Self-Neglect and Hoarding Bitesize Guide

The Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Safeguarding Adults Board's Self-Neglect and Hoarding Bitesize Guide provides a concise overview of the key principles and practice expectations for supporting adults who may be experiencing self-neglect or hoarding behaviours.

The guide helps practitioners recognise common indicators of self-neglect, including concerns relating to personal care, health, living conditions, financial wellbeing, social isolation, and engagement with services. It promotes a compassionate, person-centred approach that seeks to understand the underlying causes of self-neglect and encourages persistent, relationship-based engagement.

The guidance highlights the importance of considering mental capacity, advocacy, professional curiosity, and multi-agency working, including the use of Adult Risk Management (ARM) meetings to coordinate support where risks are complex or escalating.

Overall, the guide serves as an accessible introduction to good practice, supporting early identification, effective partnership working, and strengths-based approaches that help adults reduce risk, improve wellbeing, and maintain independence.

view the Self-Neglect and Hoarding Bitesize Guide to the self-neglect policy