Adult Social Care Glossary, v 0.6

An Adult at Risk is a person over 18 years who:

has care and support needs
AND may be experiencing or at risk of abuse or neglect
AND is unable to protect themselves from abuse and neglect because of their care and support needs

An adult at risk may therefore be a person who,for example:
• is an older person who is frail due to ill health, physical disability or cognitive impairment
• has a learning and/or physical disability and/or a sensory impairment
• has mental health needs including dementia or a personality disorder
• has a long-term illness/condition
• misuses substances or alcohol
• is an unpaid carer such as a family member/friend who provides personal assistance and care to adults and is subject to abuse