The number of reported adult safeguarding concerns in Gateshead has reached a five-year high.
Of these 1,720 reports, 27%, or 476 cases, have resulted in further action from the council known as an S42 inquiry. An S42 enquiry, from the Care Act 2014, legally binds a council to investigate a claim of neglect or abuse and intervene.
76% of these reports concern people aged 65 and over. The most common concern was recorded as neglect at 41% of all council interventions.
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These were followed by physical abuse concerns at 21.3% and psychological abuse at 15.7%.
Self-neglect continues to be a major concern. A council report into the problem said: "Covid-19 and the associated restrictions have been seen to have an impact upon the increasing number and complexity of safeguarding concerns involving self-neglect, that are being reported in the North East.
"Reduced face-to-face contact with people (and access to their homes), as well as an increased reluctance for people to access support and services, are thought to be contributory factors to this".
Councillors were also told about the authority's housing team's efforts to help self-neglect in the form of hoarding. One case study focused on a woman, referred to as Helen, and the council's years-long relationship helping her overcome hoarding.
A report into the case study stated: "Helen didn’t know she had a hoarding disorder until Gateshead Council’s housing team carried out a home visit and expressed concerns about the number of household items accumulating in the property and that she may injure herself or be unable to seek help quickly in the event of a fire.
"Whilst Helen agreed to dispose of some of the hoarded items, she was thankful for the support she received from the housing officers. Over a three-year period, Helen worked hand in hand with her Housing Officer in making her home clean and safe, and sought professional support to help her manage underlying issues that were contributing toward her hoarding."
Council officers also claimed that while the number of concerns reported has increased, the number of S42 interventions has remained relatively stable. Officers suggested this may indicate that not all reports are appropriate and could be dealt with without intervention.
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