Neglecting themselves into abuse

• Hazardous or unsafe living conditions and arrangements. For example poor electrical wiring, no indoor plumbing, no heat or running water. • Unsanitary living conditions. Situations such as animal or insect infestations, no functioning toilet or an aroma of fecal/urine waste filling the home would be examples. • Inappropriate and/or inadequate clothing. This would include an individual not having clothing to match the weather conditions such as no warm coat or clothing during colder seasons. • A lack of necessary medical aids needed such as an individual not having eyeglasses, hearing aids or dentures if needed. • Poor housing or being homeless.

At times, a senior may simply be unable to care for his or herself due to declining health but in other cases a person may simply have poor self-esteem. It's difficult to pin down one cause of self neglect because each individual case is as different as the individuals themselves. However, many of these cases of self neglect is likely caused by the fact that these seniors may not be able to care for themselves in the same manner they did years before. They could be too proud to ask for help or may not have anyone who can provide assistance for their everyday living. More and more home nursing services are providing assistance for some of these everyday living skills that can allow seniors to continue living on their own and take proper care of themselves. For information about any help services available in your area, contact the senior services chapter in your community. The Administration on Aging's provides links to state sites through its Aging Network http://www.aoa.gov/aoa/pages/state.html

Depression could be another likely culprit that causes some seniors to neglect themselves. According to National Mental Health Association www.nmha.org data, more than 2 million Americans age 65 and older are suffering from some form of depression. While depression is not a normal part of the aging process, NMHA information indicates that some physical health conditions can effect mental health.

If you know someone who may be neglecting themselves, contact the senior services chapter in your area. If you aren't sure if this activity is abusive, call Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116. Or, click onto the elder abuse fact sheets at the Elder Abuse Center http://www.elderabusecenter.org/basic/in...

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