Self-Neglect
Self Neglect
There are many reasons why people may neglect themselves. Self Neglect covers a wide range of behaviour neglecting to care for one’s personal hygiene, health or surroundings and includes behaviour such as hoarding. When an adult who may have needs for care and support appears to be at risk of self-neglect, and may be refusing care and support or whose self-neglecting behaviours pose a risk to others, it can be difficult for practitioners or concerned carers, friends/family members, to understand how statutory duties and legal powers could be applied to improve the Adult’s situation. The Care Act s42 Safeguarding triage should be considered and applied where necessary. We are using this part of our website to raise awareness, share good practice, and local pathways to seek support.
What is Self Neglect?
The Care Act Guidance advises that ‘self-neglect’ covers a wide range of behaviour including neglecting to care for one’s personal hygiene, health or surroundings and includes behaviour such as hoarding. Research literature states the term ‘self-neglect’ is commonly used to refer to:
- Lack of self-care: in personal hygiene, in adhering to daily needs, in refusal of essential care or necessary medical treatment.
- Lack of care of the living environment: hoarding, squalor and infestation.
Links to local guidance documents:
CIOS SAB Self Neglect and Hoarding Policy 2024
Self-neglect practice guidance for practitioners
Risk assessment checklist [link to document on SAB Website]
Bitesize guide to Self Neglect Policy
CIOS Safeguarding Adults Reviews where Self Neglect has featured
[Add links to all Safeguarding Adults reviews where Self Neglect has been a concern – I have asked Martin to ensure that themes of each review are updated on the SAR Dashboard that Sarah is giving you access too so this should be easy enough to cross reference but any probs let me know]
Local Learning Events
2019: Self-neglect
In 2019 the SAB hosted a conference on the theme of self neglect, providing an opportunity for delegates to learn about working differently with people who self neglect. The post conference report and Slides from the conference are available for you to share more widely and also includes many useful links to resources.
Useful resources from across the Country
Good Practice in Self Neglect
- Good Practice in Self-Neglect: Using SAR learning and research evidence to inform practice. A presentation by Professor Suzy Braye.
https://youtu.be/S2yLnHH0XF4
Responding to Self-Neglect Video – Lambeth Safeguarding Adults Board
The Lambeth SAB has produced the video below on how to respond to self-neglect.
https://youtu.be/ZEXrczADeKo
Keith's story: a personal and touching film about hoarding
Keith's story; a personal and touching film about hoarding The Birmingham Safeguarding Adults Board has produced a film to raise awareness of hoarding and to guide professionals on what kinds of interventions seem to work the best so that the people affected (both the person who hoards and other people whose lives this impacts upon) get the support that they need.
Keith's story: a personal and touching film about hoarding
With special thanks to our partners and colleagues from SABs across the Country
Please note that the contact details contained within some of these resources do not relate to Cornwall or Isle of Scilly residents. Referrals for our local residents should be made via {insert link for referrals to ASC]