report it immediately to the Adult Social Care Helpdesk or the police.

Here are some useful steps for safely hiring someone to provide care and support at home.

Your choice and responsibility

If you receive a personal budget, you can employ your own staff instead of using a care agency. This gives you more choice and flexibility, but it also means taking on extra responsibility as an employer. You’ll need to make sure the person you hire is suitable, trustworthy, and legally employed.

Plan the role

Prepare a clear list of tasks and skills you need, such as driving, lifting and handling, or specific care experience. This will help you find the right person for your needs.

Interview safely

When interviewing, ask applicants why they want the job and about their previous experience, training and employment history. Avoid holding interviews in your home for security reasons and consider asking someone you trust to help with the process.

Check references and background

Always meet candidates face-to-face. Ask if they have a criminal record and request at least two references, including one from their most recent employer. Check references carefully to confirm they are genuine and to learn more about the applicant’s reliability and character.

Carry out legal checks

For extra reassurance, consider a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. This helps identify if someone is unsuitable to work with vulnerable adults.

Get expert guidance

You can also find guidance from ACAS on recruitment and employment responsibilities. Local resources like the Council’s Your Circle website provide practical advice and contact details for personal assistants and care services in Gloucestershire.