The Creeping Danger of Self-Neglect

By Tamás Ő. — Verified by Sander D. — Last updated: December 13, 2024 — (0)

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Recent studies of the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers (NAPGCM) showed that self-neglect is one of the biggest threats associated to elderly. Even worse: this problem often goes unreported. According to the survey, conducted by elder care experts, self-neglect is the most common form of non-financial elderly abuse that far outpaces other kinds of abuses and neglecting family members.

Caring for aging parents from a distance

The National Adult Protective Services Association (NAPSA) claims that self neglect is “an adult’s inability, due to physical or mental impairment or diminished capacity, to perform essential self-care”, which is a serious, but hidden community problem. Although living-arrangements and lifestyle-choices are not leading directly to self neglect, there are certain signs that may alarm the person’s environment. According to the NAPGCM, the warning signs are the following:

When the living conditions are unsanitary or unclean
When the personal hygiene is neglected
When their health conditions are unattended
When unpaid bills are piled up
When elderly suddenly lose weight due to not eating regularly adequate food
When they refuse to take medication or take it in an unorganized manner

Don’t shrug it off!

Stating that “Nothing is wrong” can lead to tragic consequences. There are many ways to prevent the elderly from sinking deep into self-neglect; one of them is a medical alert system. Though commonly associated with emergency care, having a personal response unit in one’s home can be more than useful. Besides calling for help, response associates often contact you, checking if everything is alright.

Operators are also trained in medical terms and able to give advice or recommend health services. Elderly value when they have someone they can frequently rely on and share their problems. Knowing that there is someone who looks after them puts their mind at ease and reduces their loneliness.

Who should you put on your emergency contact list?

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The Creeping Danger of Self-Neglect

Don’t shrug it off!

Best medical alert systems of 2025

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