Self-neglect is a complex area of work and requires professional consideration before action is taken. 

 When should a Safeguarding Adult Concern be raised?

• When an adult is living in the community and all avenues of support via multi- disciplinary agencies have been exhausted, yet the adult is placing themselves and others at risk of harm (i.e. this could be through environmental hazards)
• When an adult living in a care setting is refusing all support/encouragement to manage personal care needs including medication administration and all avenues of multi-disciplinary support have been exhausted (i.e. GP/Dementia specialist team/crisis intervention/CPN etc)
• When an adult is living in a care setting and the provider fail to engage support from other professionals in trying to reduce the risks of self-neglect

When don't I need to report a Safeguarding Adult Concern?

• When an adult is living in the community and no steps have yet been taken to support the adult and or refer to multi-agency support services in a bid to reduce risks
• When an adult is living in a care setting and the provider has referred to appropriate multi-disciplinary teams for support in addressing issues and reducing risks and there is evidence that they are doing all they can to support the adult and reduce risks

Remember..in all situations you need to consider the capacity and rights of the adult at risk to make unwise choices.

In all examples provided and in all potential safeguarding adult concerns, you must consider the capacity and rights of the adult at risk to make unwise choices.  Should capacity be doubted, you should complete a mental capacity assessment in order to support a best interest decisions about raising safeguarding adult alerts and carrying out section 42 enquiries.

Safeguarding is not an exact science and therefore this document is intended to offer guidance to provider managers and social workers in making decisions, but it is acknowledged that at times there may be incidents where decision-making is not straightforward and further professional judgement is required.

To report a Safeguarding Adult Concern contact Essex County Council on 0345 606 1212