Safeguarding Clients from Scams in Home Care
At Care & Carers, safeguarding our clients goes far beyond meeting their health and well-being needs. Sadly, scams and financial exploitation are growing concerns for older adults and vulnerable people, especially those living alone. As a home care provider, we are uniquely placed to prevent scams, and we have successfully done so on several occasions.
Why home care workers are best placed to protect against scams
Our carers visit clients regularly in their own homes, which allows us to spot warning signs early. Whether it’s a suspicious phone call, a doorstep visitor, or unusual changes in financial behaviour, our staff are trained to recognise red flags and act quickly.
We also take a proactive approach:
- Risk assessment at intake – we screen every client for their potential exposure to scams and review this regularly.
- Awareness and education – we provide information to clients and families on common scams and how to stay safe.
- Safe financial practices – when supporting with shopping, bills, or banking,we follow procedures, maintain receipts, and keep records.
- Robust reporting routes – any suspicion is reported immediately to our Safeguarding Lead, and if needed, to the police, local authority, or Action Fraud.
How we’ve made a difference
Over the years, our carers have successfully prevented clients from losing money to rogue traders, scam callers, and online fraud. Our vigilance has stopped scams in progress on several occasions, protecting not only our clients' finances but also their confidence and peace of mind.
Supporting dignity and independence
Discussions about money and scams can be sensitive topics. That’s why we adopt a person-centred approach at Care &Carers. We involve our clients in decision-making, respect their independence, and collaborate with families when appropriate.
At Care & Carers, safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. By staying vigilant and taking prompt action when something seems off, we proudly serve as a defence against scams and exploitation in our community.
