Martineau S, Manthorpe J, Woolham J, Steils N, Stevens M, Owen J, Tinelli M
Available online 6 Jul 2021
Abstract
This report sets out findings from a review of the international literature available in English (2015-20) focusing on adult social care responses to self-neglect among older people. It also discusses the national law and policy context in England provided by the Care Act 2014 and the Mental Capacity Act 2005.
- A section on definitions outlines the authors’ approach and explains why, although hoarding has conventionally been viewed as part of the topic of self-neglect, they have reviewed publications with a specific focus on hoarding separately from this report.
- A narrative synthesis draws together the evidence from the publications they found. The authors isolate and discuss two overarching themes: relationship building and multi-agency working.
- A section on law and national policy developments examines the formal incorporation of self-neglect within adult safeguarding practice by the guidance accompanying the (English) Care Act 2014. The authors discuss this in the wider context of care and support under the Act.
- A section on ethical questions and mental capacity addresses the difficulty surrounding individuals with capacity who appear to be acting in ways that may endanger themselves and who are reluctant to accept help. In the context of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and the inherent jurisdiction of the High Court (England and Wales) they discuss relational autonomy, judicial perspectives, and executive capacity.
- The concluding section appraises the evidence covered by thereview, poses a number of research questions for Adult Social Care in England, and closes with a discussion.
