If you are faced with the problem of self-neglect in your elderly parent, don't feel alone.
This problem is more common than you may imagine.
Self-neglect is usually categorized with other forms of elder abuse, even though it is self-inflicted.
It is three times more common than physical abuse or caregiver neglect.
This type of self-abuse is usually associated with an underlying condition such as dementia, depression, diabetes, or psychiatric illness.
Due to the very nature of the problem, nutritional deficiency is many times an additional complication.
Even though they have problems, in many cases the elderly person is considered a legally competent adult.
Therefore you have a problem when they say they don't want or need any help.
When faced with this problem, many people back off and wait for problems to get worse.
This may not be the best tactic.
It's easy in these circumstances to focus on the apparent difficulty.
This could include house cleaning, bathing or personal hygiene, or eating properly.
Instead of having an argument about whether or not they need house cleaning help, it might be better to focus your energy and concern on getting help with the underlying cause.
Help is available, but may depend on the severity of the situation.
In more severe cases, you may need to contact your Adult Protective Services department.
Depending on the findings of their investigation, you may receive recommendations for social services, health services or referrals to other service organizations.
If needed they may recommend guardianship to the proper state authorities.
In less critical situations, you'll want to get medical help and diagnostic evaluation.
This can be difficult because your parent may be in denial about the need to see a doctor.
Use your powers of persuasion and let them know that you want to protect their independence.
Express your concern about their health and safety.
Make sure you let the doctor know about your concerns, and if at all possible, accompany your parent to the doctor visit.
Your parent may respect and take orders from a doctor, but not from you.
Take advantage of this and ask the doctor to write on a prescription pad - "get help cleaning your house".
Hopefully you'll be able to deal with any medical or psychological problems affecting your parent's health and start a plan that addresses the neglect behavior.
This problem is more common than you may imagine.
Self-neglect is usually categorized with other forms of elder abuse, even though it is self-inflicted.
It is three times more common than physical abuse or caregiver neglect.
This type of self-abuse is usually associated with an underlying condition such as dementia, depression, diabetes, or psychiatric illness.
Due to the very nature of the problem, nutritional deficiency is many times an additional complication.
Even though they have problems, in many cases the elderly person is considered a legally competent adult.
Therefore you have a problem when they say they don't want or need any help.
When faced with this problem, many people back off and wait for problems to get worse.
This may not be the best tactic.
It's easy in these circumstances to focus on the apparent difficulty.
This could include house cleaning, bathing or personal hygiene, or eating properly.
Instead of having an argument about whether or not they need house cleaning help, it might be better to focus your energy and concern on getting help with the underlying cause.
Help is available, but may depend on the severity of the situation.
In more severe cases, you may need to contact your Adult Protective Services department.
Depending on the findings of their investigation, you may receive recommendations for social services, health services or referrals to other service organizations.
If needed they may recommend guardianship to the proper state authorities.
In less critical situations, you'll want to get medical help and diagnostic evaluation.
This can be difficult because your parent may be in denial about the need to see a doctor.
Use your powers of persuasion and let them know that you want to protect their independence.
Express your concern about their health and safety.
Make sure you let the doctor know about your concerns, and if at all possible, accompany your parent to the doctor visit.
Your parent may respect and take orders from a doctor, but not from you.
Take advantage of this and ask the doctor to write on a prescription pad - "get help cleaning your house".
Hopefully you'll be able to deal with any medical or psychological problems affecting your parent's health and start a plan that addresses the neglect behavior.
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