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Professional social workers' views on self-neglect: an exploratory study
- Authors:
- DAY Mary Rose, MACCARTHY Geraldine, LEAHY-WARREN Patricia
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Social Work, 42(4), 2012, pp.725-743.
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
Self-neglect is characterised by an inability to meet one's own basic needs. It can include poor self-care, poor nutrition, non-compliance with prescribed medication, dilapidated environments, and hoarding of rubbish. Ageing populations, chronic illness, disability and poverty place individuals at risk for self-neglect. The aim of this study was to explore the views and experiences of Senior Case Workers (SCWs) in Ireland on self-neglect. The participants were a purposeful sample of 7 SCWs working in Elder Abuse Services who had clients with self-neglect on their caseload. Data was collected using in-depth semi-structured interviews which were tape recorded, transcribed and thematically analysed. Four major themes emerged from the findings: self-neglect as an entity; assessment; interventions; and ethical challenges. SCWs are challenged and frustrated by this complex multidimensional phenomenon. Furthermore, poor operational definitions of ‘exceptional circumstances’ and ‘self-neglect’ can lead to diversity in choosing and responding to self-neglect. Suggestions are made about ways in which practice, policy and research can be developed.