{"id":355739,"date":"2016-04-04T11:01:54","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T16:01:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/elder\/elder-abuse\/elder-self-neglect.html"},"modified":"2022-10-27T13:50:55","modified_gmt":"2022-10-27T18:50:55","slug":"elder-self-neglect","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/elder\/elder-abuse\/elder-self-neglect.html","title":{"rendered":"Elder Self-Neglect"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n \n
\n

Older Adult Self-Neglect<\/h1>\n
\n
\n By FindLaw Staff<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

\n

Elder self-neglect occurs when an older adult can no longer meet their basic daily needs. Although older adult self-neglect doesn\u2019t involve a third-party perpetrator, it\u2019s still considered a form of elder abuse. Any form of abuse raises serious health and safety concerns.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>

Older adult self-neglect, also known as elder self-neglect, happens when an elderly person can no longer meet their basic needs. An elderly person is 65 years of age or older.<\/p>\r\n

Although older adult self-neglect doesn’t involve a third-party perpetrator, it is still considered a form of elder abuse. In fact, most reported cases of older adult abuse involve self-neglect.<\/p>\r\n

According to the Elder Justice Act<\/a>, older adult self-neglect is the "inability, due to physical or mental impairment or diminished capacity, to perform essential self-care."<\/p>\r\n

Moreover, the U.S Department of Health and Human Services<\/a> defines self-neglect as \u201cthe behavior of an older adult that threatens their own health or safety and generally manifests itself by failure to provide themselves with adequate food, water, clothing, shelter, personal hygiene, medication (when indicated), and safety precautions."<\/p>\r\n

Warning Signs and Symptoms<\/h2>\r\n

When a family member or loved one starts to exhibit signs of self-neglect, it is often time to consider hiring a caregiver or placing the older adult in an assisted living facility or nursing home. In general, typical signs and symptoms of older adult self-neglect fall under four categories:<\/p>\r\n