Elder Neglect Is…
The failure of a caregiver or fiduciary to provide the goods or services that are necessary to maintain the health or safety of an elder.
Examples include but are not limited to:
- Failing to provide for life necessities such as food, water, clothing, shelter, and medicine
Signs Of Elder Neglect Are…
- Dehydration or malnourishment
- Lack of medical aids (glasses, teeth, hearing aid, medications) or assistive devices (wheelchairs, walkers, scooters, canes)
- An unsupervised person with dementia
- Untreated bedsores or other medical problems
- Unsanitary or unsafe household conditions
- A housing eviction notice for unpaid rent
- An older person’s report that neglect has occurred
If You Suspect Elder Neglect, Ask…
- Does the caregiver isolate the older adult?
- Are medications being taken properly? Are prescriptions current?
- Is the older adult eating regularly? Do they require help at mealtime?
- Who pays the bills? Who cashes the social security check?
- Is the caregiver compensated? How? Are they “living off” the older adult?
- How does the victim’s area compare to the rest of the house (cleanliness, safety, access)?
If You Suspect Elder Neglect…
- Use the First Responder Checklist to document and describe the victim’s hygiene, living environment, as well as the victim’s overall level of independence and functioning.
- Use the body diagram on the Documenting Elder Abuse and Neglect tool to document any and all physical findings such as bed sores. (See Documenting Bed Sores)
- Take photographs of any physical injuries, as well as the living quarters. (See Photo Tips)
- Financial exploitation often accompanies elder neglect. Explore and document the possibility of other types of abuse.
- Report victim to Adult Protective Services and use the Community Resource Referral to locate APS contact information
