Neglect

– the failure by those responsible to provide food, shelter, competent medical care, or protection for a vulnerable elder.

Signs of Neglect

• Physical Neglect – disregard for the necessities of daily living
• Medical Neglect – lack of care for existing medical conditions
• Failure of caregiver to prevent dehydration, malnutrition, or bed sores
• Inadequate access to medical services
• Failure of caregiver to assist in personal hygiene
• Unsanitary conditions (dirt, lice, soiled bedding, smell of urine / feces)
• Chronic infection
• Failure to protect the elder or elder to self-protect from health and safety hazards (observation of home setting)