NCJ Number
145402
Journal
Journal of Elder Abuse and Neglect Volume: 3 Issue: 1 Dated: (1991) Pages: 35-42
Date Published
1991
Length
8 pages
Annotation
Cases involving self-neglect of an elderly person require balancing society's interest in protecting the vulnerable from harm with the individual's need for self-determination. This article seeks to provide practitioners with a better understanding of the problem to increase the chances for a positive outcome.
Abstract
Researchers debate the issue of whether self-neglect should be included in the definition of elder abuse. Protective service practitioners, however, are more concerned with balancing the need to protect the elderly person from harm regardless of the source of the harm with the need to respect the individual's right to make their own decisions. This balancing involves consideration of the individual's competency to understand the consequences of their decisions. Some of the factors that contribute to self-neglect are discussed as are patterns that have been found in cases where help was rejected. Finally, strategies are suggested for building a relationship of trust and confidence between protective services staff and elderly clients to improve the chances that services will be accepted.