Are You or a Neighbor Self-Neglecting?
\nThe Savvy Senior
\nBy Robert Goodman, MSW
\nThere are many stories in Century Village, and you hear them all while riding the buses. I have heard stories of people laying on the floor for four days and not allowing anyone to call 911, stories about residents who cannot take care of themselves and have no food in their home who will not let anyone in to help, people who have money and won\u2019t use it to care for themselves. One who does this or allows it to happen is guilty of neglect.
\nAs a geriatric social worker I want to help all these people, but realize I cannot save the world. But each one of us has a responsibility to help our neighbors as best we can when they are in need.
\nSelf-neglect is a general term used to describe a vulnerable adult living in a way that puts his or her health, safety, or well-being at risk. The state\u2019s definition of neglect is \u201cUnexplained or unexpected deterioration of health, personal care or living situation. This includes inadequate food, clothing, and\/or shelter.\u201d Self-neglect is defined as \u201cwhen individuals fail to provide themselves with whatever is necessary to prevent physical or emotional harm or pain.\u201d Some people get to a point when they become a danger to themselves or others. These are serious situations and need to be dealt with.
\nVulnerable adults who neglect themselves are unwilling or unable to do needed self-care.\u00a0 This can include such things as:
\n\u2022\tNot eating enough food to the point of malnourishment.
\n\u2022\tWearing clothes that are filthy, torn, or not suited for the weather.
\n\u2022\tLiving in filthy, unsanitary, or hazardous conditions.
\n\u2022\tNot getting needed medical care.
\nThere are some common characteristics of adults who neglect themselves.\u00a0 He\/ or she is more likely to:
\n\u25aa\tLive alone.
\n\u25aa\tBe female (possibly because more women than men live alone).
\n\u25aa\tBe depressed and\/or increasingly confused.
\n\u25aa\tBe frail and elderly.
\n\u25aa\tHave alcohol and drug problems.
\n\u25aa\tHave a history of poor personal hygiene or living conditions.
\nSigns to look for:
\nThe Home
\n\u2022\tNot enough food, water, heat.
\n\u2022\tGarbage and rotting food in refrigerator
\n\u2022\tFilth or bad odors, hazardous, unsafe, or unclean living conditions or fire hazards.
\n\u2022\tMajor repairs are needed and not done.
\n\u2022\tHuman or animal feces.
\n\u2022\tHoarding: nothing is thrown away, stacks of papers, magazines.
\n\u2022\tAnimal or insect infestation.
\nThe Person
\n\u2022\tPoor personal hygiene (dirty hair, nails, skin).
\n\u2022\tSmells of feces or urine.
\n\u2022\tUnclothed, or improperly dressed for weather.
\n\u2022\tSkin rashes or bed sores (pressure ulcers).
\n\u2022\tDehydrated, malnourished or weight loss..
\n\u2022\tAbsence of needed dentures, eyeglasses, hearing aids, walkers, wheelchairs, braces, or a commode.
\n\u2022\tIncreased dementia, confusion, disorientation.
\n\u2022\tUnexpected or unexplained worsening of health or living conditions.
\n\u2022\tSpending too much time alone or isolated from former activities.
\n\u2022\tLack of interest or concern about life.
\n\u2022\tUntreated medical conditions. Failure to take medications or go to doctor or dentist.
\n\u2022\tSelf-destructive behaviors or significant behavior changes.
\n\u2022\tHallucinations, delusions.
\n\u2022\tMisusing drugs or alcohol.
\nA self-neglecting older adult may have the capacity to make decisions, but his\/her ability to identify and remove oneself from a harmful situation may be limited or compromised.
\nThere are many possible reasons why a formerly meticulous person may have changed so drastically. Some of the more common reasons include:
\n\u2022\tMedications
\n\u2022\tCognitive impairments
\n\u2022\tDepression
\n\u2022\tAlcohol or drug abuse
\n\u2022\tIsolation
\nIf you know of or suspect someone is a victim of abuse or neglect call 1-800-ABUSE (2873). You can remain anonymous. When calling to report abuse or neglect give the person\u2019s name, address, family contact information if available, and describe the situation. For general information on services for seniors call the Elder Helpline at 1-866-684-5885 or 211.
\n(Sources: Palm Beach County Area Agency on Aging, State of Washington Department of Human Services, AARP)
\nResources on Elder Abuse and Neglect:
\nFoundation for Healthy Aging
\nwww.healthyaging.org
\nNational Institute of Health Medline
\nwww.nlm.nih.gov\/medlineplus\/elderabuse.html
\nNational Committee for the Prevention of Elder Abuse
\nwww.preventelderabuse.org
\nNational Center on Elder Abuse
\nwww.ncea.aoa.gov<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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