Self-neglect
Self-neglect is another common them to emerge from local SAR's.
People who neglect themselves often decline help from others. In
many cases, they do not feel they need it.
Families and neighbours can be critical of professionals because
they perceive them as not doing anything to improve that individuals
situation. There are limitations as to what others can do if the adult
has capacity to make their own decisions about how they live.
Sometimes self-neglect is related to deteriorating health and ability
in older age. People with mental health problems may display selfneglecting behaviours.
There is often an assumption that selfneglecting
behaviours indicate a mental health problem but there is
no direct correlation.