What is self-neglect?
Self-neglect occurs when a person is unable or unwilling to care for their own health, wellbeing or living environment. Self-neglect is not usually a deliberate choice. A person may struggle to recognise their needs, accept support, or manage everyday tasks that help them stay safe and healthy.
Signs to look out for
A person may be self-neglecting in relation to:
Personal care
- Have poor personal hygiene
- Wear unclean clothing or clothing which is unsuitable (for example for the weather)
- Neglect medical, dental, or health needs
- Appear malnourished or dehydrated
Home environment
- Live in a home that is cluttered, very unclean, or unsafe
- Have significant amounts of rubbish accumulating
- Experience problems with pests, damp, or lack of heating
- Have limited access to essential rooms such as the kitchen, bathroom, or bedroom
Health and wellbeing
- Frequently miss medical appointments
- Refuse necessary care or support
- Struggle to manage medication and/or not take essential medication
- Withdraw from family, friends, or community activities
Safety concerns
- Are at risk of falls, fire, or other accidents
- Hoard items that make their home unsafe
- Put themselves at risk through alcohol or substance use
What can family, friends, and carers do?
If you are concerned:
- Approach the person calmly and without judgement
- Listen to their views and understand what matters to them
- Offer practical support where appropriate
- Encourage them to seek help from health or social care services
- Keep in regular contact to reduce isolation
- If there are immediate safety concerns, seek professional advice
Remember, changing a long-established lifestyle can take time. Building trust is often the first step towards accepting support.
Getting help and support
Not every instance of self-neglect requires a safeguarding referral. For example, concerns may be addressed through advice, support from health services, community organisations, housing providers, family members, or an Adult Social Care assessment when:
- Risks are low and can be safely managed
- The person remains able to meet most of their essential needs
- There is no significant impact on their health, safety, or wellbeing
- Appropriate support is already in place and working effectively
If you need to contact West Sussex County Council Adult Social Care to discuss concerns about self-neglect you can contact Adults’ CarePoint:
Adult Social Care can:
- Discuss concerns and provide advice
- Assess a person's care and support needs
- Help connect people with services in their community
- Work with other agencies to reduce risks and improve wellbeing
When should you raise a safeguarding concern?
While some situations can be supported through family, friends, community services, or health professionals, there are times when concerns about self-neglect should be reported to Adult Social Care as a safeguarding concern.
Consider raising a safeguarding concern if:
- The person has care and support needs and is unable to protect themselves from harm
- Their self-neglect is placing them at significant risk of serious harm, illness, or injury
- There are concerns about severe malnutrition, dehydration, or untreated medical conditions
- The person's living conditions are dangerous, for example due to extreme hoarding, fire risks, unsafe electrics, lack of heating, infestations, or structural hazards
- The person is repeatedly refusing essential services and their health or safety continues to deteriorate
- They are at risk of losing their home, tenancy, or accommodation because of self-neglect
- There are concerns that other adults or children may also be at risk because of the situation
- Despite support and intervention from professionals, risks remain high or continue to increase
How to raise a safeguarding concern
If you believe an adult with care and support needs is experiencing, or is at risk of, abuse or neglect, including significant self-neglect, you can raise a safeguarding concern with West Sussex County Council Adult Social Care.
Remember
Self-neglect can be difficult to recognise and discuss, but early action can make a significant difference. If you are worried about someone's safety, wellbeing or living conditions, do not ignore your concerns. Help and advice are available.
You are not alone, and support is available for both the person affected and those who care about them.
