West Midlands Self-Neglect Guidance
The Care Act 2014 (statutory guidance updated March 2016) included self-neglect as a category of abuse and neglect, and so the adult safeguarding duties outlined in the Care Act apply equally to cases of self-neglect. However, in relation to self-neglect, the Care Act statutory guidance acknowledges: “This covers a wide range of behaviour neglecting to care for one’s personal hygiene, health or surroundings and includes behaviour such as hoarding. 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 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.”
Adult Self-Neglect Guidance – Responding to self-neglect concerns and enquiries for adults with care and support needs in the West Midlands, outlines guidance for dealing with issues and concerns of self-neglect in relation to adults with care and support needs. It should be read in conjunction with the West Midlands Adult Safeguarding policy and procedures. To ensure that you always use the most up-to-date version of the self-neglect guidance, we recommend that you access them using the link below for the West Midlands Regional Adult Safeguarding Information Hub.
