How long can someone self neglect before capacity is taken away?

Not true, the starting point of the mental capacity assessment is the functional test and if they are determined to lack mental capacity then the diagnostic test is looked at but no formal diagnosis is required just a belief that there is something. If there are concerns about the person's decision making or behaviours then a MCA should be completed.

My mother's GP told us that just because we don't like or agree with her decisions, it doesn't mean she doesn't have capacity to make those decisions.
When the doctor told us she was going to be discharged from hospital, at this point she could barely move, we told him we didn't think she could go home, he said she had mental capacity, wasn't ill, and had said she wants to go home.
She didn't wash, she cancelled the cleaner, she didn't eat very much, but there was nothing we could do as she had capacity.

It can go for a long time.

In general people are presumed to have capacity.

The legal bar is very low - they basically need to understand the consequences of their decisions.

Lack of showering and self care doesn't come anywhere near it.

Tell the hospital that you want it put on her written notes that as her daughter you are of the opinion that this would be an unsafe discharge.

If she still loves the dogs, perhaps someone can take and care for them and then she has to “earn” them back by showing that she can take care of herself and her house first?

Can you get the poor dogs away at least? The RSPCA and dog warden may be helpful. It’s bad enough that your mum neglects herself but the animals have no choice.
I would also put in writing to the hospital that your mother is at serious risk of harm on discharge because of her behaviour and you doubt her mental capacity, giving details as to why. Make clear that it is essential that her capacity is assessed and a plan made for her before she is discharged and that as her next of kin you need to be involved in this as your mother may not be accurate or truthful with any information she provides.

It truly is awful & very stressful.

Her skin isn’t good, she picks at her skin too & is convinced it’s mites rather than the fact she won’t shower. I wipe her down with a flannel & change her once a week but she won’t let carers do any of it. I had to shave all her hair off because it was matted.

She either refuses hospital or discharged herself saying her dog needs her & she needs to be home. All the services have her down as ‘won’t engage/refuses help’.

It’s so difficult, I really feel for you.

In healthcare you do see a fair number of people that don't wash.

Bit smelly, bit crusty, usually a bit yeasty. But if they don't have pressure area problems, their skin is fine apart from that.

My mum hasn’t showered in over 2 years &. Is extremely difficult to deal with, I sympathise op. She had 2 strokes & discharged herself & got a taxi home after refusing physio!

I would just keep telling anyone & everyone at the hospital how you feel.

I'm so sorry you are facing this.

People are assumed to have mental capacity for decisions unless they have a disorder of mind or brain, which might mean their mental capacity for a decision will be assessed.

You could inform the hospital team about your views, even if they can't tell you much - I would ring the ward. See if you can talk to an occupational therapist.

It’s incredibly stressful. My mums GP did a capacity test quite easily but my mum had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s for a couple of years at that point.

To determine capacity, I think they try and understand their functioning and decision making eg around finances…do they understand how much money they have access to, where it is, how to pay for things etc

My mum also stopped eating and it is very hard to persuade someone who really just doesn’t want to eat.

Have a chat with the GP re capacity.