Self-neglect is a worldwide and serious public health issue that can have serious adverse outcomes and is more common in older people. Cases can vary in presentation, but typically present as poor self-care, poor care of the environment and service refusal. Community nurses frequently encounter self-neglect cases and health and social care professionals play a key role in the identification, management and prevention of self-neglect. Self-neglect cases can give rise to ethical, personal and professional challenges. The aim of this article is to create a greater understanding of the concept of self-neglect among community nurses.

Mary Rose Day - College Lecturer, Brookfield Health Science Complex, University College Cork

Helen Mulcahy - College Lecturer, Brookfield Health Science Complex, University College Cork

Patricia Leahy-Warren - Senior Lecturer, Brookfield Health Science Complex, University College Cork

Johanna Downey - Assistant Director of Public Health Nursing, North Lee Community Services, and President, Institute of Community Health Nursing, Ireland