The Best Practices for Elder Neglect

Sometimes an elderly person is neglected, abused or both. Elder neglect means that the resources that are available to help the elderly person have not been utilized. For instance, the individual might be receiving sub-par care at home or in a facility, even though the necessary resources are accessible. When neglect occurs, the individual's health and well-being are affected; he may become ill, or not recover from an illness or injury, based on the actions of the neglectful caretakers.

Active or Passive

• Neglect can be active or passive. Active neglect is intentional withholding of necessary care. Passive neglect is not purposeful, but rather the result of denial or ignorance regarding what the elderly person needs and requires.

Self-Neglect

• Self-neglect can occur when a person is unable to take proper care of himself medically, physically and/or mentally. It also includes situations where the person isn't eating properly, isn't keeping his home warm enough in the winter or cool enough in the summer or isn't taking his medication. Self-neglect is often the result of diminished capacity in older people or mental or physical impairments that make it hard for the person to undertake the normal activities that keep him clean, safe and healthy.

Suspicion

• If you suspect that neglect may be occurring, visit the elderly person's home or the facility in which he lives at a time other than when you normally visit. Visit regularly. Signs of elder neglect include the condition of the person's home deteriorating, changes to his physical appearance and behavior, and a change in the caretaker's behavior, according to the website Prevent Elder Abuse. Look around to see if there are insect or animal infestations; possible medication mismanagement, including outdated prescriptions or empty bottles; lack of water, food or heat; poor sanitation; architectural issues; dirt, faulty water or general disrepair in the home. Poor personal hygiene (dirty hair and nails, dirty clothing) may be another indicator, as are bedsores, which are medically referred to as decubiti, dirty bandages, unattended fractures, sores, mental confusion, apathy, and progress of a chronic disease although a care plan has been put into place. Notice if there is an absence of walkers, eyeglasses, dentures and other needed aids.

  Observe if the caretaker is overly critical of health care providers and social workers. Does she express frustration, anger and exhaustion? Has the caretaker isolated the patient from his family and friends? Does the patient seem distressed? If the patient is depressed and crying, won't eat, is emotionally flat or detached or is showing self-destructive behavior or regressive behavior, these can be signs of neglect. If the patient is afraid of the caregiver, this is another sign.

Involvement

• Take part in the planning of the individual's care and get to know the caretakers so you can learn something about their personalities. Let them know that you are paying attention and want to be involved.

Information

• Request information about the person's care, such as his medical records. Ideally, you should have power of attorney in order to do this, but even if you don't you can still inquire. If things seem suspicious and the caretaker is not cooperative or appears to be hiding something from you, contact an attorney and speak to the patient's doctor.

Get Help

• If you suspect that an elderly person is abused, tell his doctor or contact Eldercare Locater at 800-677-1116. See Resources for other places to reach out and get help.