Safeguarding, safe contact and financial concerns

People living with dementia may be at risk of neglect, financial abuse, coercion, medication mismanagement or unsafe contact. Concerns often surface through phone calls, proxy requests or unexpected changes to contact details.

Possible signs

Be alert to repeated requests for letters, results, access or medication on the patient’s behalf without clear authority. Listen for the patient saying they are frightened, confused about money, or not receiving care.

Do not confront a suspected abuser or disclose sensitive information to a caller without authority. Record factual details and follow local safeguarding routes for escalation.

Safe contact matters

• Check who controls the phone and who receives letters.
• Be cautious with online proxy access and verify permissions.
• Record safe-contact concerns in the appropriate record field.
• Escalate if the patient may be unable to protect themselves.

Changes to contact details, proxy access or medication control can be safeguarding information.

When unsure, record the facts and seek advice rather than making informal arrangements that could breach confidentiality or leave the patient unsupported.

Financial and communication control can be subtle. Redirecting letters, granting online access or authorising someone to collect medication may be legitimate, but repeated or pressured requests require clear authority checks.

Safe contact can change as dementia progresses. Who supports the patient, which phone number is safe and how messages are understood should be reviewed over time.

Safeguarding