Self-Neglect: A Hidden Killer

Abstract

Self-Neglect (SN) can be defined as: This definition is holistic and captures the intentional and choice factors as well as socio-cultural influence of the behaviour and the potential negative impact of SN for the individual, their family and community. A key component of assessment by professionals is the individual’s decision making capacity and ability to understand the consequences of their actions. Occasionally, distorted images and headlines appear in the media such as “A Systems Failure: Pensioner found dead due to Self-Neglect”. There is a general outcry of public rage but the media are not interested in understanding why the vulnerable but competent adult who was self-neglecting is not rescued. A social media heading like this is a nightmare for professionals and services. A range of interrelated factors contribute to health inequalities of older people such as socio-economic and material factors, psychosocial factors and lifestyle factors. Many of these are risk ...