Cumbria has seen a steep rise in referrals for self-neglect during the coronavirus pandemic.
Self-neglect can cover a wide range of behaviour from neglecting personal hygiene, health or surroundings, and can include behaviour such as hoarding.
The rise is likely to be a consequence of increased social isolation during the pandemic, leaving some people at a higher risk of hidden harm, including self-neglect.
Referrals for the period January–March this year are up by 67 per cent compared to the same period last year.
The rise has promoted the Cumbria Safeguarding Adults Board (CSAB) to remind everyone of the signs to look for.
“The COVID-19 pandemic may have meant more people in Cumbria have put themselves at risk of poor health without realising. We need everyone to understand what self-neglect is so that people can recognise the signs and get help early,” said CSAB’s independent chairwoman, Jeanette McDiarmid.
“The pandemic and subsequent lockdowns have unfortunately led to increased social isolation and depression across our communities. In some cases, this has put some people at an increased risk of self-neglect because their usual support networks have not been in place and contact with friends, family and neighbours has reduced.
“As we come out of lockdown, you might be concerned about a friend or relative who may be showing signs of not looking after themselves properly.
“Signs include that a person’s house or their own appearance is unusually untidy, the person has lost or gained weight or they are unusually withdrawn.”
The restrictions that everyone has been living with for the last 18 months has led to an increase in social isolation and some people will have become increasingly withdrawn and unable to access their usual community resources. There is a concern that cases of self-neglect have increased because the signs may have gone unnoticed.
Jeanette added: “The Cumbria Safeguarding Adults Board would like to urge everyone to be aware of the signs of self-neglect and be mindful of the wellbeing of their friends, relatives and neighbours who may be vulnerable.
“Help and support is available – please get in touch if you have any concerns about someone you know. Safeguarding is everyone’s business.”
Know the signs
Examples of self-neglect include:
- Lack of self-care – a refusal or inability to cater for basic needs, including personal hygiene, nutrition, hydration, health and appropriate clothing
- Not attending to living conditions – letting rubbish accumulate in the garden, or dirt to accumulate in the house
- Hoarding items or animals
- Neglecting to seek assistance for medical issues
