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?