{"id":886,"date":"2023-01-13T23:29:35","date_gmt":"2023-01-13T18:29:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/connecticutinjurylawyers.com\/?page_id=886"},"modified":"2023-04-26T00:32:54","modified_gmt":"2023-04-25T19:32:54","slug":"self-neglect","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/connecticutinjurylawyers.com\/nursing-home-abuse\/types-of-abuse\/self-neglect\/","title":{"rendered":"Self Neglect"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Understanding self neglect is helpful when preventing\u00a0neglect and abuse<\/a>. If your loved one is in a home, you might notice signs of neglect. But,\u00a0the staff taking care of your loved one might not have caused this. You need to get more information before making accusations.\u00a0This information will be provided for you here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is Self Neglect?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Self neglect sometimes presents itself as neglect among the elderly. It happens when a person, by choice or lack of awareness or ability, disregards their health. It can also include when an older person refuses needed care or help with daily activities. Elderly people might self neglect themselves because they don\u2019t like where they are. If they want to get out, they can tell their family they are being neglected and can\u2019t stay there. Also, oftentimes their loved one will move them out right away. If the elderly person has a home health aide, that person might get replaced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Examples of self neglect include inadequate personal hygiene, not taking needed medication, poor and unsafe living conditions, lack of heat, and lack of nutrition. In addition, self neglect may occur with other issues. Other common issues include alcohol or drug problems, mental health challenges or dementia. Those who self neglect face higher risk for falls, medication errors<\/a>, isolation and depression. You will want to watch out for your loved one to make sure that they are not neglecting themselves. They might even be doing it without knowing. So, check up on them often to make sure they are doing ok and that they have not caused themselves any harm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Neglect can be intentional (active) or unintentional (passive). Intentional or active neglect occurs when a caregiver knowingly and intentionally fails to provide an older person with basic necessities or care. Then, unintentional or passive neglect occurs when a caregiver unknowingly fails to provide basic necessities or care. There are a number of reasons for this, such as the caregiver\u2019s lack of experience, information or ability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Neglect involves a failure to provide an older person with necessities and care basic needs such as food, water, housing, clothing, or heat; appropriate hygiene and personal care; medical care or access to medical care; necessary health aids or equipment for daily living such as wheelchairs, hearing aides, walkers, canes, or grab bars; a clean and safe place to live; transportation to and from necessary appointments; or access to friends, family, or companionship inside or outside the home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Neglect can also include leaving a vulnerable older person alone for too long; failing to provide adequate supervision or safety precautions, abandonment, or mismanagement of medication. Indicators of neglect are malnourishment; unkempt appearance; untreated medical conditions; missing dentures, glasses or hearing aids; or lack of heat or electricity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are ways for you to notice if your loved one is being neglected. In addition, indicators of neglect include the condition of the older person\u2019s home environment, physical signs of poor care, and behavioral characteristics of the caregiver and\/or older person.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also, 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Signs of Neglect Observed in the Home<\/h2>\n\n\n\n