Act on adult abuse & neglect
Recognize abuse, neglect & self-neglect - Neglect
Neglect is the failure to provide necessary care, assistance, guidance or attention that causes, or is reasonably likely to cause the person physical, mental or emotional harm or substantial damage to or loss of assets.
Possible indicators of neglect:
Failure to provide the basic needs of life. This includes: abandonment, confinement, lack of attention, withholding food, hygiene or medical care, denial of clothing, heat, and shelter:
- malnourished, overly thin
- no dentures
- dehydration
- mouth sores
- bed sores
- poor skin condition
- poor hygiene
- unpleasant odor
- soiled linen, clothing
- unkempt appearance
- clothes in poor repair or inappropriate for season
- urine burns
- confusion
- over sedation - reduced physical/mental activity
- reduced/absent therapeutic response
- no glasses, hearing aid, cane, walker
- dangerous environment
- unattended, tied to chair or bed
- cancellation of or not taken to doctor/dentist/therapy
- immobility, weakness
- deserted
- home in disrepair
- lack of required safety features in home
- presence of untreated injuries
- medication problems
If you recognize any of these indicators that are unexplained by the adult then you need to ACT! Report Abuse, Neglect and Self-Neglect.
