Neglect is when a person’s basic needs are not being met, either by someone else who has a responsibility to help, or by the person themselves (self-neglect). Neglect can be intentional or unintentional, and it can seriously impact a person’s health, safety, and dignity.
Who may be at risk
- older people
- people living with disability
- people who rely on others for care or support
- people experiencing isolation, mental health issues, or cognitive decline
- people who experience chronic health conditions.
What neglect looks like
When a person responsible for providing care is:
- failing to provide adequate food, clothing, shelter, heating or cooling, hygiene, or medical care (including dental care)
- not assisting with mobility or daily care needs
- intentionally withholding care, medication, or access to services
- ignoring calls for help or requests for assistance
- under or over medicating
- exposing a person to danger or not providing supervision
- ignoring medical advice or failing to seek medical help when needed.
When a person does not care for themselves in a way that puts their health, safety, or wellbeing at risk, this is referred to as self-neglect.
How to identify signs of neglect
Look for:
- unexplained weight loss, dehydration and malnutrition
- poor personal hygiene, body odour, or unwashed clothing
- untreated medical conditions or injuries, including poor skin integrity (pressure sores)
- unsafe or squalid home environment
- withdrawal, anxiety, or confusion
- lack of medical or dental care, including missed appointments
- lack of access to essential medications or necessary equipment, including assistive technologies.
What to do if you suspect neglect
If you are concerned about someone’s immediate health or safety, phone emergency services 000 (triple zero) or the SA Mental Health Triage 131 465.
If you are a NDIS provider or aged care worker:
Report it within your organisation, following your safeguarding or incident policy.
Consider whether to make a report to:
- the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission, if the person is a NDIS participant
- the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission, if person is in aged care.
Work with the person and caregiver to plan the next steps
- If safe to do so, talk to the person, as well as their caregiver, and ask if they are okay or need help, while being non-judgemental and respectful.
- With consent, make appropriate referrals such as:
- carer support agencies
- local community services
- health or mental health services'
- NDIS / Aged care support services
- counselling and therapeutic services.
- Continue to engage with the person and their caregiver and monitor the situation.
- Document your observations and actions.
If the person does not want help
- Respect their choice but stay connected.
- Let them know you are available if they change their mind.
- Provide information about support services they can access later.
If there are serious risks to health and safety if support is declined:
- Speak with your manager about the situation and consider your agency's safeguarding policies and incident management procedures.
- Consider whether Information Sharing Guidelines apply to seek help from or share information with other agencies without consent.
- Refer to the contacts for adult safeguarding assistance for more information about who to contact.
If you need further advice or support
The Adult Safeguarding Unit can provide free, confidential information, advice and support.
Phone 1800 372 310 (9:00am to 4:00pm, Monday to Friday)
Email adultsafeguardingunit@sa.gov.au
Website adultsafeguardingunit.sa.gov.au
Other support services can be found on our contacts for adult safeguarding assistance page.
Printable version of this guide
Guide for service providers - Understanding and responding to carer neglect (PDF 139.1 KB)