Self-neglect, Alcohol and Mental Capacity
The possible causes of self-neglect can include alcohol misuse, past trauma or loss (including
bereavement or loss of a relationship) however, this does not mean that a person may lack mental
capacity.
Alcohol misuse is less readily perceived as self-neglect compared to other behaviours such as hoarding
or lack of personal hygiene. This may be due to the stigma around alcohol misuse or the belief that it is
merely a "lifestyle choice" rather than a symptom and cause of other underlying issues.
The Mental Capacity Act recognises that mental capacity can fluctuate , meaning a person could have
mental capacity at one point in time and not at another. This is particularly relevant to those with alcohol
problems, where executive dysfunction should be considered.
It should also not be assumed that a demonstrated ability to make simple decisions necessarily indicates
a persons ability to make a more complex decision, therefore the Mental Capacity Act and the Care
Act should be applied to adults who are misusing alcohol and attend our services frequently.
Mental Capacity assessments should be regularly reviewed.
You may also need to seek legal advice and consider a multi-agency approach to support
frequent attenders with alcohol misuse and self-neglect concerns.
For advice and support with concerns over mental capacity assessment and executive dysfunction,
please contact the MCA / DoLS team on ext 40555