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Type of abuse: SELF-NEGLECT

A person living in a way that puts their health/safety or wellbeing at risk

Non-reportable

Low risk
No impact

Lower level concern where threshold of further enquiries under safeguarding are unlikely to be met. However, agencies should keep a written internal record of what happened and what action was taken, following your own internal process.

Where there are a number of low level concerns consideration should be given as to whether the threshold is met for a safeguarding enquiry due to increased risk.

Examples:

  • A concern about an adult who is beginning to show signs and symptoms of self-neglect
  • Property neglected but all services/appliances work
  • There is no/low risk or impact to self or others
  • Risks can be managed by current professional oversight or universal services
  • The person is not at risk of losing their place within the community
  • Some evidence of hoarding – no impact on health/safety
  • No access to support
  • Non compliant with support but no impact on health/safety/wellbeing

Actions/Outcomes to consider at every stage:

  • Assessment by service/professional of concern
  • Engage person
  • Onward referrals for support

Requires consultation

Medium risk
Some harm or risk of harm

Incidents at this level could be discussed with the local adult social care service.
After the conversation, they may request you formally report the concern as a safeguarding.

Examples:

  • Some signs of disengagement with professionals
  • Indication of lack of insight
  • Lack of essential amenities/food provision
  • Collecting a large number of animals in inappropriate conditions
  • Increasing unsanitary conditions
  • There is medium risk and some impact to self / others
  • Non-compliance with medication – medium risk to health and wellbeing
  • Property neglected, evidence of hoarding beginning to impact on health/safety
  • Where animals in property are impacting on the environment with risk to health

Actions/Outcomes to consider at every stage:

  • Care Act Assessment
  • Refer to the Self-neglect guidance
  • Multi-agency meeting to discuss concerns
  • Environmental health

Reportable

High risk
Significant harm or risk of harm

Incidents at this level should be reported to your local adult social care service and directed to the safeguarding team
NB: You may need to contact the police/emergency services.

Examples:

  • Living in squalid or unsanitary conditions
  • There is extensive structural deterioration / damage in the property causing risk to life
  • Refusal of health/medical treatment that will have a significant impact on health/wellbeing
  • High level of clutter/hoarding impacting on health and wellbeing, including fire hazard
  • Behaviour poses risk to self and others
  • Life is in danger without intervention
  • Appearance of malnourishment
  • The individual is not accepting any support or any plans to improve the situation

Actions/Outcomes to consider at every stage:

  • RAISE SAFEGUARDING CONCERN
  • If there is an indication a criminal act has occurred the police MUST be consulted.
  • Immediate safety plans must be implemented.