Campaign aims to highlight the signs of self-neglect

Local people are being encouraged to spot the signs of self-neglect. This is when someone does not look after themselves properly.

It can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, race or social status; although it’s known that older people and those with physical or mental health issues are more at risk.

People may be unable to look after themselves as a result of social, physical or mental health issues. Whatever the reason lots of help is available.

To raise awareness of this important issue, the Rochdale Borough Safeguarding Adults Board has launched a dedicated borough-wide campaign.  The campaign will run until the end of February 2019 and encourages people to look out for signs of self-neglect.

There are three recognised forms of self-neglect:

• Lack of self-care may involve someone neglecting their personal hygiene, or not eating or drinking enough. Signs include people looking hungry or losing weight; having poor personal hygiene, such as soiled clothes or dirty nails and skin; not taking their medication or attending medical appointments; or not taking an interest in themselves or life in general.
• Lack of caring for their environment may result in unpleasant or dirty conditions in the home, which can cause a risk to their health and safety.  Signs include rubbish piling up, or a very unclean environment, leading to animal and insect infestations; items being hoarded (i.e. nothing is thrown away); lack of basic essentials in the home like food, heating or water; or the home is unsafe as a result of disrepair or lack of maintenance.
• The third form of self-neglect is refusing services that could help them overcome the above issues.

Jane Booth, chair of the Rochdale Borough Safeguarding Adults Board, said:  “I’m really pleased to be working with key partners to shine a light on an important issue.

“Whether you are a member of the public, or a professional providing services, it’s important that we all work together to tackle self-neglect. Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility, so we all have a part to play in protecting vulnerable people within our community.

“When encouraging someone to seek help, it’s important that they understand that they are not in trouble, that nothing bad is going to happen and we are not there to judge.

“We just want to make sure people get the help and support they need so they can stay healthy and enjoy the very best quality of life.”

Working with partner agencies, Rochdale adult care, part of Rochdale Borough Council, are on hand to support people at risk of self-neglect. And the earlier people get help the better.

Rochdale Adult Care can be contacted on 0300 303 8886 or at adultpreventionteam@rochdale.gov.uk (if an adult is in immediate danger, people should contact the police on 999).

Adult care professionals are highly experienced, compassionate and will take all concerns seriously. They will talk to the person at risk to find out what they want to happen and will work with them, along with other services, to agree a plan of action that best meets their needs and wishes.

Further information is available at: 

• www.rbsab.org/the-public/self-neglect