Overview
A brief summary about self-neglect

Selfneglect.org is dedicated to educating the families and friends of those with self-neglect

Overview of Self-Neglect

What is SN?
The different definitions of self-neglect

Self-neglect is one of the most common problems investigated by Adult Protective Services

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Test Yourself!
What do you already know about SN?

See what you already know about self-neglect!

Take the Self-Neglect Quiz

History of SN
In Greek history, who was Diogenes?

What did Diogenes tell Alexander the Great?

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Risk Factors
What increases the risk of self-neglect?

Old age is a risk factor for self-neglect

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Prevention
Can self-neglect be prevented?

What steps can you take to stop self-neglect before it starts?

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Professionals & SN
Self-neglect requires professional help

Cleaning services are part of the non-medical services team

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Hoarding
Hoarding commonly occurs with self-neglect

Hoarding is when a person struggles with discarding items, regardless of their actual value

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Dementia
Dementia is not a normal part of aging

Dementia is a brain disorder that leads to poor memory and/or poor reasoning

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APS
What does Adult Protective Services do?

A visit from an APS agent is critical in addressing self-neglect

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The Law & SN
The legal aspects of self-neglect

Each state has their own laws regarding self-neglect

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I SAID NO!
How to handle Care Refusal

What can you do when your loved-one refuses care?

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Directives
Express healthcare wishes through ADs

Living Will

A Living Will and a Durable Power of Attorney are two types of advanced directives

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Barriers
The physical, ethical and legal boundaries of SN

The need for guardianship can be a barrier to treating SN in cases of incompetency

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Reporting SN
Who do I call to report self-neglect?

What questions will be asked?

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Ethics
The ethical considerations of self-neglect

The ethical concepts of autonomy and beneficence guide the treatment of self-neglect

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How to Talk
How do you start the discussion?

How to talk to your loved one about self-neglect?

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Not Sure?
Worried about what will happen?

Self-neglect is one of the most common problems investigated by APS

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Recognizing SN
How to look for signs of self-neglect

Learn How to Recognize Self-Neglect

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Depression
Depression can often be treated

Depression is a persistent overwhelming feeling of sadness even when everything is going right

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Get Involved!
Fight SN and become a hero

By intervening, you can become the hero that saves your loved one

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Welcome to Selfneglect.org

Self-neglect is described when self-care activities and or the living environment of an individual is that are potentially harmful to the health, safety or well-being (National Adult Protective Services Association, n.d.). Most researchers agree on five findings or symptoms frequently seen in cases of self-neglect including squalor, social withdrawal, apathy, hoarding, and lack of shame (Pavlou & Lachs, 2006; Lee & LoGiudice, 2012). Also, abusing alcohol or illegal drugs, dementia, and depression are frequently accompany symptoms of self-neglect (National Committee for the Prevention of Elder Abuse, n.d.). However, researchers do not agree on exactly must be present to diagnose self-neglect. An expert must evaluate the individual to determine if self-neglect exists (Culo, 2011).

You can report suspected self-neglect by calling your local Adult Protective Services. You can remain anonymous.

Our Mission

Our mission is to educate the families and friends of individuals with self-neglect about the basics of self-neglect. Selfneglect.org is a free, educational, public service project that is available to anyone interested in self-neglect.

Our Vision

Our vision is to continue to provide evidence-based and unbiased information for the families and friends of individuals with self-neglect.

Our Purpose

Our purpose is to provide unbiased, evidence-based information about self-neglect in order to educate the families and friends of individuals with self-neglect.

Our Message

  • You are not alone,
  • Self-neglect requires intervention, and
  • Treating self-neglect can improve the individual's life in most cases.

Hoarding

Hoarding is when a person struggles with discarding items, regardless of their actual value. Hoarding is long lasting and difficult to treat

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More Info

Depression

Depression goes beyond normal sadness. Depression is an overwhelming feeling of sadness persisting even when everything in one’s life seems to be going right

Learn More

More Info

Dementia

Dementia can be severe enough to reduce a person’s ability to perform daily activities. The most common type of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease (60 to 80% of cases)

Learn More

More Info
References

Culo, S. (2011). Risk assessment and intervention for vulnerable older adults. British Columbia Medical Journal, 53(8), 421-425.

Lee, S. M., & LoGiudice, D. (2012). Phenomenology of squalor, hoarding and self‐neglect: an Australian aged care perspective. Internal Medicine Journal, 42(1), 98-101.

National Adult Protective Services Association. (n.d.). Other safety concerns and self-neglect. Retrieved from http://www.napsa-now.org/get-informed/other-safety-concerns-2/

National Committee for the Prevention of Elder Abuse. (n.d.). Neglect and self-neglect. Retrieved from http://www.preventelderabuse.org/elderabuse/neglect.html

Pavlou, M. P., & Lachs, M. S. (2006). Could self‐neglect in older adults be a geriatric syndrome? Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 54(5), 831-842.

Last updated: June 7, 2020 at 16:24 pm by
I. M. Abumaria, Doctor of Nursing Practice
Version 2.00