Selfneglect.org is dedicated to educating the families and friends of those with self-neglect
Self-neglect is one of the most common problems investigated by Adult Protective Services
What steps can you take to stop self-neglect before it starts?
Cleaning services are part of the non-medical services team
Hoarding is when a person struggles with discarding items, regardless of their actual value
Dementia is a brain disorder that leads to poor memory and/or poor reasoning
A visit from an APS agent is critical in addressing self-neglect
Living Will
A Living Will and a Durable Power of Attorney are two types of advanced directives
The need for guardianship can be a barrier to treating SN in cases of incompetency
The ethical concepts of autonomy and beneficence guide the treatment of self-neglect
Self-neglect is one of the most common problems investigated by APS
Depression is a persistent overwhelming feeling of sadness even when everything is going right
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
Learn More More InfoDepression
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 InfoDementia
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 InfoCulo, 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