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FACT SHEET #9 B.C. COALITION TO ELIMINATE ABUSE OF SENIORS FACT SHEET #9

NEGLECT/SELF NEGLECT

Intentional withholding of basic necessities or care (active neglect), or not providing basic necessities or care because of lack of experience, information, or ability. (passive neglect). Can be due to individual’s choice of lifestyle, depression, ill health, cognitive ability, or inability to care for self (self neglect).

SCENARIO #1
George has lived alone for many years, and has never looked after himself or the house very well. Now that he is 80 years old he does even less. His neighbours are worried about his lack of cleanliness and hygiene, and his inability to care properly for himself. They fear that his lifestyle will affect both his health and well-being. One neighbour has called “Continuing Care” and hopes that George will receive some assistance.

SCENARIO #2
Kathryn is worried about her friend Louise who she has known for 25 years. Due to declining health, Louise moved in with her daughter and son-in-law about two years ago. Lately Louise appears to be very depressed. When Kathryn asks her “what is wrong” she replies that her daughter is often too busy to make her lunch, or take her shopping for new clothes or personal items. Quite often the daughter and son-in-law go out for dinner, not leaving Louise anything to eat.

SCENARIO #3
Mr. Kaminsky, who is bed-ridden, lives in a private care home and is not receiving good care. He needs assistance to dress and take care of his personal hygiene. He needs to be turned over in his bed on a regular basis, which is not happening. Mr. Kaminsky has developed bad bed sores, which are becoming ulcerous and require medical attention.

SCENARIO #4
Louie left the hospital after an operation and went to stay with his niece and her husband while he recuperated. He was unable to take care of himself and was not mobile. Several days later his niece and husband went on their holiday, leaving him at home alone. They had not made any arrangements for his care while they were away, and Louie had not known they were planning to go on vacation. He was unable to get to the phone to call anyone, or take care of his needs. He became dehydrated and malnourished and, if a neighbour had not stopped by, he could have become very ill.

 

CONTINUUM FOR NEGLECT/SELF NEGLECT

  • Lack of attention
  • Inadequate clothing
  • Lack of hygiene
  • Poorly maintained living environment
  • Poor physical appearance
  • Lack of food in cupboards
  • Withholding nutrition/fluids
  • Dehydration, malnutrition
  • Withholding medical services/treatment
  • Lack of comforts of living - i.e. radio, television, telephone
  • Insufficient medication
  • Lack of necessary safety precautions - i.e. railings or ramps
  • Negligent health care - i.e. untreated sores, lack of, or dirty bandages
  • Abandonment and/or confinement of senior
  • Neglect, leading to hospitalization or death

FACT SHEET #9 B.C. COALITION TO ELIMINATE ABUSE OF SENIORS FACT SHEET #9
333 - 6TH STREET - NEW WESTMINSTER, BC V3L 3A9
Telephone: (604) 521-1235
Fax: (604) 515-0201
FUNDED BY:
THE LEON AND THEA KOERNER FOUNDATION AND THE HAMBER FOUNDATION

 

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This page last updated October 25, 2000.
Copyright (c) 1996 BC Institute Against Family Violence.