Self-neglect policy and practice: building an evidence base for adult social care

This research, commissioned by the Department of Health (DH), set out to identify what could be learned about current policy and practice in self-neglect, experienced as a highly challenging aspect of contemporary adult social care. A national (England) survey investigated current strategic and policy initiatives, with responses from 53 out of 152 local authorities (34.9 per cent). A series of in-depth interviews undertaken with 20 managers, 42 practitioners and 29 people who use services across 10 authorities identified approaches that have produced positive outcomes from the perspectives of those involved.