Hoarding and self-neglect Practice development. Why it matters.
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Transcript of Hoarding and self-neglect Practice development. Why it matters.
Hoarding and self-neglect
Practice development
Why it matters
Why it matters
Why it matters
Defining the issues
• Hoarding: excessive collection of objects, sometimes systematic and ‘ordered’. Association with anxiety and OCD issues
• Self neglect: very poor personal and property hygiene. Observed association with trauma (eg death of spouse) Contested concept in social work practice – focus on capacity
Why it matters
• Fire Risks to neighbourhood
• Additional risks for fire fighters
• Public health impact on neighbourhood
• Damage to neighbouring properties
• HCA (social housing regulator)
• Local Government Ombudsman
Our approach• Central West LDG discussion Feb 2014
• Focus on practice in the first instance
• Real cases analysed in real time with learning points developed from each meeting
• Active participation by Landlord Services, Midland Heart & Fire Service
• Partially by mental health and adults and communities
Identifying and assessing
• Key role of gas and repairs contractors (note non-gas serviced properties may not be visited)
• Assessing and diagnosing cases and making prompt effective referrals to fire service
• Developing Grading and Assessment Tool
Responding and Enforcing
• Enforcement action needs to be prepared and understood within overall strategy
• Legal tools include Court of Protection where lack of capacity identified
• Further engagement and inter-disciplinary understanding required with mental health, GPs and Adults and Communities
• Safeguarding may not be relevant
Further work
• Training and support for frontline staff
• Commissioning specialist support services?
• Develop Joint Agency group for referral of cases?
• Central West LDG to host summit for others in the City?