CuraFlow DC-E06CQCSection E · Safeguarding and Protection
Self Neglect and Hoarding policy
For CQC-registered domiciliary care services · version 1.0 · last reviewed 1 June 2026
Self-neglect and hoarding sit awkwardly between a person's right to live as they choose and your duty of care. The policy addresses that tension directly, alongside mental capacity, recognising self-neglect, understanding and responding to hoarding, and the fire and environmental risks that can follow.
What this policy covers
- Understanding self-neglect and hoarding
- Self-neglect as a safeguarding matter
- The legal framework
- The central tension — autonomy and duty of care
- Mental capacity and self-neglect
- Recognising self-neglect
- Understanding and responding to hoarding
- Fire and environmental risks
- Distinguishing self-neglect from choice and difference
- Building trust and a person-centred approach
- Risk assessment and proportionate response
- Multi-agency working
Regulations and guidance it supports
Supports the fundamental standards at Regulations 9, 12, 13 and 20 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014.
- Care Act 2014
- Mental Capacity Act 2005
- Human Rights Act 1998 (Article 8)
- Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014
- Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
Common questions
- Is the self neglect and hoarding policy CQC-aligned?
- Yes. It is written and reviewed by practising UK compliance consultants against current CQC expectations, and supports the fundamental standards at Regulations 9, 12, 13 and 20. It is a controlled starting-point document that you adapt to your own service — you remain the accountable provider.
- Can I download and edit this policy?
- Yes. It downloads as Word (.docx) or PDF with your company name, registered manager, CQC ID and address already filled in on the cover page and throughout the document. The Word version is fully editable.
- Can I buy this policy on its own?
- Policies are sold as a complete library rather than individually, because CQC expects a coherent set that cross-references properly — a single policy in isolation creates gaps. The domiciliary care library contains 141 policies and can be bought outright as a one-off purchase and kept permanently.
- How often is it reviewed?
- The library is re-reviewed every six months and after any material regulatory change. This policy was last reviewed 1 June 2026, and is at version 1.0. Updates reach you automatically, so downloads always reflect the current version.