A Guide to Safeguarding and Support

Self-neglect and hoarding are found in 1 of 5 social work cases in mental health and older people’s services. These cases can be the most alarming and challenging on a social workers’ caseload.

A skilled, thorough risk assessment of the behaviours of self-neglect is needed in order to ensure effective care and support is available. This guide offers practical and applicable tools and solutions for all professionals involved in working with people who self-neglect. Included are tips for assessment and decision-making in the support process, with updates following the implementation of the Care Act 2014, which deemed self-neglect a safeguarding matter.

Contents:

• 1. Self-Neglect and Hoarding
• 2. How Self-Neglect Affects People’s Lives.
• 3. Themes Arising from Serious Case Reviews or Safeguarding Adult Reviews.
• 4. Safeguarding those who Self-Neglect under the Care Act 2016.
• 5. Therapeutic Engagement.
• 6. Assessment.
• 7. Defensible Decision Making.
• 8. Supporting the Practitioner.
• 9. Conclusions.

Author Bio:

Deborah Barnett is a qualified social worker with experience across all aspects of adult services. Deborah has been a member of the Safeguarding Adults Board within her local authority of Durham and runs a successful training and consultancy business, T-ASC (Training, advice, solutions & consultancy)

Review:

“This book is a further step towards building a successful long-term management strategy for self-neglect and hoarding, rather than just a guide focusing on resolving the obvious, outward manifestations. It provides a great example of a ‘journey of support’ for the affected individual whilst not forgetting the legal obligations and moral duties of professionals. I’m confident, with the toolkit for a patient centred approach outlined in this book, our management of this disorder, with its considerable societal risks, will improve dramatically.” – Dr. Roberta Caiazza, HCPC registered Senior Clinical Psychologist.