Money is taken from her bank account using her own debit card during shopping sprees in Asda and Tesco.
The culprit…her carer. A professional, paid to carry out a service who abused a position of trust for her own selfish ends.
The carer, a 51 year-old from Pemberton, ended up fleecing the vulnerable lady, whose care she was charged with, to the tune of £22,000.
When the deception came to light she faced prosecution and currently has the best part of a 10 month suspended jail term to reflect on her wrongdoing.
It’s a depressingly familiar example of adult abuse and something that Wigan Council has pledged to do all it can to tackle.
The alarming thing is that reports of abuse directed at vulnerable adults in our borough are on the increase. The last two years saw reports rise from 136 to 270. The year before that there were just 15.
Elaine Lamprell is the council’s adult safeguarding manager, and is responsible for bringing together different agencies to help protect adults from abuse.
As Elaine admits, it’s an area that for many is still not acknowledged.
“Everyone has heard about child abuse,” says Elaine. “But most are not as aware of the abuse of vulnerable adults. This does not only refer to older people but other vulnerable adults in Wigan as well.
“The public and even some professionals are unaware of the full extent of the problem.”
The council’s department of adult services, the police, health, housing and private and voluntary groups are working together to protect vulnerable adults and raise awareness about the subject. As Wigan’s Safeguarding Adults Board, they have agreed procedures for dealing with suspected cases of abuse of vulnerable adults. These procedures were put in place to assist and successfully deal with this case.
The public of Wigan also have a vital part to play, by being aware and reporting any concerns they might have.
Elaine explains: “Abuse can take many forms from hitting or pushing, shouting, swearing, stealing money or property, even sexual assault.
“Victims can be denied proper care, privacy or contact with others.
“If any Borough Life readers are victims or know of a worrying situation, please do not ignore it, give us a call.”
To talk to someone in confidence about adult abuse issues you can call:
- Wigan Council on 01942 828777
- Greater Manchester Police on 0161 872 5050
- Domestic Violence Unit on 0162 856 7854, 7955 or 7957.
You can also find out more by visiting Wigan Council’s website – Wigan Council (external link)
