Self neglect refers to situations in which there is no perpetrator and neglect is the result of the older person refusing care. Persons with physical or mental disabilities who depend on others for care Persons with high care needs. The literature on care giving suggests that certain conditions are particularly stressful to caregivers. These include fluctuations in the older person's need for care, disturbed sleep, incontinence, and lack of support from other family members. Self-neglect is often associated with mental health problems, including substance abuse, dementia, and depression.
Indicators are signs or clues that neglect has occurred.
Some of the indicators listed below may not signal neglect but rather reflect lifestyle choices, lack of resources, or mental health problems, etc. One should look for patterns or clusters of indicators that suggest a problem. For more information about JEAN, and a listing of articles in the issue, click here . A national study of self-neglecting adult protective services clients. Virginia Department of Social Services.