Neglect or acts of omission

Part of: Abuse, mistreatment and neglect

Contents

Neglect is a type of abuse that uses acts of omission. 

Examples of neglect include:

  • Ignoring medical or physical care needs
  • Ignoring a person’s cultural, religious, or ethnic needs
  • Failing to provide access to appropriate health, social care, or educational services
  • Withdrawing the necessities of life, such as medication, glasses, hearing aids, dentures, adequate nutrition, and heating
  • Refusing access to visitors
  • Ignoring or isolating a person
  • Preventing a person from making their own decisions

Support for neglect

Self-neglect

Self-neglect is when someone neglects to attend to their basic needs, such as personal hygiene, health, or surroundings.

Examples of self-neglect include:

  • Refusal or inability to cater for basic needs, including personal hygiene and appropriate clothing
  • Neglecting to seek assistance for medical issues
  • Not attending to living conditions – letting rubbish accumulate in the garden, or dirt accumulate in the house
  • Hoarding items or animals

Supporting those who self-neglect 

Treatment for self-neglect often involves identifying and addressing its root causes, such as depression or a significant learning disability. 

Home care can be an effective approach, with carers supporting tasks like cleaning, dressing, and feeding while respecting the individual's independence.

Building a trusting relationship is essential. Interventions that limit autonomy may do more harm than good, so support should be offered in a way that empowers rather than restricts.