About adult abuse & neglect
What is self-neglect?
Self-neglect is any failure of an adult to take care of himself or herself that causes, or is reasonably likely to cause within a short period of time, serious physical, mental or emotional harm or substantial damage to or loss of assets.
Self-neglect can happen as a result of an individual's choice of lifestyle, or the person may
- be depressed,
- have poor health,
- have cognitive (memory or decision making) problems, or
- be physically unable to care for self.
Self-neglect includes:
- Living in grossly unsanitary conditions
- Suffering from an untreated illness, disease or injury
- Suffering from malnutrition to such an extent that, without an intervention, the adult's physical or mental health is likely to be severely impaired.
- Creating a hazardous situation that will likely cause serious physical harm to the adult or others or cause substantial damage to or loss of assets, and
- Suffering from an illness, disease or injury that results in the adult dealing with his or her assets in a manner that is likely to cause substantial damage to or loss of the assets.
If you recognize any of these indicators that are unexplained by the adult then you need to ACT! Report Abuse, Neglect and Self-Neglect.
