What is Self-Neglect?
There is no standard definition of self-neglect, but the Care Act 2014 Statutory Guidance provides the following definition: “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”.
Self-neglect is a general term used to describe how an adult who has care and support needs may put their health, safety and/or well-being at risk.
The Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE) describes self-neglect as:
- Lack of self-care to an extent that it threatens personal health and safety
- Neglecting to care for one’s personal hygiene, health or surroundings
- Inability to avoid harm as a result of self-neglect
- Failure to seek help or access services to meet health and social care needs
- Inability or unwillingness to manage one’s personal affairs
Self-neglect is a continuum of behaviours ranging from moderate to severe. It may be unintentional, such as not eating due to memory issues. Where self-neglect gets out of control, including an inability to avoid or control self-harm, it can lead to a high risk of death or serious harm to the adult involved and to others’ health and safety.
Self-neglect can occur as a result of mental health issues, personality disorders, substance abuse, dementia, advancing age, social isolation, and cognitive impairment (e.g. learning disability or brain injury), religious or cultural beliefs or through personal choice. It can be triggered by trauma and significant life events. It can also be a personal choice. It is an issue that can affect people from all backgrounds.
It should be noted that self-neglect may not prompt a Section 42 enquiry. An assessment should be made on a case-by-case basis. A decision on whether a response is required under safeguarding duties will depend on the adult’s ability to protect themselves by controlling their own behaviour. There may come a point when they are no longer able to do this, without external support.
Locally the Darlington Multi-Agency Self-neglect and Hoarding Risk Assessment Guidance Tool and referral will be used to determine the pathway of a concern.