1. Our Commitment

BridgeCare Companions is committed to the safety, dignity, and wellbeing of all individuals we work with. We provide companionship visits in both care home settings and private homes. We recognise that elderly people, particularly those living with dementia or other conditions, may be vulnerable to abuse, neglect, or exploitation — whether in a care home or living independently. We take our safeguarding responsibilities seriously and act in accordance with the Care Act 2014 and the Mental Capacity Act 2005.

2. Definition of Abuse

Abuse can take many forms. All companions must be able to recognise the following:
• Physical abuse — hitting, restraining, rough handling, inappropriate medication
• Emotional/psychological abuse — humiliation, threats, shouting, isolation
• Financial abuse — theft, fraud, pressure to change wills or sign documents
• Sexual abuse — any unwanted or non-consensual sexual contact or behaviour
• Neglect — failure to provide adequate food, warmth, hygiene, medical attention
• Institutional abuse — poor care standards, rigid routines, lack of dignity
• Discriminatory abuse — based on age, disability, race, gender, religion
• Self-neglect — where a person is unable or unwilling to care for themselves

3. Recognising Signs of Concern

Companions should be alert to signs including but not limited to:
• Unexplained injuries, bruises, or marks
• Sudden changes in behaviour, mood, or withdrawal
• Poor hygiene, malnutrition, or inappropriate clothing
• Fear or anxiety around certain staff members
• Resident appearing hungry, thirsty, cold, or unclean
• Resident expressing distress, fear, or making disclosures

4. What to Do if You Have a Concern

If a companion has any safeguarding concern they must:
• Remain calm and not confront the alleged abuser
• Listen carefully if the Resident makes a disclosure — do not promise confidentiality
• Not investigate themselves — this is not their role
• Contact BridgeCare Companions immediately by phone
• Record all observations in writing as soon as possible, using factual language
• If the Resident is in immediate danger, call 999 first
Safeguarding Lead at BridgeCare Companions: [Director Name] | info@bridgecarecompanions.co.uk

5. Reporting Procedures

The Safeguarding Lead will assess all concerns and where appropriate will:
• Inform the care home manager
• Report to the Local Authority Adult Safeguarding team
• Report to the Care Quality Commission (CQC) if required
• Involve the police if a crime has been or may have been committed
All safeguarding concerns will be documented and records retained securely for a minimum of 7 years.

6. Confidentiality & Information Sharing

Information about safeguarding concerns will be shared on a need-to-know basis with relevant professionals. The safety and welfare of the Resident takes priority over confidentiality. We will inform the family contact of concerns where it is safe and appropriate to do so.

7. Mental Capacity

We recognise that some Residents may lack the mental capacity to make certain decisions. Companions must always act in the best interests of Residents in accordance with the Mental Capacity Act 2005. We never assume a person lacks capacity — it must be assessed for each specific decision.

8. Safer Recruitment

All companions must provide before commencing work:
• Enhanced DBS certificate (adults’ barred list check included)
• Two professional references
• Proof of identity and right to work in the UK
• Evidence of safeguarding training (adults)
DBS checks will be renewed every 3 years. Any companion with a relevant conviction or barred list entry will not be engaged.

9. Training

All companions are required to complete safeguarding adults training before their first visit and to refresh this training every 2 years. The Company will provide or signpost appropriate training.

10. Whistleblowing

Any companion who has concerns about the conduct of another companion, care home staff, or the Company itself is encouraged to report this to the Safeguarding Lead. Reports can be made anonymously. No companion will be penalised for raising a genuine safeguarding concern in good faith.

11. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or following any significant safeguarding incident. All companions will be notified of any updates.