Self-neglect toolkit

Derby and Derbyshire Safeguarding Adults Boards self-neglect toolkit and case closure checklist

Self-neglect can be a complex and difficult area of work for practitioners. This toolkit has been produced to support practitioners working with adults in Derby and Derbyshire who have been referred for adult safeguarding support due to self-neglect concerns.

Practitioners should continue to refer to the self-neglect section of the Derbyshire and Derby Safeguarding Adults Board Decision Making Guidance alongside this toolkit to ensure they have a clear understanding of the level of risk.

What is self-neglect?

Self-neglect is when a person is unable, or unwilling, to care for their essential needs and may include:

• a lack of self-care to an extent that it threatens personal health and safety
• neglecting to care for personal hygiene, health, or surroundings
• the inability to avoid harm because of self-neglect
• failure to seek help or access services to meet health and social care needs
• the inability or unwillingness to manage personal affairs

The Care Act 2014 recognises self-neglect as a category of abuse and neglect.

Who is the self-neglect toolkit for?

All practitioners and managers working for agencies in Derby and Derbyshire who support adults in complex self-neglect situations.

What is the self-neglect toolkit designed to do?

The self-neglect toolkit aims to:

• provide suggestions about what can be done when working with adults who self-neglect
• make sure that you, and all the other agencies you work with, have tried everything you possibly can to safeguard the adult prior to closing involvement
• help you to understand how working with other agencies can improve outcomes for adults who self-neglect