What does "self-neglect" refer to in guardianship?

Self-neglect in guardianship context refers to the situation where an individual fails to care for themselves adequately, leading to concerns about their health, safety, and overall well-being. This can manifest in various ways, such as neglecting personal hygiene, not taking medication as prescribed, failing to eat properly, or living in unsafe or unsanitary conditions. Recognizing self-neglect is crucial in the guardianship process as it may indicate that the person requires assistance to maintain their health and safety, and could be a central consideration for initiating guardianship or related interventions.

In contrast, living independently does not imply self-neglect; it could suggest a person is capable of caring for themselves. Choosing not to see a guardian does not inherently indicate neglect or need for assistance; the individual may simply prefer their autonomy. Lastly, financial mismanagement by the guardian pertains to the guardian's responsibilities and is unrelated to whether the individual is self-neglecting. Understanding self-neglect is essential for guardianship advocates, as it helps to identify when intervention may be necessary.