Self-neglect happens when an elderly or disabled person fails to provide themselves with whatever is necessary to stay free of physical and emotional harm. Most often, the elder that is guilty of self-neglect has no idea they are in a bad situation. Sadly, sometimes it is a matter of pride that prevents an elder from seeking help for basic activities that would keep him or her healthy and out of harm’s way.
What are the Signs of Self-Neglect?
Common signs of self-neglect include:
- Obvious malnutrition
- Being physically unclean or unkempt
- Dirty, ragged clothing
- Home in state of filth or disrepair
- Unmet medical or dental needs
- Refusal to take medication
- Disregarding medical restrictions
- Depression, listlessness, sleeping extended periods of the day
What Can You Do to Help if You Suspect Self-Neglect?
If you suspect self-neglect, and the situation is in the early stages or minor in nature, you may want to have a gentle conversation with the elder, and see what you can do to help. Often, recruiting additional family members to be part of this conversation can make things a bit easier. If the elderly family member is not the type to accept help from within the family, contact your local social services organization and request an assessment be done from a professional standpoint.
Use your judgment to weigh the options, but ultimately trust your gut instinct. If you suspect a problem, there likely is a problem.
