The Unit’s Nicole Steils and Michela Tinelli from the London School of Economics presented findings from a recent study on self-neglect and hoarding behaviour among older people to three Fire & Rescue Officers in Bedfordshire. The presentation and following discussion aimed to gain more insight into the work that the Fire & Rescue Service undertakes to prevent harm to, and support, people with hoarding behaviour, and to understand the associated economic costs to the service. The ongoing conversation will further inform our study.

The study is funded by the NIHR School for Social Care Research. See the project page for our publications thus far.