Self neglect is when a person may be unable, unwilling, or lack insight into caring for their own essential needs. It can cover a wide range of behaviour including neglecting personal hygiene, health or surroundings, refusal of necessary support and obsessive hoarding. This type of behaviour has serious implications for the health and wellbeing of the person concerned and for the people who care for and support them.
What is self neglect?
- 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
The Care Act 2014 recognises self-neglect as a category of abuse and neglect, which means that people who self-neglect may be supported by the safeguarding adults teams, depending on the risks and if they have care and support needs.
If you are concerned about a person who may be self neglecting or hoarding, please contact adult social care to share your concern.