Self neglect

We're still struggling with issues around severe, chronic burnout, withdrawal and self isolation (mostly within just one room) in our adult son.  The thought occurs to me, especially given that this has led to very poor personal hygiene, absolute refusal (or inability) to engage with services or even, for much of the time, with family members, does this all at some point become more than self neglect and turn into more of a safeguarding issue for which we, as parents are responsible?  

If so, what on earth should we be doing for someone who has capacity but who uses this to refuse all help, especially understandable since his experiences with services have been entirely negative, even leading to a worsening of issues in the past?  We would hate to (once again!) enlist the help of any service which isn't autism friendly, approaches issues clumsily then leaves us in a worse position with well intentioned but ultimately useless suggestions like getting back in touch when he's willing to engage (this just isn't going to be happening any time soon) and comments such as, "We've never met anyone so unwilling to engage.  If only he would engage then ..." - i.e. simply echoing our difficulties back to us, withdrawing from the situation and leaving us without any support.  

This all feels very much like a stalemate situation but one in which we could be, while emotionally exhausted and trying to do our best, colluding with the neglect and thereby failing in our responsibilities and duties to our son.  

Parents
  • Hi Jenny, 

    This must be a very difficult situation for you all.

    Have you had a carers assessment? You are entitled to have one as a carer. It will focus on your needs and how best services can support both you and your son. 

    Good luck x

Reply
  • Hi Jenny, 

    This must be a very difficult situation for you all.

    Have you had a carers assessment? You are entitled to have one as a carer. It will focus on your needs and how best services can support both you and your son. 

    Good luck x

Children
  • Hi there.  Yes, this is something that I keep backing away from because I'm afraid that, if they catch me on a bad day, I might trigger a mental health assessment for my son - which might seem like a good thing but which, given our history of very bad experiences with services, might drive my son even further into his shell.  

    I wonder whether anyone in a similar position has been offered anything useful?  If so, then the possible benefits might outweigh the costs.  I do keep coming back to the idea but would need to believe that there might be specific help, apart from, say, a bit of respite every so often.  

    I'm in a local carers' group so it's something I could explore a bit more.