CH221-Safeguarding People at Risk of Self-Neglect and Hoarding Policy
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Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}
Safeguarding People at Risk of Self-Neglect and Hoarding Policy
1. Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to set out how {{org_field_name}} recognises, prevents, and responds to self-neglect and hoarding among the people we support. These behaviours can lead to significant risks to physical and mental health, safety, and wellbeing, and may indicate broader safeguarding concerns. This policy ensures compliance with Regulation 13 (Safeguarding from Abuse and Improper Treatment), Regulation 9 (Person-Centred Care), and Regulation 12 (Safe Care and Treatment) of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014, as well as the Care Act 2014’s definitions of self-neglect.
2. Scope
This policy applies to all staff, including permanent, temporary, agency, and volunteers, working in a care or support role for individuals in their own homes. It covers identification, reporting, multi-agency collaboration, and the provision of compassionate and tailored interventions for individuals showing signs of self-neglect or hoarding behaviours.
3. Related Policies
- CH07 – Person-Centred Care Policy
- CH08 – Dignity and Respect Policy
- CH11 – Safe Care and Treatment Policy
- CH13 – Safeguarding Adults from Abuse and Improper Treatment Policy
- CH18 – Risk Management and Assessment Policy
- CH24 – Management of Accidents, Incidents, and Near Misses Policy
- CH34 – Confidentiality and Data Protection Policy
4. Policy Statement and Principles
{{org_field_name}} recognises self-neglect and hoarding as serious safeguarding issues which require a sensitive, non-judgmental, and person-centred approach. Self-neglect may include neglecting personal hygiene, health, nutrition, or environmental cleanliness. Hoarding refers to the accumulation of items to an extent that it compromises safe and hygienic living. Our staff are trained to identify early signs, engage individuals with empathy, and work collaboratively with local safeguarding authorities to protect and support individuals while respecting autonomy.
4.1 Recognising Self-Neglect and Hoarding
Self-neglect may be identified through poor personal hygiene, malnutrition, untreated medical conditions, refusal of care, or living in unsafe or unsanitary conditions. Hoarding may involve excessive clutter, difficulty discarding items, blocked access to parts of the home, or associated fire hazards. Staff must remain alert and document concerns sensitively and accurately. All observations are to be reported to the Deputy Manager {{org_field_deputy_manager_first_name}} {{org_field_deputy_manager_last_name}} and escalated through safeguarding procedures if necessary.
4.2 Early Intervention and Risk Assessment
At initial assessment and during ongoing care, staff must consider indicators of self-neglect and hoarding. A risk assessment must be completed and documented within the care plan, taking into account the person’s physical and mental health, living environment, and willingness to engage. Risk levels must be reviewed regularly. Where concerns are noted, a discussion must be held with the Registered Manager {{org_field_registered_manager_first_name}} {{org_field_registered_manager_last_name}}, and a referral to {{org_field_local_authority_authority_name}} may be required.
4.3 Safeguarding and Multi-Agency Response
Where risks are significant, a safeguarding referral will be made to {{org_field_local_authority_authority_name}} via {{org_field_local_authority_information_link}}. Self-neglect and hoarding are covered under the Care Act 2014’s safeguarding duty, even when the person refuses support. The safeguarding process includes a Section 42 enquiry where appropriate, and may involve housing, fire services, mental health teams, GPs, and social workers. {{org_field_name}} actively participates in safeguarding meetings and contributes to risk management planning.
4.4 Mental Capacity and Consent
Staff must assess whether the individual has capacity to make decisions about their care, living environment, and lifestyle. If capacity is in doubt, a formal Mental Capacity Assessment must be requested. Where a person lacks capacity, decisions must be made in their best interests under the Mental Capacity Act 2005. Even if capacity is present, ongoing risk may justify protective interventions. In all cases, the person’s wishes and autonomy must be considered and documented respectfully.
4.5 Person-Centred and Trauma-Informed Support
Interventions must be person-centred and non-coercive, recognising that hoarding and self-neglect may be linked to trauma, loss, or mental illness. Staff must engage with patience, build trust, and avoid judgemental language. Care plans must reflect the individual’s values, goals, and pace of change. Strategies such as motivational interviewing, regular review visits, and agreed small goals may be used to support change without overwhelming the individual.
4.6 Health and Safety Considerations
Where the environment poses a risk to the person or staff (e.g. fire hazards, infestations, blocked access routes), a health and safety risk assessment must be completed. Measures may include:
- Adjusting care tasks to reduce risk
- Wearing PPE and ensuring proper infection control
- Requesting additional support from environmental health
- Escalating the situation to safeguarding teams for joint action
Staff safety must always be prioritised, and lone working procedures under CH23 must be followed.
4.7 Documentation and Confidentiality
All observations, concerns, discussions, and actions must be recorded clearly, objectively, and securely in the care record. Records must include the date, time, nature of concern, actions taken, individuals consulted, and outcomes. Records must be shared only with those who need to know and stored in line with CH34 – Confidentiality and Data Protection Policy.
4.8 Staff Training and Supervision
All staff receive training in safeguarding, including how to recognise and respond to self-neglect and hoarding. This includes understanding trauma, capacity, communication techniques, and multi-agency processes. Regular supervision and reflective practice sessions allow staff to raise concerns and receive support in managing complex cases. Training is refreshed annually and monitored by the Deputy Manager.
5. Policy Review
This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if prompted by changes in legislation, safeguarding guidance, or organisational learning. The most current version is available from {{org_field_email}} and on our website {{org_field_website}}. All staff will be notified of any updates and trained accordingly.
Responsible Person: {{org_field_registered_manager_first_name}} {{org_field_registered_manager_last_name}}
Reviewed on: {{last_update_date}}
Next Review Date: {{next_review_date}}
Copyright © {{current_year}} – {{org_field_name}}. All rights reserved.