What to do:  Be professionally curious and try and find out what the adult wants. Share concerns with any agency involved or as an ASP concern if you think the adult is being harmed and is more vulnerable than other adults.  Think family – is anyone else at risk because of the self-neglect? Read and apply our new Self-neglect and Hoarding Policy and Guidance 

Understanding and assessing the adult’s personal welfare decision making capacity is important however where capacity is indicated and the adult declines support this does not mark the end of the any inquiry, assessment or intervention.  As highlighted self-neglect can be linked to a number of current and historical adversities and every effort should be made to offer early and effective intervention. 

Harm resulting from self-neglect may be an Adult Support and Protection concern when the adult is unable to safeguard their well-being, rights, interests, or their property because they are affected by disability, mental disorder, illness, or physical or mental infirmity   It may also be an ASP concern if the adult who is self-neglecting is a carer for an adult at risk. In these circumstances, always discuss the concerns with Falkirk Adult Social Work Services.

Self-neglect can also include: Living in significantly unsanitary conditions, suffering from an untreated illness, disease or injury, suffering from malnutrition to such an extent that, without an intervention, the adult's physical or mental health is likely to be severely impaired, creating a hazardous situation that will likely cause serious physical harm to the adult or others or cause substantial damage to or loss of assets

Self-neglect 

Self-neglect is defined as covering a wide range of behaviours including neglect of  personal hygiene, health or surroundings and includes behaviour such as hoarding. 

Without early intervention, existing health problems may be made worse. Neglect of personal hygiene may mean that the person suffers social difficulties and isolation, physical and mental health breakdown. Dilapidated property or excess rubbish can become infested and can be a fire risk, which is a risk to the adult, family, neighbours and others.

Self-neglect has been linked to physical health problems, mental health issues, substance misuse, psychological and social factors, diminished social networks, personality traits, traumatic histories and life changing events.  

Some examples of self-neglect include: 

•	Lack of self-care –  examples: neglect of personal hygiene, nutrition, hydration, healthcare, thereby risking safety and well-being
•	Lack of care of environment –  examples: squalor and hoarding
•	Denying or inability to independently access services that would lessen the risk of harm.