On the 1st July, the Community Reference Group (CRG) a hosted an event for voluntary and community sector workers which explored the vital role that these groups and individuals play when responding to the complex issue of self-neglect in a person-centred way.
Self-neglect includes situations where a person is declining support with their care needs, hygiene, health or their environment, and this is having a significant impact on their overall wellbeing. Possible indicators of self-neglect include:
- Very poor personal hygiene
- Unkempt appearance
- Lack of essential food, clothing or shelter
- Malnutrition and/or dehydration
- Living in squalid or unsanitary conditions
- Neglecting household maintenance
- Hoarding
- Collecting a large number of animals in inappropriate conditions
- Non-compliance with health or care services
- Inability or unwillingness to take medication or treat illness or injury
Self-neglect is a key priority for the Lambeth Safeguarding Adults Board. It is a key theme in many Safeguarding Adults Reviews across the country, and recent SARs in Lambeth have also highlighted important learning in this area.
As well as providing space to learn about self-neglect, the event also encouraged attendees to think about what more they could do within their organisation to help protect adults at risk from abuse and neglect. To help guide participants, the CRG developed a pledge document that lists simple ways to raise awareness of adult safeguarding and play a preventative role – this handy tool is available to download from our resource page.