SAR Nat 2025

A Safeguarding Adults Review (SAR) for ‘Nat’ was commissioned by the Salford Safeguarding Adults Board (SSAB). Due to the sensitivities of the review, the full SAR report has not been published. Instead, a Briefing Document has been produced to share key learning.
The SAR report was written by an independent reviewer, and the published briefing document was written by the Business Manager of the Salford Safeguarding Adults Board, Jane Bowmer.

Nat was an elderly man with significant health needs who lived in his own home in Salford. His adult child moved in to support him and later became his paid carer through a direct payment, as well as holding Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA). Nat was described as sociable and community‑minded. Over time, he became increasingly dependent on his adult child for all aspects of his care and support.

Nat made multiple disclosures to professionals about incidents involving his adult child that could have indicated domestic abuse. These concerns were not always fully explored, particularly when Nat later withdrew his disclosures. Nat had several hospital admissions and sadly died at home in 2024.

Review themes include:

• Voice of the adult
• Domestic abuse in older adults
• Direct payments and risks when family members are personal assistants
• Carer stress and the absence of carer assessments
• Safeguarding thresholds and escalation
• Professional curiosity and supervision
• Family dynamics and involvement in support planning
• Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA), coercion and control
• Missed opportunities to safeguard

SSAB Briefing Document for Nat