Responding to self-neglect

Who may be at increased risk

• Older people
• People living with disability
• People who rely on others for care or support or are unable to access care/support
• People experiencing isolation, mental health issues, or cognitive decline
• People who experience chronic health conditions or addiction.

What self-neglect might look like

• Not eating, showering, or managing personal hygiene
• Refusing medical care
• Declining support services
• Living in unsafe or unhygienic conditions.

How to identify signs of self-neglect

Look out for:

• Unexplained weight loss, dehydration and malnutrition
• Unkept personal appearance, including body odour, unwashed clothing
• Untreated injuries or medical conditions (such as poorly managed diabetes)
• Home environment that is unsafe, unhygienic or severely cluttered
• Withdrawn from community
• Not accessing medical or dental care (including missed appointments)
• Difficulty managing daily responsibilities (utilities disconnected, no access to phone, no food in the fridge).

What to do if you suspect self-neglect

Approach the person with sensitivity and respect:

• Engage in a non-judgemental and compassionate manner
• Explain your observations clearly and respectfully
• Take time to understand their perspective, preferences, and care needs
• Involve a trusted family member or friend, if appropriate and with the person’s consent.

Where appropriate, and with consideration of privacy:

• Notify the person’s General Practitioner (doctor)
• Inform their primary community care provider
• Contact their NDIS Support Coordinator (if applicable)
• Contact My Aged Care providers (if applicable)
• Continue to monitor concerns and document observations
• Provide the person with information and support relevant to their situation.

If you are concerned about a person’s decision-making capacity:

• Discuss your concerns with their GP or primary care provider
• Confirm whether they have an Advance Care Directive or a SACAT-appointed guardian
• If decision-making concerns persist, you may need to apply to SACAT for a Guardianship Order. Consider contacting Office of the Public Advocate (OPA) for information regarding seeking a guardianship order to SACAT

For older people living in the community, consider contacting the Community Geriatric Evaluation and Management (GEM) Service. Refer to the Contacts for Safeguarding Assistance Information Sheet for more information about whom to contact.

If you are an NDIS provider or aged care worker:

Report internally according to your organisation’s safeguarding or incident management policy.

Consider whether to make a report to:

• NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission (if person is an NDIS participant).
• Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission, (if person is in aged care).

If you are not sure about the risk, talk to your manager or supervisor.

Printable version of this guide

Guide for service providers - Responding to Self-Neglect (PDF 183.0 KB)