How to Detect Neglect?

General neglect is the intentional or unintentional failure to provide for the needs of someone. Active neglect is the intentional withholding of basic necessities (such as, food, water, clothing, shelter, medicine, comfort, personal hygiene) or care. Passive neglect is unintentionally not providing basic necessities and care due to a lack of experience, information or ability.

Self neglect is the behaviour of an older person who, by choice or ignorance, lives in a way that disregards his or her health or safety needs, sometimes to the extent that it poses a hazard to others.

Indicators of neglect include, but are not limited to:

• Unkempt appearance - dirty or inappropriate clothing.
• Untreated or unattended health/medical problems, for example, unkempt bed sores.
• Unsanitary and unclean living conditions (soiled bedding, lice, no functioning toilet, faecal/urine smell).
• Malnourished, dehydrated.
• Unattended for long periods or tied to chair or bed.
• Hazardous or unsafe living conditions, for example,- no heat, fans, running water, improper wiring.
• No social contact, or stimulation.
• Inadequate housing or homelessness.
• Unsafe living conditions (for example, no indoor plumbing, no running water).
• Lack of necessary medical aides (for example, glasses, dentures, hearing aids).
• Not taking medication as prescribed.

Possible signs of neglect/self-neglect

• Lack of basic care.
• Not dressed appropriately (for example, no sweater during cold seasons).
• Refuse to buy new clothes when weight is gained/lost.
• Indications of malnutrition or overfeeding.
• Being left to sit in urine or faeces.
• Reduced mental or physical activity.
• Absence of mobility aids.
• Reduced/absent therapeutic response.
• An older person’s report of being mistreated.
• Isolation, for example locked in a room or confined space with only basic necessities (commode, bed) but no luxuries (radio, television, magazines, books, carpet).
• Administration of inappropriate drugs or the absence of necessary medication.

If these signs and indicators are noticed, let the older person know you sense that something is wrong and that it is ok for them to talk to you. Listen and take what you have been told seriously - even if the person is confused. Do not be judgemental or jump to conclusions. Never panic nor keep concerns and worries to yourself. Refer incidences of neglect to the Health Social Services, Department of Social Services - Senior Citizens Unit, or the Crisis Centre.