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Self neglect

Quick guidance on self-neglect and hoarding for social care practitioners

Self neglect

The Care Act 2014 formally recognised self neglect as a category of abuse and neglect. There is no clear point at which lifestyle patterns become self neglect however it covers a wide range of behaviour and may often involve interplay between mental, socio-economic and physical issues to name a few.  There is no straight forward way to best work with adults who self neglect and each case may not be suitable for the safeguarding process.  Therefore a multi-agency, multi professional and multidisciplinary approach is considered the most effective.

Further information on self-neglect and chronic hoarding can be found in the guidance document, self-neglect prompt sheet and multi-agency self-neglect toolkit.

When working with an adult who self-neglects it is important that practitioners understand the importance of inter-agency communication, collaboration and the sharing of risk by working with other organisations and key agencies. Due to the complex and diverse nature of self-neglect responses by a range of organisations and a multi-agency response is likely to be the most effective.

Key agencies can include:

  • Housing
  • Private landlords/housing associations/registered social landlords
  • Environmental health service (EHS)
  • Mental health services
  • Police
  • London Fire Brigade
  • Utility companies/building and maintenance workers

 

Last updated: 25 May 2023