Day three of National Safeguarding Adults Week – Self neglect

Welcome to day three of National Safeguarding Adults Week – the aim of which is to create a time where we can all focus on safeguarding adults – so we can be better, together.

Today we are be focusing on raising awareness of self neglect.

Help us to raise awareness of this key issue facing adults at risk by:

• learning about the issue from our resources and information
• sharing these resources within your organisation and with the people you meet
• using the #SafeguardingAdultsWeek hashtag on social media to share our resources and let us know what you’re doing
• holding safeguarding events and training
• Share our MSP NSW briefing DAY 3 Self Neglect & Hoarding.

We recognise that some groups of people may be more likely to experience abuse and less able to access services or support to keep themselves safe.

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 well-being.

Self-neglect can be a complex and challenging issue because of the need to balance respecting a person’s autonomy with fulfilling a duty to protect the adult’s health and well-being. It may manifest in different ways, from lack of self-care to the extent that it threatens personal health and safety. It implies there may be an inability or unwillingness, or both, to attend to ones’ personal care and support needs.

The MSB (now MSP) published its Self-Neglect and Hoarding Strategy and Toolkit in April 2019 – find this and more in our self-neglect resource.

What you can do to help someone who may be neglecting their self-care or hoarding
If you are concerned about someone being abused or neglected, contact MCC – even if you’re unsure, report it so that the relevant service can check:

• call: 0161 234 5001 or email: mcsreply@manchester.gov.uk
• if a person is in immediate danger always dial 999 and ask for the police.

Here are some other ways you can offer support:

• Reach out for support – find a range of health and well-being resources and signposting to support for adults at www.manchester.gov.uk/health_and_wellbeing_support_for_older_people
• Find out how to help – the charity Mind have published resources that explain hoarding, possible causes and how to access treatment and support for yourself or friends and family – find out more at www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/hoarding/
• Raise awareness about this secretive condition – visit www.helpforhoarders.co.uk/ for information, support and advice aimed at hoarders and their loved ones.
• Access training – the MSP free online courses, which include Working with Adults who Self-Neglect and Self-care, can be accessed by anyone who works with adults or their families in Manchester at manchesterscb.virtual-college.co.uk/
• Get your agency involved – organisations such as hoardingdisordersuk.org/  offer training on the complexities of hoarding behaviours; how to assess and plan a strategy; and the need for a multi-agency approach.
• Help & Support Manchester – find lots of information, advice and support for adults, including those who care for people, in areas such financial planning, keeping fit, health conditions and adult social care at hsm.manchester.gov.uk/