This is often not the case. This type of abuse is the intentional infliction of mental suffering by a person who takes care of an older person. The abuse may be imposed through verbal assaults, threats, humiliation, intimidation, or isolation of the elder. A person may be able to recognize a victim of this type of abuse if the elder exhibits a hesitation to talk openly, a feeling of helplessness, agitation, anger, fear, withdrawal, or depression. Abandonment involves the unsubstantiated desertion of an elder by a caretaker or legal guardian.
Most states offer services to the elderly who are neglectful of their own care.
However, an individual's rights to refuse state services are given careful consideration. Treatment for those who suffer from elder self-neglect is provided by most major hospitals and medical centers across the country. They have programs designed to treat problems related to the abuse and neglect of the elderly. The medical profession is also crucial in the diagnosis of victims of elder neglect, i.e. patients with severe bedsores or emotional problems. Protective services are provided by state public agencies, such as an adult protective service agency, or other state agencies such as health departments and units on aging.